For some, noise is a health issue

To those who think that concern over fireworks is too insignificant for discussion in light of today’s problems, I retort with this: It is also because of those problems, primarily economic, that some of us with certain stress disorders have difficulty with very loud bursts. They are often louder than a grenade detonation, and much louder than small arms fire. Mortar balls are sold legally and their explosions are sometimes piercing. The illegal works are nerve-pounding and highly stressful.

I understand that the federal government cannot infringe on the rights of Indian tribes to sell firework explosives brought in from China. The state can only do so much to control illegal fireworks flowing into our neighborhoods. It appears to be a losing battle to stop the insanity of those not content to ignite a few fountains or sparklers for the kids. Instead, they light off $500 worth of works in an hour, while my neighbor struggles to feed his children.

Perhaps it is a relatively insignificant concern in light of what’s going on in the world. The same thing can be said for gay rights, marijuana legalization and traffic cameras. As civilization continues to deteriorate, why does such trivial-mindedness exist? Maybe we should ask the lady whose son was killed by mortar or the family who lost their home due to fire caused by a bottle rocket.

I would love to behold those of you who hold this concern as insignificant to confront them with your enlightened perspective.

Dan Palmer
Lynnwood