The G-20 summit to curtail Golden Triangle traffic

Hi,  I think that the current security changes are far to lax.  If they really want those visitors to be safe, they need to require checkpoints at all traffic lights for a 4 mile radius from the point.  All motorists & padestrians should have thier shoes pre-removed for inspection, and all belts taken off for the safety of all (like in the courthouse).  Other steps should include a clear plastic pin-on card holder distributed at the checkpoints.  Each motorist & pedestrian should be required to place thier driver license or other approved photo ID into the card holder (facing out), and pin it on thier lapel or front of the shirt / blouse.  That way the authorities could know immediately who they have encountered.  This is very little to ask of our fellow Pittsburgers...and it will make a much safer place for the G-20 to be held.  Thank you,  Kieran BUD Lynch

 G-20, what is it?

It's a gathering of the leaders of the 20 largest economies in the world.

What will they do?

Discuss economic policies as well as other important world issues.

What benefit is it to Pittsburgh?

It gives the city a chance to market itself to the world. It gives the city a chance to be SHOWCASED to the ENTIRE world.  The pictures that are going to appear on the television sets in the leaders' countries of origin are going to be from Pittsburgh.  How many other cities can say that, in this country -- NY, LA, SF, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, Boston?  It's a short list and we're now going to be on it. Along with other cities around the world like London, Rome, Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, etc.

I would consider it quite an honor but, that's just my thinking.  I wouldn't expect that type of thinking to come from someone who can't take the time to review the traffic restrictions and mass transit arrangements that have been posted on this website for the last week or so.  For those who have to rely on "pamphlets", apparently Port Authority has made them available as of yesterday.

I'm not surprised at the level of criticism though.  Comments like those usually come from people who do not think outside the box.  Those are the same types of people who think that completing the Mon-Fayette expressway is a bad idea because it will encourage people to leave Pittsburgh. Well, I hate to break it to you but, folks have been leaving Pittsburgh since the mills shut down.  I won't go into it any further because this forum is about G-20, not the Mon-Fayette.  I only used that example to illustrate the mentality of the poster who would oppose G-20.

My sincerest wish is that this city makes the absolute BEST impression on these world leaders and allows them to take home positive thoughts about Pittsburgh.  Economists have been talking, for years, about the globalization of the world's economy.  Well, you don't get any more global than when you have the leaders of the 20 largest economies in one place at one time.... that one place is going to be ...... Pittsburgh.   And that makes me very proud!!

 bigjohnt, you're a BIG disappointment to Pittsburgh. Pittsburghers are not rude to other citzens of Pittsburgh. Perhaps you should learn some manners and stop being a blog bully because you can hide behind a screen name.

 Hey Pittsburgh take the G-20 Pigs to Primanti Bros. After they eat that slop they can get on their jets and head back home, for that's the only thing left in the "steel city."

Or maybe a ride thru East Liberty, Homewood, and Wilkinsburg will sum up the city. Hope & Change. ha ha ha ha ha

 Let's be realisitic for a change instead of "blue skying" like the politicians .  Is it worth it to shut down the city?  I think not.  let's consider several questions to which the politicians have not provided adequate answers?

1) Businesses that have decided to remain open have had to shoulder extra costs(plywood, extra security) mandated by the federal govt.  These businesses are struggling to stay alive. Will they be compensated by the govt.  NO

2) Businesses that close, lose 2 days of profit and their employees lose 2 days of pay.  Will they be compensated?  Will their creditors offer them special dispensation for this when it comes to paying bills?  NO

3) Just what is being showcased? A casino, 2 ballparks, the Warhol and Phipps conservatory?If they want to show the whole city and surrounding area, let each leader spend the week with a family in each neighborhood to see first hand the impact of the economic depression.

4) Just what has the G20 accomplished so far and what will it accomplish?  Nothing. It is as impotent as the UN.  There are too many individual agendas and motives to affect true change. The leaders are politicians nothing more..They are unable to control their own countries let alone affect change in the world. It is easy to talk when you do not face the problems that the ordinary citizen of each country faces every day.  Do these leaders struggle to feed, cloth and shelter their families. No ,their way is paid for by the citizens.  Do the ceo's struggle?..No, they have multi million dollar salaries. and bonuses  The US govt bailed out insurance companies and banks, and guess what ..it is still business are usual. Junkets, spa trips, bonuses still exist ...Foreclosures, job losses and debt still mounts.

5) When all is said and done will the citizens of this area reap true economic rewards..NO...Instead we will be  left holding the bag for the cost and damages incurred

 Being Naieve must be nice...The G20 will discuss just like the UN discusses...The history of the world is one of conquest and dominance...the strong survive the weak perish...The G20 is nothing more than a gathering of glorified politicians who have no real power to affect change.  The president of this country bailed out numerous institutions and now cannot control them. The taxpayers have a large stake in Gm...do you really think it will work?  As far as showcasing Pittsburgh, just what will the people of other countries see?  Shops covered up in a attempt to disguise the fact that they are out of business? A cleaned up city?  for how long? Will they see the true city..A city turned into an armed encampment.? .Tthe city is more than just a few streets downtown, the warhol and phipps conservatory.  Will they actually see  neighborhoods and the problems within them.  I wonder how many of these gung ho G20 supporters actually live in the city proper and pay city taxes.  I have lived in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Pittburgh for over 45 years..I have seen change upon change..can they say the same. .The economic benefit to the everyday resident will be nill.  Lastly, Pgh was not the first choice...Other cities turned this down....Oh, by the way, remember what happened in Seattle and London? 

please, tell me what happened in london.

seriously, what do you think happened that was so bad in london?  there were some overzealous police, but in general, it was a tremendous success.

 Relax people.  It's only for a few days and look at all of the great publicity the beautiful city of Pittsburgh is getting and it is so well deserved.  Just chill a little and you can go back to work on Mon.  Cherish the moment and quit complaining.  Thanks.