A cadre of patriotic local Minutemen are supposedly headed to SF’s City Hall steps on Thursday afternoon. They plan a rally in front of the gilded dome where our broke city gov’t spares no expense in it’s quest to ignore Federal statutes regarding immigration law and deportation. Among the speakers will be SF native son Frank Kennedy, the brother in law of the late Anthony Bologna, 48, who was tragically murdered by AK-47 alongside his two sons, Michael, 20, and Matthew, 16 in June of this year. The suspect is a known thug, here illegally, who obviously was a solid candidate for prior deportation.

Scene Outside City Hall during last Minutemen protest on 7/31/08 ( pic by Bill Hackwell of IndyBay.org )

I imagine an afternoon filled with local news camera crews capturing loud & pointless shouting matches between the Minutemen and left wing activists and Mission District “community organizers” ( insert hearty Giuliani-esque guffaw here). Could be fun for people watchers & those with an interest in colorful signs, chanting & loud bullhorns.

The last time the Minutemen assembled here in July, there were far more counter demonstrators than the dozen-ish flag waving border sealing patriots. To see photos of the mob from IndyBay.org, click here.

I’m sure Mayor Newsom will make a point of not being there…
but for everyone else, the fun starts circa 11 am for the amusement of bureaucrats on break and those forced to come to City Hall to plead for a permit or tithe more taxes to the city.

The theme of the two hour Minutemen photo op is

“Protesting innocent American Victims of Illegal Aliens in Illegal Sanctuary Cities!”

Huh? Why are they protesting the innocent victims? What did they do?

Yes, in case you missed it, which was not hard to do… Some shots from the scene at the ballpark. And a soundbite from Aaron Peskin.

“Gavin Newsom runs San Francisco the way the premier of China runs his country – secrecy, lies, misinformation, lack of transparency and manipulating the populace,” Peskin said. “He misled supporters and opponents of the run. People brought their families and their children, and (mayoral officials) hatched a cynical plan to please the Bush State Department and the Chinese government because of the incredible influence of money. SFGate

Update: The Mayor responds to criticism of his decision with these surreal statements:

“We felt it was in everyone’s best interest that we augment the route,” Newsom said. “I believe people were afforded the right to protest and support the torch. You saw that in the streets. They were not denied the ability to protest.” SF Gate

Mayor Gavin Newsom told The Associated Press that the well choreographed fake-out was prompted by the size and behaviour of the crowds amassing outside AT&T Park, site of the relay’s opening ceremony. There was “a disproportionate concentration of people in and around the start of the relay,” he said in a phone interview, while travelling in a caravan that accompanied the torch. The Canadian Press

The rest of my shots on Flickr.

Kowtow, rooted in the chinese language, Beijing, in the early 19th century.

1. “to show obsequious deference: FAWN; 2. to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in token of homage, worship, or deep respect

One can never be sure if perception is reality, but the Mayor has certainly disappointed a large group of people who turned out to see the Olympic Torch pass through SF. It did pass through the city, and for all we know it could still be out there. But it is being hidden. There is some symbolism in there, I’m sure.

We will be told that it was done for the safety of the runners and the citizens who turned out to see it. Of course, this will only remain as the Mayors rationalization. One would think that with what seemed like the ENTIRE SFPD on hand along with Chinese security, that the route could be secured? The SFPD are the nations foremost experts on riot control, but they weren’t ready for this?

The Mayor and the rest of his organization are cowards today. Or worse, they kowtowed to the Chinese to create a false perception of the Torch Run through SF today.

Related:

• SF Gate:Torch relay, protest taunts competing in S.F.
• SF Gate: Torch headed out of San Francisco after surprise route designed to thwart protesters

UPDATE, 4:10 PM: The closing ceremony has officially been cancelled. Reported by the SF Gate.

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More posting including pictures and some video from the original starting point of the run upcoming…

Who knows if this is for real… had to post it though.

We already have a quorum for a nude torch run to happen after the official run. We are inviting you and your nude friends to join us. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make an indelible statement for human rights.

Meet: 12:30 pm sharp near the front of Tacqueria Pancho Villa – Pier 1, the Embarcadero (waterfront side) the next building north of the Ferry Building. Look for torch(es) labeled “Human Rights”.

After the Official Run passes (estimate 1:10 pm), we will jog/walk fast to Bay/Embarcadero. When the Official Torch Run returns from the Marina District, we will follow the Official Run to the closing ceremony at Justin Herman Plaza. I estimate the total distance at a little over one mile. We are not exactly a protest. We are positively pointing out:

1. The original Olympic Athletes participated nude
and
2. We support Human Rights everywhere

The original Olympic athletes covered themselves with olive oil. I will bring Baby Oil for those who wish the look. Optional: Make a faux-torch, or two, labeled “Human Rights.” If you don’t have one, don’t worry. I am happy to relay a torch to you. Note: Don’t bother with a real flame because of Fire Marshall and permit issues.

Be sure to pass on this invitation to all interested parties.

If you have any questions, contact:
George Davis – the “naked yoga guy” – coordinator of torch run (415) 722-2968

Enjoy!

Things got kind of crazy in Paris last week, and San Francisco is certainly bracing for tomorrows run. Will we get a chance to see the Torch on it’s only pass through the US? Hard to tell, as the Mayor announced that the published route for the Torch run “may” change. The intent seems to be to “adapt” the route as protests may interfere with the planned route.

“Newsom said the planned 6-mile torch route along the central waterfront and around Fisherman’s Wharf could change up to and even during the relay. Police said security plans would include having officers run alongside torchbearers to protect them and the flame from any protesters who might try to disrupt the run.”

Note that the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee sent out a team of 30 flame attendants selected from the People’s Armed Police to escort the flame throughout its journey. Which means that it may be hard to see the Torch at all behind the massive throngs of security officials from the SFPD and Chinese government.

It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyways, be careful if you are going to watch or protest this event. It’s looking like things may get a little crazy.

Details…

The current published route has the Torch ceremony beginning at 1 P.M., in McCovey Cove and wrapping up at Justin Herman Plaza. (SFGate Map of Run Route)

There was a Tibet Rally and Peace March today (h/t to SFist). There will be music, speeches and a candlelight vigil tonight at U.N. Plaza Downtown. On hand will be Richard Gere and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (h/t to Pacifica Riptide)

Related:

• CBS5, Newsom: “Route will continue to change”
• Torch Relay, Official Site
• 2008 Summer Olympics Torch Relay entry on Wikipedia
• China’s Human Rights entry on Wikipedia

Starting early this morning hundreds of people gathered around the top of Market street and began a protest march on this fifth anniversary of the Iraq War. I caught up with the march as they were held back at 3rd and Market. Riot police lined up across all four intersections and held a line, not allowing any traffic to pass. Things seems pretty peaceful, with people laying in the street. There were chants of “Occupation is a crime, from Iraq to Palestine”.

On a personal note, I celebrated my daughters fifth birthday this weekend. You see, she was born two days before the bombs started dropping on Baghdad. She now knows what war is, at least in a five year olds sensibility.

And on the subject of children, Bush is holding fast to his position that we are on course in this war.

UPDATE: There will be a gathering at Civic Center at 5pm this evening. Then a March into the Mission.

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More pics after the jump