G-20 in Pittsburgh

[Orwellian_Ghost]

G20 Pittsburgh: US Hosting September Summit


A portion of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline is seen over its three rivers on Thursday, May 28, 2009. President Barack Obama will host the next Group of 20 economic summit Sept. 24-25 in Pittsburgh. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says Pittsburgh is a city that has experienced its share of economic hard times but is turning that around. He says the president would like to highlight its recovery. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)


RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI | 05/28/09 05:19 PM | AP


PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh is known for steel. For sports. For smoke and smog. For a spectacular downfall. But not often for recovery.

For years, political leaders, community activists and ordinary residents tried to convince the world beyond its three rivers that this former industrial powerhouse was on the rise with an economy built on higher education, medicine and new technology.

From Sept. 24 to 25, it will get a chance to prove its point to the world leaders representing 85 percent of the world's economy. On Thursday, the White House announced that President Barack Obama decided to host the next Group of 20 economic summit in Pittsburgh as a way of illustrating what success can look like.

"This is Pittsburgh's chance to show visitors the world over a first-class time in our first-class city," Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said in a statement.

...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/28/g20-pittsburgh-us-hosting_n_208735.html

Pittsburgh is bringing in thousands of additional police, tapping the U.S. Coast Guard to patrol its three rivers, and urging businesses to prepare in case protests at the G-20 summit turn violent.

Among the suggested measures: Pre-drilling holes in outside walls for the quick hanging of plywood panels to protect windows, and coating buildings with anti-graffiti material.




Allegheny County Sheriff's deputies on the front lines at the upcoming G-20 summit in Pittsburgh will wear this protective attire.

The city was notified in late May that it had been picked to host the two-day event Sept. 24-25, which could attract tens of thousands of protestors. It has been working with the Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is gathering intelligence about potential security threats.

"Given we had a short three-month window to prepare, I believe we've done all we can to be sure everyone will be safe -- both visitors and residents of Pittsburgh," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125262667129301469.html

Call to Action - Resist the G-20!

September 22-25, Pittsburgh, PA

Leaders of 20 of the most powerful governments in the world, representing 19 countries and the European Union, are descending upon Pittsburgh in late September. We, concerned residents of Pittsburgh, are asking for individuals and organizations that are seeking a better world to come and show their opposition to these undemocratic, closed meetings. Our future belongs to us, not to our governments!

We are asking you to join us from September 22 through September 25. We are calling for a diversity of actions throughout the week, and we hope that you can join us for some or all of these actions, as you are able.

On Tuesday, September 22, neighborhoods in Pittsburgh will be having community picnics, where long-time residents, short-time residents, and the early-bird protesters can share a meal and talk about the better world that they want to live in. The G-20 tries to present itself as leaders getting together, but whenever they meet it seems to cost millions and involve police hitting people over the head with batons. Let's show them how a real civil gathering works: good people, good food, good times. Locals in the East End have already confirmed an Anti-G-20 Community Gathering in Friendship Park from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Besides food, music and conversation, Rustbelt Radio, a project of Pittsburgh Indymedia, will be on hand collecting stories for its G-Infinity Media Project. The live, streaming audio project is a non-corporate, participatory media forum for the voices of the people who will not be in the room during the summit, who are affected by the G-20 economic policies but whose stories go largely untold.

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http://resistg20.org/

[RandomThoughts]

1. One more time for the cheap seats.

What is it called,

The Ancient Roman Empire.




But I believe things are changing, like they always do.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

2. The G20

is nothing but a big shindig for the ruling class - eat rich food and great wine, exchange business cards, give each other insider trading tips, and plot how to further disenfranchise the working class.

[blindpig]

3. It is as though they have come to gloat

over the battered body of the worker. The gains, purchased by the workers sweat & blood, have all but been stripped away. May they choke on the eggs of endangered fish.

Repeal Taft-Hartley.