Everyone loves to see the fireworks on he 4th of July. Trouble is, most of us don’t like hearing them as we lie in bed at 1 a.m. while trying to sleep. Unfortunately, politicians don’t really care about sick people, combat veterans, animals and small children who are forced to hear cherry bombs and rockets going off at all hours of the night. I suppose that the mayor and city council members feel they’ll get more votes if they allow the city’s numerous cases of arrested development to disturb the peace well after midnight. But they’ll lose my vote, for sure. Ban Misanthropic Midnite Fireworks, now.
After taking a pain pill for a bad back at 12:30. I called the police dispatch department. Couldn’t believe that the bombs and rockets going off in our neighborhood were being set off legally. The woman who answered was friendly and understanding. “Oh, they’re still going off at 4 a . m. in my neighborhood,” she said. “And the police don’t stop them?” I asked. “nah,” she replied. It’s actually legal until one o’clock in th morning, but nobody enfores the law. However, I’ll make a note of your call.” Then she asked my address, so I suppose I’m now on record at city hall as a troublemaking old biddy.
“Does these people enjoy making others miserable?” I asked. She said she didn’t know, so I pursued the topic. “Maybe they’re unhappy people who want others to share in their misery,” I philosophized. She said she wasn’t sure what motivated the crazies. I could tell she had other calls waiting, so I hung up.
Apparently, shooting fire crackers has great appeal for risk takers. Fireworks are also explosives, and can be dangerous. According to Kansas State University psychology professor Mary Cain, this adds to their appeal. “Engaging in risky behaviors is very reinforcing for people,” she said. “For some, it can cause the release of a chemical in the brain that makes people feel good.” She goes on to explain that such people are “high sensation seekers.” They love things like roller coasters and sky diving . I don’t like either one of those.
Many cities ban the shooting of fireworks altogether, and others say they must stop after 9 p.m. I’m not sure why the politicians who run our city approve them, but I’d like them to ban misanthropic midnight fireworks.