Stop the Torch Until Monday.

I intended to resume “full-time” blogging on Wednesday, after a brief two-week hiatus. But I’m going to extend that self-imposed moratorium until after the weekend. If I were in West China, and in a position to contribute something meaningful to the reporting of the earthquake’s aftermath, I would feel differently. But I’m not, and thus the only contribution that I can make is commentary – and I really believe that most blog commentary (and recriminations) on this disaster can and should wait. There will be plenty of time and space for all of that when there’s no longer hope that survivors might be rescued. Likewise, I really don’t feel it’s appropriate (for me, at least) to be blogging about other China-related topics at the moment.

In the meantime, here’s wishing wisdom, class, and judgment to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games [BOCOG], the International Olympic Committee (especially), and the Olympic torch relay sponsors, during this unprecedented period of national tragedy and mourning.

Visit Shanghaiist for a list of ways to contribute to the relief effort.

[UPDATE 5/14: Via danwei, China Media Project director Qian Gang on the quake and the proper response.]

4 comments

  1. I study in New York during 911. I remember until after the tragedy that the USA football league cancel all of the game for one week to show the respect for the dead.

  2. It sounds like there were a lot of Chinese bloggers upset about the big torch celebration in Fujian today. The bodies aren’t even cold yet. I don’t think the rescuers have even made it to the epicenter. Maybe that torch security regiment could be helpful in Wenchuan. Its tasteless to continue. Monday would be an appropriate restart.

  3. Adam did you see BOCOG put out a statement with this clinker,

    “We will turn grief into strength and never stop striving to successfully hold a “high level Olympic Games with distinguishing features.” We will not disappoint the Chinese people.”

    You think that they could put a cap on it for just a few days? Its not the Chinese people that they care about. I really thought they could put a cap on it for a few days.

    You shouldn’t stop blogging in my opinion. If everybody stopped writinhg there wouldn’t be any news or blogs anywhere.

  4. Just saw that the State Council is halting the torch for three days, starting monday. The right thing to do. Good for you, Adam.

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