We logged on our work computer first thing this morning to an email from Mayor Williams’ Director of Communications, Vincent Morris, with the subject line “fyi.” What, we wondered, could he be emailing us about? Gunning for Grass’s job? Thoughts on kickball? Sending us his pics from Unbuckled? Nope. The message was far more boring — or, depending on your point of view, a statement about our esteemed mayor:

MAYOR WILL RIDE METRO TODAY, INSPECT SAFETY MEASURES: (Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams will board the Metro at the Foggy Bottom Station to travel to Metro Center Station and hold a media availability outside the turnstile at the 12th and F Street, NW exit today, Friday, July 8. Mayor Williams will board at approximately 10 a.m., inspect the platform and speak with police officers as soon as he arrives at Metro Center.

First, we’re glad the Mayor is riding the Metro. In fact, we suggest that, like so many of us, he use it every single day. Hey, Howard Dean eschews drivers for public transportation, so why not the Mayor? But the bigger point is the oddness of this purely ceremonial display. As a reaction to yesterday’s events in London, we think holding a press conference in front of a turnstile is a rather weak symbol — not to mention an annoyance to riders on a rainy morning. We hope Mr. Mayor takes this opportunity to criticize the underfunding of the Metro instead of proclaiming the Metro simply “safe to ride for all.” But we won’t be surprised if the gesture turns out to be empty.