Hellenic flame to foil plots

I am intellectually and practically associated with the recent Olympic torch events in at least three ways: I am a Greek-born US citizen and I work in China as often as one week per month.

The spectacles first in London and Paris and then in San Francisco were revolting, especially some choice events like the attempt to wrest the torch from a wheelchair-bound young woman relay runner. Surely, not many thought that the action was some brave feat by the protesters, no matter what their cause was.

Yes, the Olympic flame is just a symbol, complete with its staged lighting using sunlight-gathering mirrors and the actors dressed in ancient costumes amidst the ruins of Olympia.