[ItsTheMediaStupid]

This is all entirely forseeable. For all we know, the other nine cities reacted to these signs as a threat, but managed to remove them quietly. But somebody was going to hit the Big Red Button over these things. It was just a matter of time.

Only idiots think a package the size of two wallets and less than one inch thick is a serious threat! What kind of bomb could this hold? What idiot terrorist would put bright lights on it. And why did a dozen other cities not see it as a treat. Why did Bosten not read their mail? Even if they didn't why did they not send just one bomb squad to the first one and make a determination, instead of making an intergalatic case of this? Only an idiot would think that the Boston police would act as the idiot did.

[macamadamia]

Only idiots think a package the size of two wallets and less than one inch thick is a serious threat!


Had I been there, I would rather have been an idiot and not assume. I wouldn't want multiple deaths on my conscience and I suspect this was the primary motive at each step of the event. Person #1 didn't want to take a chance, so he informed person #2...person #2 didn't want to take a chance, so he informed person #3, etc. etc. etc.

[bondjamesbond]

Only idiots think a package the size of two wallets and less than one inch thick is a serious threat!

The point is not to fool the cops into thinking it is a bomb. The point it to cause a massive police response and get your little viral marketing campaign some front page position. Mission Accomplished.

What kind of bomb could this hold?

Not that it matters, but it could hold a big enough charge to blow your hands off when you try to remove it.

What idiot terrorist would put bright lights on it.

None. That's not the point. The point is to attract attention to your silly little viral marketing campaign. That's what the bright flashing lights are for.

And why did a dozen other cities not see it as a treat.

You don't know whether they did or not. I would wager that a fair number of these things were removed in other cities, as well. The only difference being that nobody hit the Big Red Button in those cities.

Why did Bosten not read their mail?

You know how much mail the City of Boston gets every day? And how much of that gets immediately round-filed? If you want to notify the city you are going to put up signs, the appropriate way to do that is to apply for and receive a permit, before putting up your signs.

Even if they didn't why did they not send just one bomb squad to the first one and make a determination, instead of making an intergalatic case of this?

It is my understanding that the first device was found in an area that required shutting down I-92 as a precaution. Once that happens, it's off to the races. You can unpress the Big Red Button.

Only an idiot would think that the Boston police would act as the idiot did.

I think you are wrong in this. This was entirely forseeable. Furthermore, I would contend that the police response was the whole point. What is the purpose of a viral marketing campaign that nobody sees? Now the whole wide world knows about this stupid cartoon.