A Call for Compassion

City Council Testimony, October 26, 2010

The University of Pittsburgh’s fireworks display originating from Mazeroski Field will happen this Friday unless men and women of good conscience can stand together to pursue the truth.

Twenty-one people signed a petition to stop this fireworks display. Most of the signers are elderly, and they had hoped and expected that Chancellor Mark Nordenberg would understand the suffering of their community and would voluntarily move the fireworks display to another venue.

Even before the petition was delivered, the Chancellor was presented with an opportunity to express his concern and compassion. Unfortunately, he did not take advantage of the opportunity.

You have the power to end this injustice; all it takes is the willingness to expose the truth. The individuals who signed the petition have shown that power is simply the ability and willingness to take action. It requires fearlessness, even in moments of great terror, and it also requires the dignity and confidence to stand up for what is right.

Our community trusts that you will use your power to do what is right and that you will have the courage to trust in the conviction of your inner morality.

What has happened in the past has ended and our focus is on the creation of a new future. Your action can lead to something bigger and nobler than just the ending of this fireworks display. It can lead to new dreams and new visions, inspired by allowing the elderly residents of our community to live out the remaining days of their lives in a more loving and peaceful environment.

We ask that you be a champion for our community and allow goodness, truth, and justice to prevail. We know you trust in God. The elders of our community are trusting in you and in God.

Please follow your soul and your spirit. Please move the fireworks display to another venue outside of Oakland.

End of Letter. It is High Noon.. The University of Pittsburgh has taken a stand. Our small community has taken a stand. Do not forsake us.

Thank you.

Carlino Giampolo