The dark side of the Vancouver Games?

We Americans have always thought Canadians to be self effacing and deferential. They are, on the whole. Yet there have been events in Vancouver which demonstrate that even the most genial of nations has an underbelly of discontent.

There have been protests in the city since the Winter Olympics began, concerned, it seems, with issues of poverty and globalization. But they have turned mildly violent. A recent group marching through downtown overturned mailboxes and smashed a few windows, scuffled with pedestrians, and chanted anti-capitalist slogans. Thus far, they have not interfered with the games.

Vancouver authorities say that the protest have been infiltrated by criminal elements, and that's not surprising in the least. Especially as many of the protesters came from far from Vancouver, it is clear that the police there are facing more than locals upset with local issues. They are dealing with a semi-organized minority intent on the simple disruption of the Olympics.

Fortunately there are far more tourists and winter sport enthusiasts than card carrying, mailbox threatening thugs. In that light, what these few folks are attempting is simply laughable. Their actions are sure to die out over the next two weeks, so that we can enjoy the rest of the Games without outside fanfare. As we should.