From Today's Chronicle

Thanks, Mr. Mayor

Editor - Congratulations to Mayor Gavin Newsom on turning liberal San Francisco into an extension of the repressive Chinese government. The relay should have just been canceled.

JOHN NAVAS

San Ramon

Shameful, San Francisco

Editor - I have just watched one of the most embarrassing public spectacles imaginable with the San Francisco Olympic torch relay being beamed worldwide. It was like watching a car wreck, a failed surprise party or a canceled wedding. The sight of torch bearers waving at nobody along a nondescript stretch of Van Ness Avenue, following a flatbed truck, was pathetic. Flanked by double rows of dark uniformed police officers on foot and on motorcycles, the procession resembled a military drill more than a celebration.

As the world was watching, the powers that be in San Francisco blinked at the challenge of controlling both celebrants and dissidents. Whoever made the decision to cause this travesty should apologize to the thousands who waited hours to take part in something that should have made San Francisco proud.

WAYNE KATSUMATA

Berkeley