Isn't there a better way?

We were browsing the aisles of a boutique just down from L'Opera a trip or so ago, when I heard the commotion outside.

I had, in fact, just been pretending to browse since I'm a little out of my element in charming little Parisian boutiques, and rather more afraid of someone showing me the door with a "what makes you think you belong in here?" kind of a comment (or should I say, Qu'est-ce que vous faites ici?). But my daughter not only belongs but positively owns the place with her fashion sense and style so while she browsed in earnest, I just drank it all in.

The shouting outside was an interesting development, so I went to check it out. Some sort of a labor demonstration proceeded up the street. Several stopped to look, others went about their business unfazed.

Demonstrations are not uncommon in democratic societies -- or even in societies that want to become democratic. They are especially not uncommon in France. Good for getting the word out on strongly-felt issues. Good for making your point.

But there are demonstrations and then there are demonstrations.

I take issue with the demonstrations regarding the Olympic flame because they have become more than a cause, more than getting the word out. They are becoming destructive and offensive.

I will quote one sentence from today's Associated Press article: "On a bus carrying French athletes, one man in a track-suit shed a tear as protesters pelted the vehicle with eggs, bottles and soda cans."

Probably an athlete whose dream had come true when asked to carry the torch. Probably one who'd worked for hours a day for years and then more years to prepare for the competition now just months away. Probably one who wanted to represent his countrymen but now found himself under attack by those countrymen.

That is the wrong kind of demonstration.

And for it to spread throughout the world as the Olympic flame travels to bring the world together in a common celebration would be a travesty.

If you must -- carry a banner, hollar your slogans, cry for freedom of Tibet's oppressed or assistance to Sudan's refugees -- but don't throw eggs.

If we're trying to show concern for distant nations, let's also have compassion for our own countrymen and for those who are working so hard to bring the world together for a few weeks in August.

The grand idea that people from all over the world can come together to joy in excellence is incredibly optimistic. The thrill of watching athletes from countries as big as Russia and as small as Jamaica walk with equal optimism through the opening ceremonies should not be ransomed for this political issue or that one. The points can be made in less destructive ways. Let's be diplomatic. Let's work together.

Let's be good sports.