From the ABC News Site

Chinese trade will weather Tibet disagreements: Govt

Simon Crean: confident of a constructive trade relationship with China.

Related Story: China, Aust to restart free trade talks: Rudd Federal Trade Minister Simon Crean says the Prime Minister has shown the Australian Government can express concerns about Tibet, without affecting the trade relationship with China.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/11/2213792.htm

DB = just about says it all

'express concernts' - not riot on the streets

So, are the r/p/d's looking somewhat foolish? I think we have just witnessed a wombat frenzy.

Our government is not going to rock the boat where trade and $s are concerned.

This does not mean that the person in the street cannot "boycott" the games
by not attending them. However, one wonders just how strong convictions are about
China and Tibet. Should fewer people than usual attend the Olympics then perhaps
this would send a message to the Chinese.

Ruefully, it is unlikely that human rights abuses will prevent devotees of the Olympics
forgoing their trip to this event. Those who do attend are even more unlikely to protest. The Chinese will see this as "business as usual". Success all round.

i'd like to propose forming of a "pooo army"..- pooo = politics out of olympics..
we should get many people under such a banner to "present peacefully" at events such as the torch relay in large numbers to discurrage "hijackers" from comandeering the event
i will be at the canberra relay to start the ball rolling
poooarmy@y7mail.com