The Observation Deck

I would not take a $50.00 bill, or even a $20.00 bill and light a match to it, so that I could watch it burn up. Would you?

That is what happens in the evening of every 4th of July. Thousands of dollars go up in smoke.

No matter, how pretty those fireworks may be, (and beauty is only in the eye of the beholder) they do not feed hungry bellies, or replace old furnaces that are barely functioning, or repair old electrical wiring, etc. to folks, who are barely scrimping by. Those fireworks could offset increasing rates for city services or school supplies or....any number of things.

If the city is fine, with forcing its residents to drive extra miles for life-saving procedures and hospital services, then what is wrong, with residents driving to other communities to see fireworks?

I no longer enjoy the July 4th festivities. Why? Because more and more residents feel that ‘they know what they’re doing’ and put on their own firework displays.

The fact, that it is illegal, doesn’t seem to matter. The fact, that someone can get injured, doesn’t seem to matter.

A few months ago, I asked Police Chief Malley about his role in informing folks (ahead of time), that home displays are not allowed.

He replied, there is no good way to get the message out there. I suggested the back of the water bill - that would be a beginning. (After all, the water bill has been used for all sorts of messages.). The word would spread from there.

He acknowledged that he doesn’t like fireworks either.

(Of course, we all know, who the Police Chief takes his orders from…..)

So meanwhile, people with PTSD will suffer. Urban wildlife will suffer. Pets will suffer. I could go on..... but, for what?

To watch thousands of dollars explode in the air.

Please stay safe. Please act wisely.

pj I understand your concern. I am conflicted between the omnipresent choices of scarce resources and the ever present stand off of government vs. the individual. Ain't got an answer yet but thanks for posing the questions. Stan

Last time I heard an amount it was around $30,000. That does not include safety forces, clean-up, etc.

A far better way to celebrate America, Freedom from tyranny, and Democracy and that is FREE.

Release the documents, cost $0.00

Make all City Hall documents public as they should be.

.

Perfect metaphor PJ.

And one that will give people pause, I hope.

I used to be one of those revelers who put on their own show but these days I'd rather not see my hard-earned money go up in smoke. Frankly, I'd rather not see my hard-earned TAX dollars go up in smoke either.

Is Lakewood so well off that it can afford to keep this up? Hard to say. All I do know is that mayor Summers will do anything to keep up appearances!

I've come to terms that not everything is for me, and that's ok. I use the library only a handful of times a year, but I always vote for funding it fully. I think it's critically important to have a community-responsive library. I don't engage in any of the various dog-related festivities, since I don't have a dog, but the dog culture is so prevalent and passionate, I think it's an important constituency to serve, so that's fine. It's also a community builder. Much of it has value.

We did not go to the fireworks, but when the kids were younger we all went almost every year. It was great for family, and was a great demonstration of community as it has been, at least in my times attending, a positive experience. Except when they didn't work that one year....

Paul, I hear you, and I too, use to go to the fireworks and would sit and stare at the night sky and make happy sounds as things exploded in the air.

Right up until that time in the late ’70’s, or was it the ’80’s(?) that the wind shifted and blew ash in a lot of people’s eyes and burned their corneas.

My husband was one of those unfortunates, that ended up in the ER along with many, many other casualties, all clutching at their eyes. The pain was pretty bad.

I also use to chase down hamburgers and french fries with a real chocolate milk shake and was blissfully unaware of cholesterol and triglycerides, etc.

But now, I’m super aware of air pollution. (I didn’t mention that in my first post.). The stink is horrendous. And the haze created, that everyone ends up breathing, can’t be good.

(I live 1/2 mile from the park. I vouch for the air being pretty sucky.)

Lakewood has been on a tree-removing binge for the past several years, which has resulted in even fewer trees to do the work of cleaning the air…. that in the past, many use to do.

The thing is, Lakewood now shoots off fireworks for other events. More money is spent. More pollution is created. More upset to nature and house pets. More..... More.....

I feel that residents have their opportunity to get all warm n’ fuzzy with its community beginning at 10 am, when the parade begins to make its trek from Edwards to Belle.

And then, there’s hanging out in Lakewood Park all day - followed by the Lakewood Project giving its performance.

I guess, that after all that, I don’t see anything redeeming about fireworks. They don’t enrich my life. They don't make any kind of a change in my life in any way - unless I count hanging out in the ER with a bunch of eye casualties. (The moans and groans, coming from folks of all ages, was dreadful.)

If no other city was offering a firework display, then sure….. I guess someone should do it.
But, there are other options. Cleveland is right next door.

I realize that nothing will change; but, in the spirit of the LO, I just wanted to express my point of view.