Today in the world we live in, we really don’t have to leave our house to be fed, provided for, educated or even entertained, thanks to the power and advancements of technology, the Internet, television infomercials, YouTube DIY videos and even changes in laws. It’s even changed how some people now celebrate the Fourth of July, but do some people get to celebrate it at the expense of others around them who may not enjoy celebrating it in the same manner? And to the lawmakers who changed the laws which now allow people (intentional or not) to infringe upon the rights of other people who maybe wish to celebrate the Fourth of July in a quieter manner, for whatever reason, I ask you, is it just because it’s a way to impose another tax upon citizens? Did you think about all the possible ramifications of this change in policy? Is this one more decision where dollars and cents,supercede common sense?

Yes, I am speaking of the “legal” sale of fireworks, which just completed its second year of allowance to anyone over the required age.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with fireworks, though it took me many years to get to a point where I am able to enjoy them. I still cringe some when I am witnessing a pyrotechnic show as I have a problem with loud booming noises, and I know other people do as well. Really up until two years ago, you had to find out what communities were having fireworks displays and shows, and if you wanted to see them, you loaded the car with family and blankets or lawn chairs, maybe some munchies and soft drinks, and drove to where the show was taking place. You’d spread out your seating and distribute the snacks, eagerly awaiting the light show to begin. Looking around, you’d see the anticipation on the faces of children, and then hear the “oohs and aahs” as the fireworks were launched to the skies. That was just as much a tradition, if not more, than the parades and picnics of the day. I have no problem seeing that type of tradition continue, though lately I have chosen to celebrate the Fourth of July in a bit of a quieter way, but my plans have not exactly happened as I would have liked since fireworks shows have been allowed to “move into” our neighborhoods these past two years.

First of all, the rural and/or lake fireworks shows are usually scheduled for the Fourth of July. Since the sale of pyrotechnic materials has become legal in our area, the Fourth of July has become a two, three and sometimes four day celebration, as many seemed to purchase a week’s worth, or so, of fireworks, evidenced by the shows we were “treated” to over the course of several evenings as we tried to enjoy some quiet nights on our deck talking with visiting family and friends.

Again, I don’t have any problem with people purchasing fireworks and setting them off, IF the person buying and igniting them has an open space outside the city limits where they can enjoy them. I know that sounds selfish on my part, but I have what I feel is some healthy food for thought connected with my statement.

First, there are many people, of all ages, but especially very young people and seniors alike who are affected by loud noises. Second, people have pets and pets are very affected by loud noises. It is illegal to treat animals cruelly. Setting off fireworks where there are many animals who would become frightened, might be interpreted as cruelty. Next, fireworks emit pieces that are hot when they fall to the ground, some of which might come in contact with someone’s pet, or a canopy on someone’s deck or in someone’s backyard. (And I doubt that many “hosts” of their own self-fireworks shows go out after their display and scour the neighborhood picking up remnants of the fireworks they set off.) Another possible ramification could be damage to someone’s car which may be parked in a driveway or in the street. The last of my issues with the sale and allowance of use of fireworks within city limits, more specifically, in residential areas, is that there have been some evenings where the “party” has lasted near midnight, often times when most people, especially infants and/or toddlers and many adults who have to work the next day, are trying to get some sleep.

Yes, I understand that some of these concerns are “mights” and possibly won’t happen but why risk it? It may be perceived that those who have allowed the sale and igniting of fireworks, and the legalizing of it, have sacrificed a large number of people, probably in the majority, possibly just to collect more taxes which have been placed on the sale of those fireworks.

I also understand that even though the purchase of certain fireworks has been OK’d, there are certain restrictions regarding their use and what can be used in residential areas, but just as there are traffic rules/laws which people ignore and many do not get caught, the same can be said for the rules and regulations regarding fireworks. In fairness to the law enforcement departments and personnel, it is impossible for the entire city, town or village to be monitored at the same time. The number of officers doesn’t match the number of residences and streets where this situation is occurring, so it’s very probable that people will be violating the restrictions and not being caught, through NO fault of our local Law Enforcement agencies. My question is asked again, why would those with the power to okay (legalize) the sale of fireworks, chance even the remotest possibility of any of the ramifications listed earlier happening to people of any and all ages and a possible number of home animals? Are the taxes collected on the sales, worth the risk of possible harm?

I realize that some feel it is their right to do certain things, to own certain things, etc., and I don’t argue with that feeling in many circumstances, but it is also the right of other people to choose not to be a part of certain activities, and to not have to be caught in the fallout or have their privacy violated just so those who want to do things can do them.

It’s ironic that the day most affected by the use of fireworks is the Fourth of July, the celebrated day marking the creation of the United States of America and the freeing of the thirteen colonies from British rule, granting all the citizens of the new country a new beginning and allowing all of them to live under the future Constitution of the United States after its penning in 1789. It’s a day associated with freedoms and rights, but the freedoms and rights of some should not impinge on the freedoms and rights of others. Maybe a little more thought by those who make these decisions could have been used before changing the policy on selling fireworks and allowing the use of them within city limits, and maybe, too, they could have figured out a way for those who enjoy fireworks, to experience fireworks, and those who don’t to be able to exercise their right, too.