Anthony Barnett (London, OK): I was in Paris last weekend to cheer on our elder daughter in her first marathon, a very enjoyable occasion. On the way back from lunch with openDemocracy's Patrice de Beer walking along the Boulevard Raspail, we tried to stroll, though I have never been a true flaneur. It was quite impossible anyway as the Olympic flame, hidden in its bus was heading towards us preceded by a vast police escort. Including flic on roller-skates looking as if they were from the Return of Oz. This was the first bus that went past. Light the passion, share the dream indeed. Like the third way, the slogan betrays power's love of the singular. I think the debacle of China's attempt to seize the spectacle will have interesting ramifications here, not least for a Prime Minister who is as uncomfortable as a Chinese suit with sharing the dream even while he too lusts for the passion. So far I have only read one actual debate between a Chinese critic of the global opposition to Beijing's use of the Olympic flame and a supporter of Tibet. It's a must read exchange of comments between Tony Curzon Price and Lingjei Wang.
There is also
- A fascinating and informative piece on the Chinese internet response by Ivy Wang
- A careful view from China by Wenran Jiang
- And the case for a boycott by Ramin Jahanbegloo
