Issue One: G-20 planning
Citywide stimulus
Let's plan a citywide G-20 economic stimulus of our own ("City Urges Residents to Start Preparing for G-20," Aug. 19). As residents we should plan to work from home or enjoy a stay-cation while area politicians and business leaders prepare for and host the G-20 summit.
We can create a citywide economic stimulus by visiting and supporting our local businesses. Grab a coffee at your local coffee shop or visit that store you've always meant to see. We have 89 neighborhoods in the city with many business areas to explore. If money is tight, volunteer in your neighborhood. I can't think of a better way to say to the world that we support and honor our city and its residents and welcome our guests with open arms.
MIKE HELLMAN
Morningside
Safety first
In response to "G-20 Opponents Mapping Strategy of Protests, Lawsuits" (Aug. 19): G-20 protesters, your right to assemble and protest ends where my right to personal safety begins. I am a big fan of the Constitution and personal liberty, but the city needs to guarantee my safety and that of others. You can walk from the Strip, where I work, to the Point to Oakland in the time it takes to have lunch. This is a confined area. Once dignitaries arrive, there isn't much room to have protests here. We cannot afford to have anarchists and agitators march if residents and workers cannot be guaranteed personal safety.
Change occurs in the fastest possible manner from within. Changing the way the G-20 operates via protest is futile. Your time would be better spent informing the citizenry of politics and getting out the vote. You can protest and make the news, but we only hear about your arrest not your cause! What have you accomplished by protesting? Overtime for law enforcement? Adverse economic effects by scaring people away from the city? It's probably having an opposite effect of your desired goals. Which are what again?
JAMES SCOTT
Swissvale
Re: protest plans
Isn't it a bit early to get indignant about G-20 protesters? To begin trying to parse what they want and to figure out how they need to be restrained and punished? If we make such decisions before anyone even comes to town, then perhaps all we will be able to do is play out an ugly and painful ritual.
If there are protests, maybe the underlying cause will be that people sense their personal and national prerogatives are being taken over by international commercial interests that are not responsive to any political considerations. Governments are supposed to be chosen by voters and to be responsive to those voters' interests. Commercial enterprises are neither.
PAUL H. COX
Richland