The Blind Squirrel Strikes Again

Yes, it's one of those rare occasions when I find myself in complete agreement with Boston mayor Tom Menino, but as they say, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.

From the Boston Globe:

An angry Mayor Thomas M. Menino overruled yesterday an order by Fire Commissioner Paul Christian to paint over murals on two firehouse doors memorializing firefighters killed during rescue efforts after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"To take down an American flag, it's irresponsible," Menino said, adding that he interceded after a painter hired by the Fire Department arrived at Engine 24 Ladder 23 in Grove Hall and began painting the doors red.

The tribute -- two American flags with the number 343, the number of firefighters who died in the World Trade Center -- has been in place since 2002. By the time the mayor intervened, half the memorial had been covered over.

"During these difficult times at home and on the battlefield, we should be doing everything to display the American flag, not cover it up," said Menino, adding that he will order the flag restored.

"I'm going to make sure it's back as quickly as possible," he said. "It's going back up."

Regardless of any political motives (he is up for re-election this year) or union ass-kissing that might be behind the Mayor's actions here, he did the right thing and I'll be among the first to say so.

FWIW, the over/under on the time until my next anti-Menino post is sitting at 1.5 days. Any takers?