Should Oregon Fireworks Regulations Be Changed?

Daniel's Political Musings posted an interesting question the day after the 4th of July, 2007. He asked, "Is it time for comprehensive firework reform in Oregon?"


Fair question, I think, to which I added my voice when others were talking about their freedoms to do as they will without interference or bureaucratic safety measures:


"I'm thinking regulating fireworks should be like setting speed limits.

We don't drive fast in neighborhoods because it puts people (and pets) at risk; fireworks used at home should be the benign and safe kind (yeah, and boring) because of where they are used--homes and neighborhoods shared with others.

Some folks and pets are sound sensitive; some people have to get up early for work. These beings might not share your house, but do share the neighborhood.

We do--I hope--live in a civil society where the needs of the community are sometimes put ahead of need for speed and loud-flashing-banging-screaming fireworks.

You want speed? Go to the racetrack. You want cool fireworks? Go to Fort Vancouver."

A farmer's perspecive on fireworks

A different perspective on fireworks can be found here, on Blogriculture. It's a really nice essay by Elaine Shein about how fireworks use has changed through the years, especially for those living in a rural environment.

It's always good to get another's perspective.