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McCook Gazette
Letter to the Editor

Beyond reason

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Dear Editor,

Believing I am of sound mind and normal intelligence, I still struggle with the rationale (other than money) of having 13 days for an individual to legally discharge fireworks from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. to celebrate a national holiday.

I've long had the impression that Independence Day, Labor Day, New Year's Eve, etc., were all one day in duration -- not 13! Be grateful for these days and consider celebrating the remainder of the associated days in your heart, not in everyone else's earshot.

Not only is the number of days to legally discharge fireworks beyond reason, but from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.? Excuse me, but many people have not awakened by 8 a.m. and others are trying to sleep before 11 p.m.

More important than anything is the safety of our children. Has anyone given thought to the children who are home unsupervised because both parents work? If fireworks are within sight and reach, the temptation to experiment with them is overwhelming! The result -- children in emergency rooms, burn units, some losing eyes, fingers, toes, etc. Is this the celebration we really want?

In addition, fireworks drive some children and most pets into a fear frenzy. Many people must tranquilize their children and pets (check with any veterinarian about the latter), the pets often breaking out of the kennels, jumping fences and either lost forever or winding up at the Humane Society.

Are the offenders discharging fireworks or the City of McCook going to pay for the consequences? I think not!

C'mon, McCook -- let's wake up on our own! We really don't need 15 hours a day for 13 days of fireworks as an alarm clock to reason. Do we?

Leila Gubler

McCook

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  • Dear Leila, I am old enough to remember having nothing to remember about how long, how many, nor what size, was "Legal." You are right, fireworks are dangerous. So, too, was the war fought to obtain 'Independence.'

    We stand in a time, today, where too many Americans seem to have forgotten the price paid, now paying, and will pay, to purchase the Independence, and freedom we now enjoy.

    I wish there was a pleasant way of saying this, but, I find it ironic, so many of the people/citizens who complain the loudest about our celebrating Independence, never physically defended this country, by going into 'Harm's Way.' I will leave it at that, except to recall: 'Freedom is not free.'

    I do thank you, however, for actually calling this holiday by the 'Given' name of 'Independence Day,' and not 'Fourth of July.' I also, love the fact that you are free enough, and bold enough, to voice your opinion, without the fear of physical reprisal. I hope you respect my using that same freedom to disagree with you. Old 'War Dog's' tend to have greater support for a 'Blow-out' celebration of Independence day.

    A bit of cotton in the ear, and please enjoy the second most important celebration, in this country, that gives us our freedoms.

    Shalom/Peace in Christ (He is #1), Arley Steinhour

    -- Posted by Navyblue on Thu, Jul 3, 2008, at 3:54 PM
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