Earlier tonight I saw a piece on local television about fireworks being illegal in the state of Illinois. The newscaster warned of the "stiff penalties" associated with carrying such heinous contraband across the state border. But really... fireworks?
Currently, 5 states ban the sale of fireworks: Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York & Rhode Island.Delaware is among the states that ban fireworks all together, but I'm certain that my experience with fireworks restrictions are similar.
4 states permit novelties only (sprinklers, etc.): Illinois, Iowa, Maine & Vermont
19 states set few restrictions; 20 have no restrictions.
I live about forty minutes from the Wisconsin border. Wisconsin is a state with unrestricted fireworks sales, so every year Illinoisans ritualistically drive north en masse (or east to Gary, Indiana) to buy fireworks. Stores across the border make a killing. Not one mile beyond the border with Wisconsin (slightly beyond Mars Cheese Curd Factory... oh Wisconsin...:) there is a fireworks MEGASTORE. Should you choose to drive east from Chicago into Indiana, you will encounter fireworks billboard advertisements in Illinois state territory.
Fireworks laws are senseless nationally. People acquire the 'contraband' by simply driving across the state border and injure themselves anyway. Companies selling fireworks need to print clear instructions on their packages with warning labels indicating the dangers. If states want to play a role in firework safety, educate. Give money to local governments to run workshops or just leave that to non-profit organizations entirely. People seem to love their 4th of July fireworks, why take that away from them?
The bottom line: when you purchase a product, you assume the risk. If you're properly warned, it's your responsibility and if something goes wrong, you must accept the consequences.
Happy 4th of July.
6 comments:
it is b.s. that you can not have any fire works in IL that are fun. even though almost all the states around us can. the gov. does not get how much money they would make if they allowed them.it would be nice to get an accual answer form them saying exacly why we cant have more fireworks than just dam sparklers shit like that.
A dem for limited government? Taking a step toward the dark side are we Paul?
i believe in limited gov on some things.
my ideas are more complicated than what's dictated by ideology.
I've always found it interesting that the parties tend to pick and choose the areas in which they desire limited government. I'm not a libertarian, nor do I agree with all that they say, but I respect their consistency (at least those who are true libertarians).
Your ideas are more complicated because you are smart.
Don't political titles and boxes just tick you off?
They sure do me
Wisconsin changes 2007 fireworks law. With the new changes full "C" 1.4g or consumer fireworks that fly and bang can be legally purchased, transported and discharged by citizens if they aquire a permit from the local township or city office. It will take a year or two for the local gov boards to adopt ordinances and design a permit for use. This is a big step toward uniform regs and the ability to enforce illegal use. Full details at: http://www.vipfireworks.us/Wisconsin_Fireworks_Permit_Page.htm
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