Hey, has anyone noticed the increased police presence on the MBTA Orange line stations this week? I am not saying the Transit Police and Orange Line workers look happy, but they do look busy. And it is nice to know they are around!

We owe this change to one very concerned MBTA Orange Line rider armed with cell phone camera. The photographer captured our tax dollars not at work for us. Where were the Transit Police and other MBTA workers?

The photo, which appeared on FB and then in the Metro newspaper on May 18, 2015, showed two individuals engaged in oral sex, on a State Street platform station!

I was sure the story and photo would immediately generate lots of media attention. I expected Governor Baker to mention it during his latest battle with T officials. Sadly, I didn’t see or hear much of anything. However, I understand the story and photo are now capturing some media coverage and public interest.

I know I was inspired. Inspired enough to write about it in this column. I applaud the concerned MBTA customer turned ‘news’ photographer. This person is a Boston hero, a person who cared enough to take a stand.

I tried to contact my hero about the story/photo and the Metro column via FB and my tribute via this column. I didn’t hear back, but given what is now in the public domain I have included the MBTA rider/photographer’s photo and comment.

Dear #MBTA,
I understand you are having financial problems and it is difficult to maintain a broken system however, my tax dollars should be going to pay your police force because I shouldn’t have to stand next to a man receiving oral sex, nor should I be ignored when I text and tweet the incident to the #MBTATransitPD. Get your ___ together.
Sincerely,
Can’t unsee what I saw today

Thank you for loving the city enough to wake up the officials and politicians to the problems and dangers we face on the MBTA. I imagine some folks might laugh at my choice of the word “dangers.” But there is the potential for violence, and there are kids that travel on the T. We need the MBTA, City and State officials to address a variety of issues that continue to compromise our safety and quality of life.

Thank you
As-salaam aleykum (peace be with you)

 

Janet Cormier is a painter, writes prose and poetry, and performs comedy. JC prefers different and original over pretty. She loves collecting stuff, but cleaning not so much. Janet also talks to strangers…a lot. Her column appears regularly in Oddball Magazine.