G20 Pittsburgh!

The G20 Summit doesn't "officially" start until tomorrow, but already this week we've seen the beginnings of the protests. The image above is from this morning as several Greenpeace protesters dangled below the West End Bridge. {Thanks to WTAE for the image.}

I wonder what the sign is made out of? I say that because yesterday morning several hundred Climate Change protesters arrived downtown with a huge plastic banner. They arrived in a monstrous smog-producing Tour Bus, which parked itself right on Blvd of the Allies, which is one of the busiest streets in the City. The irony of those actions seemingly lost on those involved.

I'm certainly not against protesting or voicing opinions. And I also happen to be a firm believer in the freedom of open dialogue and speech. Everyone should have the right to their say. I also happen to believe that while everyone might have an opinion, that doesn't equate to everyone's opinion being of equal value. Having said that, I hope we can get through the next few days without violence, destruction of property or injuries. There have already been arrests this week. Sometimes the act of being arrested is part of the protest as well, so go figure.

The City today is virtually a ghost town and I can only imagine that the next two days will be much worse. So they have the City to themselves for the rest of the week, themselves and the Police, National Guard, FBI, Secret Service and who knows what else. We've seen fully armed helicopters flying around, which is always a lot of fun. (Not!) So to the protesters I present the following open letter on behalf of my City:

Dear Protester,

This week the G20 Summit is being held in the city of Pittsburgh and leaders from all over the world will be here. You've arrived as our guest and I'd like to extend my personal welcome. Thanks for visiting.

Pittsburgh is a great city and I am very proud to call it my home and to operate a business here. In fact, I consider Pittsburgh to be the perfect American City. Neither too big or too small, surrounded by lovely geographic features that make it unique in all the world, Pittsburgh is a truly great city. Pittsburgh also happens to symbolize the transformation of the American economy from its industrial past to its future, in technology, education, service, health care and as a leader in the "green" movement. These are just some of the reasons our City was chosen as the site of the Summit. And I think we're all proud of that. We also have some great sports teams, but that's beside the point.

I would appreciate it very much if you left it in the same condition you found it when you arrived. Make you statements, your demands, your points and go on to the next thing. There is no need for violence, destruction or anything else that involves hurting another human being. I consider Pittsburgh my home and I would appreciate it if you treated it like a home. I promise not to come to your home and cause trouble, if you can say the same.

I look forward to seeing you on the news and listening to your rants, demands and opinions. But more importantly I hope you enjoy your stay in Pittsburgh, however brief it will hopefully be.