The local media have spent most of their time focusing on the upcoming G-20 Summit’s negative impact on the daily lives of Pittsburghers.  Road closures, security checkpoints, scaled-back public transportation schedules, and other inconveniences have made headlines, while the actual purpose of the summit has not been given much attention.  We know that the police force is expecting 1,000 arrests, that protesters are fighting the G-20 organizers for permits, and that most of the downtown businesses are planning to close, primarily for transportation- and safety-related concerns.  And although PIA is well outside the city limits, the school’s location at the Allegheny County Airport has led to a three-day closure, prompted by the FAA.  Students, instructors, and other PIA staff members have been working hard to complete and document the necessary training hours in order to account for the school closure.  And while this preparation has gone smoothly, there is no doubt that our students have saddled quite a burden to keep their studies from suffering.  I just hope that the G-20 leaders recognize the sacrifices that have been made to accommodate this event, and use their time in Pittsburgh wisely to productively address the global issues which affect us locally on a daily basis.

The local media have spent most of their time focusing on the upcoming G-20 Summit’s negative impact on the daily lives of Pittsburghers.  Road closures, security checkpoints, scaled-back public transportation schedules, and other inconveniences have made headlines, while the actual purpose of the summit has not been given much attention.  We know that the police force is expecting 1,000 arrests, that protesters are fighting the G-20 organizers for permits, and that most of the downtown businesses are planning to close, primarily for transportation- and safety-related concerns.  And although PIA is well outside the city limits, the school’s location at the Allegheny County Airport has led to a three-day closure, prompted by the FAA.  Students, instructors, and other PIA staff members have been working hard to complete and document the necessary training hours in order to account for the school closure.  And while this preparation has gone smoothly, there is no doubt that our students have saddled quite a burden to keep their studies from suffering.  I just hope that the G-20 leaders recognize the sacrifices that have been made to accommodate this event, and use their time in Pittsburgh wisely to productively address the global issues which affect us locally on a daily basis.