Cops and Flames

  One of the things you notice walking around the crowded streets is all the smiling cops from all around the country. While the more stressed looking Vancouver police do most of the heavy lifting, the visiting police mingle with the crowds and generally supply a presence.

The ones I talked to seemed to be enjoying the crowds and were finding little opportunity to apply their enforcement skills.   

Since the sidewalks were packed with ubiquitous red and white clad revelers it is impossible for cars to get in or out of the hotel underground parkades without the help of police. 

The grinning police working the parking lot at the Pan Pacific Hotel were a hit with the pedestrians for yelling out "car" when they needed the pedestrians to stop. Then, they yelled "game on" after the vehicle  passed.

A couple at the top of the flame viewing deck were helping tourists by taking their pictures in front of the flame.

I wouldn't want to be a cop. I don't think they should investigate themselves. I've seen good ones. I've seen stupid ones. Some are corrupt. Some are heros. There are times when I've been very happy to see them.  (Even if they are the muscle for the greedy, violent, fascist capitalist state)

 Speaking of protesters, it appears that the peaceful ones have finally had enough of the masked anarchist variety. The Tyee has an article about the head of the Pivot Legal Society getting a pie in the face when trying to reason with the more militant faction of the protest coalition. I used to think a lot of Pivot until it seemed that they were aligning themselves with the militants. I just couldn't understand it. Now that the fissure has erupted in the coalition, I can go back to being supportive of Pivot, but I can't help thinking that if little old me knew this was going to happen, how come they didn't?

Oh ya, the "four spliffs and a bowl" torch. Yep, there is a big ugly fence.

The slit they created may be a bit high for short photographers. I had to stand on tip toe. It doesn't matter though, because they created a new viewing area.

It's from on top of the grass roofed convention centre.

At first, I thought there was no way I would stand in line to take a picture of the flame but I looked around and changed my mind.

Why wouldn't I want to hang around in one of the most picturesque spots in the city on a gorgeous sunny day with a bunch of happy people?

It's not really a hardship to watch sea planes take off and boats cruise by now is it?

I noticed the boys didn't check with each to see who got to wear the new new shirt.

 

I had never walked up the ramp to the top of the convention centre before.

From every direction the view is incredible.

Look out! The flame! The flame!

 You can feel the heat.

A nice cop (I don't think he was a fascist pig but how does one tell these things) offered to take my picture.

I look down upon the fenced in masses. 

There is a lot of media doing their reports in front of the flame. I eavesdropped on American gold medalist Shaun White's coach being interviewed. For anyone who thinks it isn't show business, they had him say the same thing four times in four different ways.

The torch, it's big and glassy and it has fire.

 I started the day on a trek to see ground zero of Olympic complaining but met a whole bunch of really friendly cops and not a grumble from the masses.  Another perfect day in surprisingly patriotic, happy Vancouver.