Fireworks Dumbitude
The older I get (and as I approach “you kids get off my lawn”-ness), the more I get frustrated by fireworks in the wild. By that I mean: I love a good fireworks display, but wish people would stop buying the durn things and setting them off days before (and days after) the 4th of July (or New Year’s Eve) in my neighborhood. They upset the dog and are just generally annoying. Further, and more importantly, they are dangerous—after all we are talking gunpowder, phosphorous, etc. It is why, despite yearly pleas I refuse to buy any for my kids.
The stupidity of the fireworks in the hands of teenagers in particular was confirmed this Fourth, when my kids and I went down to Riverfront Park in downtown Montgomery and some kids thought it would be hilarious to set off fireworks in a crowd (which did result in an ambulance visit).
If I needed more evidence for my position, the NFL provideth: New York Giants pull $60M offer to Jason Pierre-Paul
The New York Giants are withdrawing their $60 million long-term contract offer to Jason Pierre-Paulfollowing the star pass rusher’s fireworks incident over the weekend, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per three sources informed of the situation.
JPP suffered a hand injury Saturday night while attempting to light fireworks. He required hospitalization, and will remain in a Miami-area hospital for the next few days. Rapoport reported that, as of Sunday night, doctors were still examining for nerve damage and other issues related to the incident.
Seriously, folks, leave the explosives to experts. Yes, they are pretty and going “boom” can be fun, but again, they are explosives.
Ever since my 3-year-old (at the time) was nearly blinded by a falling mortar shot off by amateurs, I’ve been in general agreement with you. The fact is, you’re talking about shit that’s naturally dangerous, but is made in China and then set off by drunks. Sorry, but my risk-assessment meter is pegged at ‘unreasonable’.
Gotta love Pennsylvania’s stance toward fireworks. People from neighboring states are shocked that the “good” stuff sold at the fireworks stores at the PA border are NOT LEGAL TO SET OFF IN THE STATE. PA’s stance is “hey, these are dangerous, and shouldn’t be used. BUT WE WILL TOTALLY MAKE MONEY OFF YOU IDIOTS!”
It also has the potential to trigger PTSD in war veterans. Which seems like a particularly f’ed-up thing to do on the 4th of July.
As a firefighter I had plenty of experience treating injuries but property damage is huge. The most common was the pop bottle rocket going into the summer dry Pfitzers next to a house which went up like gasoline, the flames generally got into the soffit vent and then the attic – good times for all.
Actually, there shouldn’t be any kind of restrictions on explosives, since we have a Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and explosives are arms…
Hey we need another 300 post Second Amendment thread:-).
Darwin prevails again!
http://news.yahoo.com/police-man-shoots-off-firework-top-head-dies-135937499.html
On Facebook I read about a drunk moron who set a roman candle off on the top of his head and was killed instantly. Darwin award anyone?
@ernieyeball: OK you beat me and had a link to boot.
@ernieyeball: No one dies like Gaston, no one fries like Gaston, no one shoots fireworks from his head like Gaston…..
I’ll see myself out…..
Fireworks related Disney death is newest in string of Gaston incidents
Way too much information!
http://www.geek.com/news/firework-related-disney-death-newest-in-string-of-gaston-incidents-1627160/
@ernieyeball: There’s more:
Another man killed after launching fireworks off his body — this time in Texas
@Ron Beasley: Definitely a candidate.