The Olympic torch has made it through San Francisco, despite a day of protests. The torch's route wa

Описание: (9 Apr 2008) HEADLINE: Olympic torch dodges San Francisco protesters
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CAPTION: The Olympic torch has made it through San Francisco, despite a day of protests. The torch's route was changed to thwart crowds of anti-China protesters. A closing ceremony on the waterfront was canceled and moved to San Francisco International Airport. (April 9)
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[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]


(locator - San Francisco, CA)

THOUSANDS WAITING TO GET A GLIMPSE OF THE OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY OUTSIDE SAN FRANCISCO'S BASEBALL PARK WERE THROWN A CURVEBALL. DUE TO THE HUGE CROWDS AND GROWING SIGNS OF TENSION...THE CITY CHANGED THE ROUTE AT THE LAST MINUTE...FORCING MOST TO MISS IT...BUT ENSURING ITS SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH THE STREETS. OFFICIALS CUT THE ORIGINAL SIX-MILE RELAY NEARLY IN HALF.

Gavin Newsome, San Francisco Mayor, says: "This is a very organic process. This is a very dynamic process not a static one. We want to accommodate everybody."

THE CITY ALSO CANCELLED THE CLOSING CEREMONY. WITH NO TORCH LEFT TO SEE, THOSE SUPPORTING AND PROTESTING THE BEIJING-BOUND FLAME WERE LEFT TO YELL AND SCREAM AT EACH OTHER.

(confrontation nats)

MANY SPECTATORS WERE DISAPPOINTED AND ANGERED BY THE ROUTE CHANGE. BOTH SIDES OF THE TIBET DEBATE WANTED THEIR OPINIONS TO BE HEARD.

Xiao Tan, Tibet Supporter, says: "I'm Chinese and I'm American. I came here when I was eight and now I'm an American citizen. But I've been to China. I've been to Tibet. I love China but Tibet needs to be free."

Chen Zheng, Chinese National, says: "I don't think it will be big trouble for us because we have more people. It's an expression of their political opinion. Everyone has a right to their opinion. Ours is to support our country."

SOME PROTESTORS HERE ARE CALLING FOR THE U-S TO BOYCOTT OPENING CEREMONIES AT THE GAMES. THE WHITE HOUSE SAY IT'S LEAVING OPEN THAT POSSIBILITY. HAVEN DALEY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, SAN FRANCISCO.

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