Fireworks aren't for everyone

Fireworks aren't for everyone. The blatant disregard for neighbors and their pets, law enforcement, fire department, animal shelter and emergency services in our county is rampant. County commissioners and law enforcement are becoming more and more frustrated by the lack of respect for others, their property and privacy. Fireworks don't have to be banned nor should feuds develop over their misuse, but ordinances need to be in place so that law enforcement has some authority to prevent problems.

The trauma that fireworks cause to pets and livestock can never be fully understood. Many animals die every year from the sheer terror of explosives surrounding them and nowhere to escape. Fireworks distract drivers, cause noise and air pollution, litter, and sleepless nights for those that still work through it all.

The purchase of fireworks stimulates the economy of other nations. How about supporting your own country —the one you are celebrating the freedom of? Alternatives to fireworks would be to donate the money you would normally spend to a municipal swimming pool, the Food Bank, Mission Valley Animal Shelter, Mission Mountain Enterprises, the Boys and Girls Club of America, your child's college fund, Relay for Life or any charity of your choice. There are many places in our community where beautiful fireworks can be seen in a controlled environment and Mountain View Drive shouldn't have to be one of them.

Think about buying your child a new swim suit, bike, water toy or other healthy alternative to fireworks. A reenactment of warfare with hand grenades, bombs, missiles, torpedoes and fire seems to be a regressive form of behavior for a "progressive" nation.

I encourage you to call your county commissioners and support an ordinance of some kind within the entire county.

Jeri Halford

Polson