Jeff Stahler for July 03, 2021

Around here, even without the drought, setting off “interesting” fireworks without a license (basically proof that you’re able to be sober, thoughtful and know which way to aim) is illegal. And now, several municipalities have forbidden ANY personal fireworks, what with the drought, the super-dry landscape. That’s MUCH nicer for pets, not to mention curmudgeonly old dudes…

I usually don’t mind fireworks, but not this year. Here’s hoping municipalities have oceans, lakes or large rivers nearby to shoot them over if they’re going to do it.

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I’m just glad we finally got rain here. Almost too much, but it was worrying me having a dry forth. As, most people aren’t that bright when it comes to dry weather and fireworks.

We’ll miss them again this year. Hate that, but t’is the way of things.

My town had them this past Saturday night. Since last year’s budget was unspent, this year’s display was twice as fancy. And the best part was it was moved to a waterfront park two blocks away and we had a perfect view from my front porch. It was so nice to just be able to hang out with friends again.

Probably a better value.

Something I have always wondered, why should parents pay for their kids college? There are tens of thousands of scholarships available, many of which are seldom applied for. I used the GI Bill.

Yet today fewer than 1% of Americans volunteer for military service. (Military services also offer free college courses) The USAF has an accredited college. I told each of my kids that they were on their own to pay for college. 3 of them now have degrees and excellent careers.

The Fourth used to be special as the only real significant fireworks display. Now it’s just another — perhaps larger — display, but otherwise, quite ordinary as every weekend during the rest of the year has [mostly illegal] fireworks where I live … becoming a source of annoyance rather than a special feeling of community or unity.

I have enough dangerous chemicals around the house. I don’t need to add pyrotechnics to the list. I will leave dealing with explosives to the experts.

A true patriot. “Who needs that subversive, egghead ‘thinking’ being taught to our children? Abolish elementary schools!” – The people who think that all those wonderful rockets and firearms are made by Jeebus, not science

There’s two kinds of parents.

Those with high paying jobs and deposit $1000’s in their kids college fund every year.

And those of us who borrow money to send their kid to college. Or watch their kids enlist in the military to get college. Or maybe, just maybe get any scholarships the first group didnt already snatch up. Or whose kids simply never try because they can’t afford it.

It’s his money. He can do whatever he wants with it.

Many years ago, I returned from our South Dakota vacation to my Duluth neighborhood with Black Cats, fountains, bottle rockets and roman candles. I became the most popular 10 year old in the neighborhood for awhile.

Herein lies the pyro-dox.

And remember:

Don’t let children play with fireworks. Leave that to adults who’ve been drinking all day!

Neither is cheap!!

♪ “And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there” ♪ Cue Hendrix….

It’s been Years since the last time I checked prices on Fireworks.

It was outrageous then. I can’t bear to think of what they cost Now.

We live 15 miles SW of Portland, Oregon. There is a total ban on any and all fireworks this year. There’s an annual Public Service Announcement on TV to NOT call 911 regarding seeing fireworks bottle rockets falling on your roof. 911 is ONLY for REAL emergencies like WHEN your roof is on fire. Thank you in advance for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Have a safe and sane 4th of July. . . . /S

I’ve never much cared for fireworks and sudden or unexpected loud bangs make me extremely nervous (for any number of reasonably good reasons).

I really hate to think what someone with PTSD has to go thru during these holidays where fireworks are common. Not to mention the effect on pets and the fire danger from selfish idiots with no self discipline. And I’m just willing to bet that many, if not most, of these self entitled, so called patriots, never served even a month of active duty with the military.

I can stand the occasional professional displays… but then they start at a specified time and only last a very brief while and are done safely and sanely.

why not just take 200 -1 dollar bills out in the driveway and set fire to them and watch the colors? makes just as much sense

I hope he still has the money to pay the fines, court fees and judgments.

I watched on the TV on Jan 6 while an UnAmerican Maga took down an American flag at the Capitol and put up a traitor Trump flag. Defund the republican traitors.

San Francisco’s minimum wage rose 25 cents to $16.32 per hour Thursday after the latest annual increase tied to the Consumer Price Index.

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