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.
Dave the law that passed has never been enforced. It read the day before the day of and the day after until 11pm. I live two blocks from the state police post and three blocks from city police post and have listened to fireworks for three days now until 12 am. What good would a new law do??? And the three legal days are not here yet!!
Like Mr Longstreet, I began hearing the window rattling boom fire and seeing the cascades and streamers since Saturday June 24. Heard a few during the week then this Friday and Saturday night several neighbors were setting theirs off from about 11:15 to nearly midnight.
I have 3 county deputies living within a mile of my place and park their department SUV’s at the Leighton Township Fire Department building when they are done with their shifts.
About 10 years ago St Mary Magdalen Church on 52nd St between Eastern Ave and Kalamazoo Ave burned to the ground by a fire started by fireworks on July 1. But they couldn’t prove who set them off since multiple neighbors had gotten a head start celebrating.
If some Allegan County churches, municipal buildings or multiple residences burn and the fire can be directly tied to fireworks, I don’t expect a ban.
It’s business. Freedom from onerous government. Right?
Shut it Karen. The people enjoy their fireworks and my dog actively sits and watches the fireworks. Put some earplugs in around the holidays and stay home, I’m guessing nobody wants you around during that time anyway.
No need for calling names. My wife had a stroke a while ago and shivers during who knows when fireworks. go off. We are home can you help put earplugs in. A big shot like you must have a last name or are you to scared to use it? I am sure everybody wants to be around you?
“No need for calling names”
Are you serious?
This statement is laughable……..
Cheers!!
Thank you for your continued stewardship here in our local rag’s comments section, Uncle Denny. Wayland needs more folks with your integrity.
Amen! Stop the dummies from being dummies. My dog hides shakes something terrible. Stop the noise.
I have spent some time in Frankfort. To add a bit of support for your proposal, I point to an incident that occurred not so long ago. It’s very sad. It was in the winter of 2022.
Traverse City Eagle: “FRANKFORT — A 28-year-old Frankfort man died after he lit a firework and it exploded around 10 p.m. on Tuesday on the ice of Crystal Lake near Bellows Road, according to a Benzie County Sheriff’s Department press release.
Benzie County Sheriff Kyle Rosa said the man lit a mortar — which is an artillery firework that is placed into a tube and fired as a single shot — and it exploded, instantly killing him.
“A 27-year-old Frankfort man was also critically injured in the explosion and airlifted from Munson Medical Center, where he was rushed to via EMS and initially examined, to a Grand Rapids hospital.
Rosa said the man sustained burns and some fragmentation injuries from the explosion but, as far as he knew, was stable as of Thursday afternoon.
The men were gathered on the ice with a small group of people to set off fireworks to honor a deceased friend. No other injuries were reported.
Dr. Lois Goslinoski, the medical examiner for Benzie and Manistee County’s regional medical examiner’s office, is examining the 28-year-old man’s body, Rosa said, but no official cause of death has been released.”
I was told by someone from the area that the father of the the young man that died built a version of a mortar, was with the young men when it happened. It exploded, causing one death, and one set of very serious injuries.
Our beloved Della, an Irish retriever, was terrified by fireworks. I’m a wounded in action combat vet, and I don’t mind the properly regulated fireworks displays, but don’t like the uncontrolled, unregulated, whenever-you-want fireworks we now have thanks to Governor Snyder abd a republican legislature.
Our son, while he was still in school, played baseball with an athletically talented kid that blew off most of one hand playing with fireworks. He didn’t really know the kid, but news of it was a cautionary tale.
I love fireworks. I’m sorry for your pets. My dad loved fireworks, even though he was a veteran from WWIl.
If I remember correctly, when the law was first passed there were no restrictions on which days you could light them off.
C’mon friends, turn on the fan, turn up the tv, and allow us to celebrate for a couple days a year.
I am a fan of controlled fireworks. My Dad was a ww11 also we went to the fireworks with him. Fireworks back then were beautiful colors in the sky a sign of peace. Now around here we just have explosions no color in the sky. How can that be a sign of peace. You better check on the law there were restrictions?? You do not need to turn up the fan or the TV to watch colors in the sky!!
Rather laughable. My opinon.
Come on you guys, listen to CINO and Wilkens, you know how they’re law abiding citizens. Now that’s laughable, also, Dave, I think when the Culver’s opens maybe Wilkens can crack his wallet and buy you a burger. Don’t forget to invite CINO so he can bless the food first.
Fwrf,
Well that’s not enough of a statement. Tell us why already. Thanks. My opinion, my choice.
We all know what you mean. Same BS all the time!! this is a reply to FRWF not CINO.