actually hack, ol "fighting joe" has everything to do with the state house and the symmetry of having the patron namesake of ladies of the evening smack dab in front of the states largest house of prostitution is perfect. in fact, we could use a few more of statues of ol joe with it's twin smack dab in front of city hall. of course this is all about ones definition of the word prostitute. me, i like the one in my trusty ol websters where it says "TO DEVOTE TO CORRUPT OR UNWORTHY PURPOSES." as we use to say in the garment industry" fits poifectly." next question. to governor patrick and mayor menino. you 2 propose for the T either longer hours or expansion of services from say the south coast like new bedford, fall river. exactly where is the gelt from these brainstorms coming from. actually, more like the usual meltdown. but then again how does one have either a brainstorm or a meltdown if there is nothing there between the ears to begin with? ma

Mike, it's the 4th of July. Here's a suggestion: Why don't you take a day off from being a dyspeptic crank and go out and enjoy yourself?

OK Scot here's my statue gripe that I haven't seemed to get anyone fired up about (but they should be). Washington's statue in the public garden has been continually desecrated by having his sword cut off regurlarly. This is the father of the country! Why the city, or the mayor puts up with this is puzzling. I've traveled a bit and have never seen a prominent statue, one which is pictured many times in articles and brochures about Boston, unprotected. That co8uld be the wrong term, as the need usually does not exist in most "civilized" countries.

I think Scot is right, and Boston should do more to celebrate its contribution to our nation. But the reason I doubt it will ever happen, is because Massachusetts has very few remaining connections to our founding that are deeply embraced by the public. I say this as a Boston native who is raising his family as proud Virginians. The way Virginia has kept alive its connection to our nation's founding is inspiring, and wonderful. NEW PARAGRAPH: This may sound impolitic, but here is my belief: As world clas city, Boston is a city of immigrants from all over the world. So many immigrants today seem less interested in American history, and are less inclined to celebrate it in the way Scot suggests. In Virginia, there are still many families whose lineage to colonial America is still intact. There are societies, clubs, and other institututions that keep the torch burning. Boston has an amazing history, but too many of its citizens are so far removed from it, that it will never be properly celebrated.

@richmond12: are you sure you grew up in Boston? A claim like Boston has no "societies, clubs, and other institututions that keep the torch burning" can only have been written by someone who's never lived here. As someone who actually does, your comment just seems like anti-immigrant bunk. Hint: http://www.themayflowersociety.com/

Why would an article on statues talk about Obama, Scott Brown, or Elizabeth Warren? Evolver is right: "Did you read the article? You apparently post your right-wing extremist BS based on the headline. Have a happy 4th, raising your blood pressure."

This is even better: http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articles/2006/05/the-new-brahmins/ "My dear, a Brahmin should only be in the newspaper when he is born, when he marries, and when he dies."

Scot, you said,"although none ranks among the nation's greatest leaders, they were all important figures." You are saying John Adams wasn't a great leader? Saying John Adams is merely "important" is limited. If you did a little research, you'd find that his achievements, often unsung, stagger the imagination. In fact, in the history of our country and the history of our commonwealth, he's one of our most influential figures. Ever. There's a reason he was called "the architect" of the revolution. So yes, I agree, he deserves a statue. But to suggest he was merely "important" but not a "great leader" is simply wrong.

Thanks for recognizing that sculpture pays tribute to almost forgotten leaders. Lest we forget: Abigail Adams: wife of John, mother of John Q., proudly stands, along with Phillis Wheatley & Lucy Stone, in Meredith Bergmann's Boston Women's Memorial. Thanks to the Browne Fund, the Boston Women's Commission, Boston Women's Heritage Trail members, and First Lady Angela Menino, Abigail's presence on our historic Commonwealth Mall reminds us of advice to her husband, "Remember the Ladies." As a teacher I always made sure that my class visited Adams National Historical Park in nearby Quincy where most of the students, newly arrived to our welcoming shores, would ask, "Maestra, why isn't there a statue of John Adams in Boston?" So much for the misguided perception that immigrants aren't interested in American history!!

Esf: I most certainly grew up in Boston, and have knowledge of some what you mention. My observation is based on how I view the way each state acts, collectively, to celebrate its history. It is robust in Virginia, it is not in Boston.

how long did it take to get the statue to honor the fire fighters in the back bay?

hack, at least you never ever let the truth stand in the way of anything you write. i admire your consistency if not your writing.ma

What's with the name-calling? Must you be so nasty all the time?

Along the same vein, a great many firefighters in MA and other states do so as volunteers. Therein lies true dedication.

You do realize Boston is a City and Virginia is a State, right?