I agree with both Dolores Early of Kent and Dr. Jim Brass of Auburn regarding moronic use of fireworks by individuals to celebrate our July 4 holiday.

What used to be a celebration of our freedom has turned into an act of terrorism. People no longer have enough common sense to be trusted with these dangerous projectiles. I approached several parties using illegal fireworks in Auburn and advised them of regulations. The kids didn’t object, but the parents and adults were totally clueless to the point of being absurd, insisting they had every right to continue.

If in all this noise and choking residue there was a glimpse of patriotism, I would be encouraged.

Aside from the fact that homes are burnt down and property destroyed every year, the money spent is staggering. How much better to spend the time and money with live men and women veterans who have given up their jobs, families and their own personal freedoms to protect and defend your right to act like uncivilized fools pretending to celebrate with noise and destruction.

How much better to spend time with your children touring a veterans hospital and thanking soldiers in person. How much better to contribute your money to any kind of support system for these vets coming home and leaving again and again to fight the battle.

On a practical note: how about a statewide ban on personal fireworks?

The professional shows are safer and saner, if there is such a thing. It’s easier for the police and fire departments to monitor and leave the rest of us – who by the way have rights too – to celebrate quietly in our own way.

Then when working citizens get up in the a.m. to go to work the next day, all of the firework folks can get back to driving too fast, talking and texting on their latest electronic gadget behind the wheel, tailgating and generally acting in every single way like the great American citizens they pretend to be.

Check regulations for everything when you move into a community. That is what responsible adults do to be good examples for their kids.

– Pat Horn