G-20 protests

re: G-20 protests

Wags — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:49:55 GMT

you are free to protest ...provided you obey the law.

wear something to hide your face from the media or identification...face arrest (it is the law)...besides, if you want to be heard, be prepared to be identified, don't be a "kitten".

failure to dispearse or obey the direction of a law enforcement representative...face arrest

disrupt traffic flow...face arrest

step off the sidewalk outside a crosswalk or against a light...expect to get run over

throw something at me or my vehicle or property...well, I think you all know the outcome of that mistake!

re: G-20 protests

PghGirl — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:31:46 GMT

Good points, GBRetired.

Media attention to the concerns of the people is an excellent way to encourage peaceful, organized demonstration. Ignoring the concerns, problems, morals & values of everyday citizens -- especially while painting them as crackpots -- almost guarantees trouble. The combination of frustrated protesters & the media portrayel of demonstrators as annoying, unnecessary, invalid, etc. is a great recipe for trouble.

re: G-20 protests

thescarletpumpernickel — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:12:12 GMT

We should welcome and provide a forum for honest dissent and dialogue.

This is one of centers of the empowerment of the working class.

We should never forget that.

re: G-20 protests

GBRetired — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:55:36 GMT

Permit me to show my age. The right to free speach is indeed guaranteed by the constitution and has been reaffirmed numerous times in the court system. I fully agree with this right, however, as with any other rights comes responsibility. If I am not mistaken, there is a First Amendment to the Constitution that specifically permits freedoms of speech, assembly, press, religion and petition.It also grants "Free Speech Zones" in public areas for political activists to voice their opposition.

However, what it does not guarantee is the freedom to cause public menace, riots or general disorder. The need to maintain order and assure citizen safety supercedes the right of malcontents to foment civil disobediance.

I believe that it is a distinct minority of those who wish to voice opposition in this manner, but these actions taint any fruitfull gains of the honestly concerned dissentors to the point where over reaction by civil authority is deemed acceptable by the opposition.

I hope that clear, calm and thoughtful dialogue wins in this encounter. The ability to merely disagree should be the ultimate victor here.

re: G-20 protests

myreply — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:08:18 GMT

Kevin:

I agree with your statement. Now, more than ever (as in Iran) we need voices of dissent. It is imperative that the media and the police monitor and aid those of peaceful voice, and arrest and name those of other persuasion.

Pittsburgh has a a chance to show that not only are we the friendly city, but actually put that into action and reaction.

re: G-20 protests

kevin morris — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:56:58 GMT

The last time there were significant protests in Pittsburgh, around the start of our latest Iraq war, the police were ruthless in dealing with the peace(ful) marchers. I would hope that this isn't repeated, but I would also hope the PG would monitor the actions of all the security forces involved.

re: G-20 protests

regis — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:13:00 GMT

The writer makes a good point. Hopefully the PG will rise above the usual level of our media and actually talk to protesters and try to present a coherent picture of what people are upset about. People don't engage in such actions just for the hell of it. Yeah, every demonstration since the dawn of time has attracted a few yahoos who just want to cause uproar and destruction. They are a tiny minority, but they get most of the coverage from our media because it's easy and cheap. Turn the tables on them, and let's hear what serious people have to say.

re: G-20 protests

myreply — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:15:32 GMT

So this is to be a business meeting? In today's PG you have Hardy talking about setting aside rooms for visitors to the G20. The rooms start at $300 a night. Now if this is a business meeting in downtown Pgh why would anyone be staying at Nemacolin?

My guess is that in this financial climate, there will be demonstrators from every corner of this country descending upon this city. I don't know if they will "shut it down", but their voices will be loud and clear. This is a good thing.

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