Photo: Getty Images
Last night when I took our dog Magnus out for his final pre-bed event, someone either in our neighborhood or close by, was letting off a few fireworks.
It didn't bother me and it didn't bother Magnus, but I am aware that many people have pets who freak out when fireworks go bang!
And then of course there are our Veterans who fought for our freedoms. Some of them get triggered by fireworks and it takes them back to a bad place and time. This can happen to my brother-in-law by the way and so it is very close to home for me.
I feel the responsible thing to do is to inform your neighbors of what you are going to do so they can take appropriate action.
I don't believe private fireworks should be banned. Ever.
As John Adams wrote to Abigail on July 3, 1776 after the Declaration had been signed "It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations (fireworks) from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."
I will be in Los Angeles on July 4th and April and around 50 listeners and we will be headed off the bow of the Queen Mary to watch an organized display. On the way there and back we will see hundreds (not an exaggeration) of private firework events. That's illegal in LA by the way, but clearly the population doesn't care and the police do not do any enforcement.
Iowans seem very polarized on this issue, but I want to know what you think ahead of Independence Day next week. Should we freedom-loving Americans be legally able to set off fireworks at any time?
Take part in today's Poll...
Our polls are not scientific and are for entertainment