Time to ban fireworks in Tumwater

Let’s put the famous John Adams quote about celebrating the 4th of July in perspective. In 1776 the “continent” ended at the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains. It would be 27 years before Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark to determine if there was a continent. The main method of transportation was the horse. The population of Boston was 18,320. The City of Tumwater was Native Americans and trees. Fireworks in 1776 came from muskets and cannon.

Numerous cities across the nation have banned private fireworks. This was not done to step on the rights of the few who shoot off fireworks; it was done to protect the rights of many who don’t shoot off fireworks.

Fireworks advocates in Tumwater, Lacy and Olympia have a unique opportunity to break the law by exercising their “right” to purchase fireworks at the nearby Native Indian reservations.That is the , “if I can buy it, I have a right to use it” law. Not so.

Fireworks advocates claim that the current regulations are sufficient, and at the same time claim that enforcement does not work. Water down the regulations to nothing and then claim they don’t work: priceless. That is why fireworks, all fireworks, except community displays, must be banned.

People who operate fireworks stands say they need to sell fireworks to support their not for profit business. To put it another way, “Your pain is our financial gain”.

Please vote “yes” to ban fireworks in Tumwater.

This story was originally published October 19, 2016 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Time to ban fireworks in Tumwater."