Did Boston Overreacct?

On Wednesday, Turner Broadcasting tried to do some 'advertising' for the Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim". This advertising included placing make shift light brights in 10 U.S. cities with a crude and angry looking character shooting the bird. These creations featured a battery pack, electrical tape, and wires (in some instances protruding). An employee at one of the MTBA (mass transit) stations where a sign was posted first reported it to authorities. Out of those 10 cities, Boston was the only to take the matter as a possible threat. Boston's finest came out in force along with the bomb squad and quickly investigated the matter. People watched and waited for any report on the matter. When it was announced as a publicity stunt by Turner Network, people were relieved. Now a day later and after the fact, people are asking 'did Boston overreact?'

In my opinion, no. Hindsight is always a wonderful thing. It is easy for other cities to and even MA residents to question it now, but no one was embarrassed as the city looked into these glowing signs placed around the city in crowded and well traveled locations. Younger Bostonians says the city's reaction caused mass hysteria and was uncalled for. Even young adults found it to be silly to investigate. Keep in mind that it was from Boston that the hijacked planes of 9/11 took flight. In fact, one of the first devices was placed just over a mile away from the airport.

What makes a person feel safe? When is it okay to investigate a suspicious package or activity? This is supposed to be our patriotic duty. The amazing part is that if nothing was done and this did in fact turn out to be some type of terrorist attack, then people would be saying 'why didn't Boston do anything?' I believe this advertising attempt involved some poor planning and was not carried out well by Turner Broadcasting (lets not forget they used some block character flipping us all off to advertise....but that sort of thing doesn't seem to phase people as it should). In this day and age, people should know better. Make a few phone calls, get the required permission and then advertise. And to all those worried that their city is now a "laughing stock", get over yourself and be glad you live in a town that learned from past mistakes and jumped on a potential problem efficiently and effectively. I for one take comfort in that and applaud a job well done.

Your thoughts?