This story starts out on point, but rapidly goes downhill. By the end, reporter Jim Armstrong is flat out lying.

As someone who was witness to this creative and principled action by the Boston Fare Strike Coalition on Friday (7/13/12), I can say that it is absolutely NOT true that all (or even most or many) of T riders “still paid their fares” even though they didn’t have to. And it is also false to assert or to suggest (as Armstrong does) that most T riders were opposed to the Fare Strikers actions. While you can find vocal antagonists to any bold action in a large crowd (and Jim Armstrong clearly did), I witnessed a wide range of responses from fellow T riders, including much support. About a thousand people took leaflets from BFSC explaining the logic behind the day’s action, and most seemed to be reading them with interest. Many were verbally supportive, and some signed up to join with the next action. A large number of people thanked the activists for the free ride home. (After all, since the MBTA jacked up fares by 23%, it’s only fair that people ride one day a week for free….The Banks get a Free Ride–continuing to profit off interest on the MBTA debt–Why can’t We? Public Transit Should be Free!)

Also, it should be pointed out that the fare strikers, while perhaps mostly under 35, also include many individuals quite a bit older than that. Quite a few appeared to be in their fifties, sixties, or even seventies. It is a multi-generational coalition. Not just a bunch of “kids.”

Jim Armstrong: putting the BS in CBS.

Check out the story in The Boston Occupier for more accurate and informed coverage of the Boston Fare Strike Coalition’s “Free Friday” action:: http://bostonoccupier.com/ 2012/07/15/boston-fare-strike- coalition-declares-fare-free- friday/

See footage of the action: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=5JuFCgia3JI

All are welcome to the next public meeting of the Fare Strike Coalition: Thursday, July 19 at 6:00 PM, by the Boston Common gazebo. (Rain location: City Place food court, off the Alley.)

Submitted by Joseph Ramsay