How Not to Advocate for Transit

Yesterday’s Globe covered the expansion of the Green Line into Somerville and Medford. The article talked to newcomers to that community (who generally wanted the subway) and ‘old-timers’ (who generally opposed it).

One quote stood out:

“It will be that much more connected to civilization,” said Elizabeth Bolton, a real estate agent who moved here in 2005.

Eh, I don’t think the negative space around that comment are great for building coalitions. The notion that Medford is somehow disconnected from ‘civilization’ will not endear you to the ‘old-timers’.