Restoration 10:10

Anti-China protesters tried to disrupt the Olympic torch relay when it began its journey in London. Police officers scuffled with a small group of protesters outside Wembley Stadium as the flame was carried on to a red double-decker bus in front of flag-waving spectators. Three people were arrested. One protester tried to grab the torch but he was wrestled to the ground by police.

The dispute evolves around China’s record on human rights. The reports about the brutality used on the people of Tibet are quite disturbing. But the fact is there are a lot of nations being taken to court because of their infringement on human rights. The Council of Europe’s webpage highlights pending cases to date. Salduz v. Turkey (no. 36391/02), Sergey Zolotukhin v. Russia (no. 14939/03), Šilih v. Slovenia (no. 71463/01), TV Vest AS & Rogaland Pensjonistparti v. Norway (no. 21132/05), Léger v. France ( no. 19324/02), Paladi v. Moldova (no. 39806/05), Gorou v. Greece (No. 2) (no. 12686/03) Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church v. Poland, Mücke v. Germany (no. 19359/04).

In 1999 Amnesty International put the United States on a lsit of persistent violators of human rights , higher than China and excluding Cuba. In 2005 Britain had more than 100 guilty judgments filed against it and faced an investigation over its failure to comply with a series of European Court rulings. This is one good reason why people should pray for governments. Leaders need much wisdom to sort out complex issues. It’s also good that governments are held accountable by the people. Because we have seen the cruel and wicked impact crazy leaders can inflict on our world.

But what about extinguishing the Olympic torch? It would be a useful publicity stunt for the protestors, that’s for sure. But it wouldn’t solve the Tibetan problem? And who will hold the Tibetan separatists’ accountable for attacking the United Nations Office in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu? Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Each breach of human rights will be judged by history on its own merits. But as for the Olympic Torch? Apparently the ancient Greek runner who won the race was not the runner who crossed the line in the shortest time. The athlete who won the race was the man who crossed the line in the least time with his torch still burning. The ancient runner won the race only if he finished with his torch on fire. Don’t let the fire of hope go out of your heart. This is a dark world keep the light of love burning. Maintain your passion to make a positive difference where you live.

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