I wonder if the JP Neighborhood Association will speak out against these cameras the same way they did against the Whole Foods opening up up the street. After all, don't both of them threaten the “character of the neighborhood?”

Great idea. One of those industrial fans would be lovely as well. I think this is the hottest t-stop in Boston.

Last week, while riding my bike past Jackson Square T stop at around 6:30 pm (in other words, broad daylight), a bunch of kids pelted me with gravel and sticks. Not too fun. So I'm pretty happy to hear they're putting cameras there. I hope they advertise the cameras' presence for deterrent purposes. Otherwise, I don't think they'll do much to prevent crime -- just catch bad guys after the fact.

And what does the honorable Representative Sanchez suggest 'we' do, pray tell? I'd really like to know who's planning to jump in on this hands-across-the-water style philosophy, sir. "The clear, passionate, hands-on commitment from all community members to deter crime in our community." sez he. Which community -- the one on what side of Hyde Square?

The Lone ranger and Tonto were way out in the mountains when they found themselves surrounded by a couple hundred hostile Indians (disenfranchised Native Americans with adjustment issues).

"Looks like we're in big trouble now, Tonto!" exclaimed the Masked Wonder.
Tonto looked at him and said: "What you mean "WE," White man?"

That's the whole idea, Sumner. Have I once again been non-PC? Have I made an another irrational outburst? I certainly hope so. Ever forward -- "Comfort the afflict and afflict the comfortable!" Coming soon, my book, "A Tale of Two JP's."

Given that Bill's icon is an image of Billy Bob Thornton in Slingblade, I suspect he's a spoofer doing a character like French Fries, only much more tenacious, to the point of making people wonder if he's actually real.

Oh drat, I've been found out! That's actually "Karl" from Slingblade, my idol and alter ego. CTP, I've seen some really pointed posts coming from your direction and appreciated them -- yet you show no icon at all -- so are you real or just a milk shake? )

Surveillance cameras do not stop crime. It saddens me to see so many people applauding a measure that will do little to keep us safe and a lot to invade our privacy. Minority report, here we come.

Kade, this is the unfortunate reality. Rah, rah cameras! Authorities please come riding to our rescue! Record the poor victim of the next assault, hope it's not overly violent, and maybe, possibly grab the bad guys later. Armchair activism at it's best.

There'll be no protests or groups gathering with signs -- "We want a Safe T!" "Jackson Square safe for all!" -- to protest literal attacks. No groups of local activists manning the station day after day, getting the public and media and politicians involved. Soda? Gravel? What next, beer bottles and real rocks? Getting punched off the bike and robbed? That's coming, it's s sucker play -- see how long folks will ignore the smaller stuff and then step it up.

Ladies and Gents, there's a mob of kids physically abusing people and placing them in fear! Where are all the self-appointed committees and associations now? The JPNC? The Jackson Square Task Force? The Transit Cops? The Preachers? The NAACP? The AFL-CIO? The Hare Krishna's?

"Remedy it or welcome it: a wise man's only two choices."

Well put, Sumner, Jackson Square Station certainly doesn't fall into the category of a private place -- invade away if it'll stop people from getting harassed, clubbed and mauled. My usual rant harks back to the days of real activism, with vague hopes of maybe spurring some action. No? Ah well. Peace on.

Putting security cameras in this area is a good idea. Having foot patrols of police in this area would also be helpful.