(First Lady Michelle Obama and the spouses of the G20 leaders pose for a group photo at CAPA High School in Pittsburgh, Penn., Sept. 25, 2009. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
Posted on 09/26/2009 9:48:26 PM PDT by Saije
It wasn't Seattle, circa 1999. That's when a meeting of the World Trade Organization, disrupted by massive riots, set the "standard" for anarchists everywhere. But Pittsburgh cheerleaders who welcomed last week's Group of 20 economic summit of world leaders didn't exactly get what they had wished for, either.
The rah-rah crowd argued that Pittsburgh would be the beneficiary of wonderful media coverage by hosting the G-20. And, indeed, it received some glowing, chamber of commerce-like coverage in the buildup. It was a testament to the power of the public relations lie; supporters sold what's largely a Potemkin village as a model for the 21st-century city.
But then reality bit the bum. With the Golden Triangle off limits to most vehicular traffic and businesses fearing violence, Pittsburgh's center of commerce resembled one of those science fiction ghost towns. Commerce? What commerce? Then the window-smashing began in the neighborhoods.
And on the front page of Friday's New York Times, a large, four-column color photo that could only make the pompom set cringe -- police in riot gear marching down the street. Inside, three more photos -- tear gas wafting toward an anarchist, a protester being arrested and a broken restaurant window.
Great publicity, eh?
On Tuesday, Pittsburgh City Council, which was told the G-20 was coming, holds a final vote on establishing a fact-finding committee to review the process. The public has every right to know who was responsible for such poor decision-making and who should be held responsible.
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
Another article about how the Obozo is living in a dream world?
Neither do I. Everyone know a priori that:
a) it will be an economic drain, because of the security requirements, even if there are no incidents.
b) but there are incidents, no matter where this event (or a G-8 event) is held.
c) which requires an ever-increasing police response, which results in
d) ever-widening shut-downs of local traffic and commerce.
Overall, there is nothing about hosting this event that is economically positive for a city.
(First Lady Michelle Obama and the spouses of the G20 leaders pose for a group photo at CAPA High School in Pittsburgh, Penn., Sept. 25, 2009. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
These meetings are something of a global pariah, aren't they?
Still, I gather the Fed makes it worth the hosting city's while and all those anarchists have to eat, as do, of course, the delegates and their entourages. And sleep. And park. And go to strip clubs. Etc.
If they do hold it in the US, they should hold it in the Dry Tortugas.
Mogadishu comes to mind.
Where’s the spouse of that female German leader? Maybe he didn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb at the “it’s a she thang” gathering.
Don’t know if I’ve ever seen him. Michell’s dress was pretty loud.
would make a good SNL skit.
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