It’s probably fair to say some Americans couldn’t recite the words to our national anthem in its entirety, but most of us seem to have the "bombs bursting in air" part down pretty well, because every Fourth of July that’s exactly what we do — blow stuff up.
Some people get so defensive about fireworks you’d think setting them off was a constitutional right.
It’s not. In fact, in many local cities, fireworks are illegal. The motto "safe and sane" is gaining almost as much notoriety as "don’t drink and drive." But it’s a tough concept to follow for someone with a beer in one hand and a small explosive in the other. For some, today is a day when adults are as stupid as kids are ignorant. And, often, it’s a day where many end up in the emergency room.
We have plenty of reasons to be frustrated this year — unemployment, a bad economy, major uncertainty about Boeing, stretched budgets at the local and state level.
Yet we have plenty to celebrate this year, too. The USS Abraham Lincoln came home safely and the city of Everett had a party to top all parties. Though our troops are still in real danger in Iraq, the war is technically over.
This holiday is about appreciating our country’s independence and our own freedoms. For most of us, that shouldn’t entail lighting a short fuse in the middle of a crowded cul-de-sac. Fireworks weren’t meant to be lit in our neighborhoods or in fields where they could and do start brush fires. Even a modest bottle rocket can do irreparable damage if it lands on your neighbor’s roof. These things are best left to the professionals and that doesn’t mean that just because you’re handy with the barbecue grill, you’re qualified to put on the neighborhood light show. If something goes wrong, you’re putting your life at risk as well as those of your family, friends, neighbors and emergency workers called out to clean up your mess.
There are plenty of fireworks shows in the region to enjoy tonight. Take your pick and plan ahead. Whatever you do, remember: It’s much easier to enjoy the land of the free and the home of the brave when you’re safe and sane.
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