Public Square as it should be used . . .

BOTC has long believed that Public Square is an archaic remnant of a past urbanism. Public Square does not seem to maintain a place in the collective memory of Northeast Ohioans like it once did (a la Dick Feagler). The Square is a glorified RTA stop with a Civil War monument and a statue of Tom Johnson.

However, over the past few days, the Square has come alive with protest and argument. Local Jews and Palestians have transformed the common public space into a figurative sparring ground to vent their disgust, frustrations, and agony over the latest Middle East violence. See video and the story from the Plain Dealer here.

So maybe BOTC is wrong about Public Square. However, we lament that it required a war to make Public Square a vibrant American commons.