G-20 HELL!

For some, the G-20 Summit is the world’s biggest affair and a chance to get their voices heard by the utmost respected leaders and Financial Ministers, however for others (especially those living in the point location for the event), G-20 can be a week from Hell. Although G-20 only lasts two days, it takes weeks upon weeks of careful planning, preparation, and protection to ensure a safe and successful two days for not only world leaders but for the locals of prospected area.

In May of this year, White House  press secretary Robert Gibbs announced that the Obama Administration chose to hold the Group of 20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Pa. Although at the time the press corps broke out into laughter, it had a slightly more off-putting effect on some citizens of the city, and now that the time has come for the event it seems not many in Pittsburgh are holding smiles for the event.  “Driving downtown this morning was like driving through a soon to be war zone,” said Gerard S., a Pittsburgh native. “There are cops everywhere and all of the local businesses I like to go to with my family and friends are completed boarded up–not to mention all of the protesters–it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

A lot of citizens seem to be just as put out as Gerard. “It doesn’t seem to be a very welcoming environment for us–the people who are from the city–everyone is more or less focused on everyone coming here,” said Cindy M., a nurse at a local hospital in the city.  Cindy said she’s terrified because the staff at the hospital is prepared to be on lockdown in case of dire emergencies such as out of hand protesters or what most Pittsburghers are fearing… Terrorist attacks.

Although numerous additional security measures are being taken, such as hundreds of trained police and military people being called upon for tight security for the event as well as some businesses even hiring private security guards for their own assurance of extra protection, many citizens are still worried about their homes and work places. “My family and I are going to stay with family outside of the city. You can never be too careful in these situations,” says Harold, a local pizza shop worker. ” We’ve boarded up a bit of our place and just hope things stay peaceful between everything going on over the next two days,” continued Harold.

Terrorists aren’t the only worries of the locals of the city. Most are being more put off by the protesters that will be in the city at the time.  Courtney S. thinks, “As long as they do peaceful law abiding protest whatever, but when they start riots and hurt people and deface property, it’s just wrong and they should be tased.” Although most protesters that have already been interviewed by local news stations have promised to remain peaceful and state they are just in the city to get their voices heard, if anything that’s taken place at past G-20’s then the people of Pittsburgh have a right to be worried.  Pulled from a past report of the G-2O Summit that was held in London stated:

“British police arrested 81 protesters on Thursday during the G20 summit in London, one of whom was seriously injured during one of the riots, a security officer told RIA Novosti.

On Wednesday, some 30 protesters were arrested and one person died during the protests in the British capital where the heads of 20 industrial and major developing countries gathered to discuss the global economic crisis. During one of the riots, the Royal Bank of Scotland came under attack and its windows were broken.

Near the ExCel Center, where the summit was held, there are no protests as the area around the center has been sectioned off by a large number of police, including mounted police. Private security companies have also been involved in keeping peace in the area.”

Many hope Pittsburgh will be different, but some are still shady to the idea of having such a big event in the city. Regardless to the fact of some not being welcoming to the idea, the Summit is still being held in Pittsburgh, which brings the question: What exactly is the G-20 Summit?

The G-20 Summit is The Group of Twenty (G-20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors was established in 1999 to bring together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy. The inaugural meeting of the G-20 took place in Berlin, on December 15-16, 1999, hosted by German and Canadian finance ministers.

Their task this time around is to  take the measure of the great recession and, with more rumble than authority perhaps, reassure us that we are finally heading out of it. Look for them to proclaim that they are readying an overhaul of the global financial system to avoid the next crisis. Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, recently was kind enough to say that “even the English” recognize the need for reform.

Although much worry and doubt surround the thoughts of this event for some locals, for the world there is a sense of hope, understanding  and reform that can possibly be reached in merely two days and for the sake of the world, we all hold high hopes for such a positive meeting and hopefully change for a better united tomorrow.

*By Candace, who as a Pittsburgher hopes this ends well for everyone… Time to get some Cheerios.

Similar Posts:

None Found