Today is scary

[arabookworm]

I go to the university of pittsburgh. yesterday my only class was cancelled because the proffessor wasn't sure he'd be able to make it to campus. I live off campus, so I didn't have to even come here. I AM SO GLAD I DON'T HAVE TO STAY HERE OVERNIGHT!!! apparently last night a bunch of protests went on on campus, broke a bunch of windows, graffiti, etc, so the police and nat'l gaurd tried to get rid of the protesters and make all the students stay in their dorms. How did they go about doing this? apparently they did this using rubber bullets and tear gas.

today the streets are so empty compared to most days, there are police and military personell everywhere, I just saw several busses pass by being escorted by police cars. the busses looked like they were filled with national guard. and they had guns.

 

[Boyd]

so far 66 protesters have been arrested. They used sonic cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas to stop the violence and vandalism that was starting.

 

[Julie_A]

When does the summit actually start?

 

[arabookworm]

yes, and they also used tear gas and rubber bullets on students who were outside of the dorms.

 

[redhen]

What are they protesting? *i dont watch the news at all..sorry*

 

[redhen]

Quote:
yikes! I guess i'd stay in the dorms then.. UGH!

 

[arabookworm]

I have no idea what they are protesting. I think they are protesting all sorts of things, and I heard taht there was also a penguins rally.

 

[Hoosiermomma]

Between this thread and the other one about the threats, I'm glad we don't have a tv (well we do, we can watch dvd's, vhs tapes but we can't get regular programming due to not have a strong enough antennae and I won't give in and get cable b/c then I would never get my dh up to do anything.

) .

 

[Ridgerunner]

To be honest, I have not looked at the news this morning and paid no attention to this on last night's news.

You have about 20 of the leaders of the most powerful and influential countries of the world in Pittsburg. You have protestors practicing their legitimate right of free speech. You have professional protestors who will do about anything they can to get in the news. We know there are crazies out there that would do really crazy things. As a nation hosting these leaders, we have a responsibility to keep them safe.

I have absolutely no objection to people peacefully practicing their right of free speech. But there are some people that a stern glare or even a serious talking to does not seem to phase. Balancing the right of free speech and protecting the public is a fine line and my hat is off the those in the military or law enforcement that try.

As for you, do what you feel you need to do to stay safe. It will pass. And you are getting more of an education that you counted on.

 

[Boyd]

arabookworm, its about the G20 summit where we are talking about Iran in the other thread.