The Politics of Fireworks

[Athena]

OR - How Many Holidays Will Have The Fun Sucked Out Of Them In The Name Of Public Safety

(See why I went with the shorter version?)

I don't know about you fabulous folks, but here in Burien, there is an on-going struggle between those who'd rather think for themselves and those who'd rather think for all of us, and it pertains to fireworks. Already, all over Western Washington, there are little patches of legality; neighborhoods where fireworks are totally legal, others where they're restricted and others yet where they're plum not allowed. I always get a kick out of moving from a "not allowed" to an "restricted" or "permitted" neighborhood. You can always tell, because fireworks stands will line up along the edge of the "not allowed" neighborhood...just barely on the permitted side.

Every year, some kid does something exceptionally stupid, that thrusts the issue back into the spotlight and causes the fun-suckers to gain a little ground. This just isn't acceptable. I have NEVER, EVER injured myself or anyone else with fireworks. Why should I have the sparklers stripped from my hands? If people screw up with fireworks, they're going to suffer. Why make us ALL suffer in an attempt to prevent that?

Lawmakers, legislation was never meant to replace common sense in individuals.

John Adams told his wife in 1776 that Independence Day "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." It seems as though the farther we get from that original day, the less mindful we are of the words of the men who gave it to us. Bunch of ungrateful bastards, I tell you.

So, please, folks - Whether you live in a "permitted", "restricted" or even "not allowed" neighborhood, go out there and blow something up in the name of freedom. It's the most fun you'll ever have with civil disobedience. :D