The French - always one step, or at least one glide, ahead
On page A6 of this morning’s New York Times, the caption of the photo appearing there reads: “A police officer tackled a man at the Olympic torch relay in Paris on Monday. Some French athletes may be under review for seeming to join in the protest.” The issue at hand is real and important — human rights violations in China (home of this year’s Summer Olympiad and finish line for the torch relay). Every one of us should consider and draw his or her own opinion on the matter — to each their own, as the saying goes.
Aside from that weighty debate, on a less serious, in fact, semi-delightful front, if you look at the photo for a few moments, you’ll notice that all the policemen accompanying the torch relay members are wearing in-line skates. Voila - an ingenious way to keep up with the runners carrying the torch. Also, the wee wheels give them the ability to spurt ahead to intercept confrontations, as obviously needed.
But before any of us think this was an easy assignment, notice too that they’re skating over a cobblestone street. That’ll loosen a few fillings in their teeth by day’s end.
Maybe the escorts have been on rollerblades for years now and this is just the first time I’ve noticed. Regardless, kudos to the smart folks who thought up this novel way to maintain the cavalcade. One has to also admire the stylish, seemingly tailored jumpsuits (the cuffs of which snugly and smartly fit the boot), of the gendarmerie - even in moments of conflict, the French are always on the cutting edge of fashion.
Tags: Olympics, rollerblades, torch relay