Once a beacon of unity, the Olympic Torch is causing more controversy than ever.
The Olympic Torch has rarely gained so much attention. It used to be part of the Olympiad pageant that would roll in and out of your capital city in a matter of hours, leaving behind nothing but a few photo opportunities.
But ever since it was announced that Beijing would host the 2008 Games, there have been many protests over China’s human rights record, and their occupation of Tibet. Although these are issues which have always been controversial, some people say that giving them the Games is a risky endorsement from an otherwise neutral organisation.
The torch has seen large and occasionally violent protests in London, Paris and San Francisco. Now surrounded by Chinese military officials wherever it goes, this is a torch procession unlike any other.
Our TPYF reporters will be watching the Torch go through Canberra, and it remains to be seen whether it will pass through peacefully.
What do you make of this massive issue? Does China have the right to host the Games? Are angry people taking it out on innocent torch bearers? Should the supposedly neutral Olympics be more political?
The Mole wants to know what you think! Leave me a comment, and keep an eye out for the report on TPYF.
