ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” article. It is an editorial by the editor.
The huge successes of state-wide ballot initiatives in 2018, 2020 and 2022 have given me an idea about fixing a problem that has festered in Michigan for too long.
I hereby urge anyone with organizational skills and possessing the energy required to begin collecting petitions to repeal the disastrous law that enabled the “season of noise” to become an unwelcome guest in our midst every year during holidays.
Many people probably believe that such an effort would be unpopular, but I’ve seen enough polling that suggests a majority of citizens would support a renewed ban from the Good Ole Days.
Ever since our wrong-headed State Legislature spearheaded a bill through the House and Senate and earned the blessing of Gov. Rick Snyder to sign it, we’ve been inundated by these annoying accompaniments to holiday celebrations, particularly on the Fourth of July.
Let the record show that I have no quarrel with fireworks launched at predetermined times and locations by qualified pyrotechnic companies or by local fire department personnel. Those kinds of displays are done under the supervision of people who know what they are doing and take safety precautions.
Not so with your not-so-friendly neighborhood thrill seeker, who is prone to be reckless and plagued by a horrible lack of courtesy and empathy for those who live nearby.
I speak of dogs and combat veterans. I’ve spent more than a decade trying to calm down the family dog, be it Bella the Wonderdog or Sally, who are terribly frightened by sudden and loud noises. They cower and shake, not enjoying the festivities at all.
I have known war veterans who have told me that fireworks sound too much like a firefight and prompt unpleasant memories and reactions.
I believe I can say with confidence that many dogs and veterans would rather have fireworks confined to the professionals in a designated spot at a designated time. I believe many senior citizens would have the same feelings.
I fail to see how enabling fireworks launched by Joe Blow in his neighborhood has enhanced the quality of our lives. Expanded sales of fireworks have benefitted only those who sell them and those who just can’t get rid of their second childhoods or juvenile pleasures.
If we outlaw fireworks like we did in days gone by, we certainly won’t eliminate their unasked for intrusion into our peaceful and quiet lives, but lowering the number and ferocity of the toy launches would be welcome. And I don’t care if such a move would result in Indiana clip joints picking up more sales at Michigan’s expense. Whenever we make it difficult for fireworks enthusiasts to buy them, we suffer much less at their hands.
If someone wants something to do before the election of 2024 that might make a difference for dogs, veterans and perhaps a majority of citizens, please have at it. What have we got to lose? And maybe we can restore reasonable peace and quiet.
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