G-20: A Prelude to Protest

Today, Pittsburgh steps up onto the international stage as it hosts the G20 summit, welcoming the heads of state of 20 industrialized nations, who will convene to discuss the world's pressing economic situation and financial crisis.



The G20 has a long history of leaving violent protest and destruction in its wake, and the city is bracing for the worst in the face of the unknown. Protestors began pouring into the city earlier this week, and some-- like Greenpeace-- have already begun staging demonstrations and rallies.

Protesters bungee jump from the West End bridge in a demonstration to raise environmental awareness

On the University of Pittsburgh Campus in Oakland, the morning of the summit dawned quietly, with the streets eerily quiet on a day that is predicted to see its share of chaos. With a handful of class cancellations likely keeping some students in bed and off the streets, police set up barricades on Bigelow, and posted themselves in front of Schenley Plaza, bracing for whatever events the day might bring. Quiet preparations were also being made in the Cathedral of Learning, which will host Russian President Dmitry Medvedev later today.

The atmosphere walking down Forbes Avenue past police barricades on deserted streets was certainly that of a city on the edge, just waiting for something to begin...


Keep an eye on this blog for my firsthand account of the G20 experience. It should be an interesting ride...