The flouting of Federal Way's fireworks ban

Mirror editor Pat Jenkins’ column July 3 about Federal Way being a fireworks-free zone made me realize that we live on the wrong side of the freeway.

Our property borders Interstate 5 on the east side. It was anything but a fireworks-free zone in our area. Many people were in flagrant violation of the law against illegal fireworks. It makes one wonder where the officers were that were to impose penalties for such violations.

The abusive noise went on in our area until well after 3 a.m. It made for a very long day and night. People are very disrespectful of others.

When my husband approached our next-door neighbors when they started shooting off illegal fireworks after 10:30 p.m., they just told him, “Go on home and have a happy Fourth.” It seems getting people to follow the rules is hopeless. And what is that teaching the children?

If there were any real strength put into enforcing these laws, I’m sure people would find alternative ways to show their patriotism. If they were given a hefty fine and/or a few days in the clinker, as Jenkins wrote, they might rethink their ideas of breaking the peace during the days of Fourth of July celebrations. To say nothing of the accidents, injuries and fires it would save, and the peace it would give animals.

If it takes fireworks to make them happy, they can join others at the Red, White and Blues Festival in Federal Way, the Des Moines fireworks display or the Fourth of Jul-Ivar celebration. Each year, the Mirror lists plenty of fireworks displays. People would save money, and it would be much safer for everyone.

It boggles my mind that the Indians have all the rights of U.S. citizenship and yet they also have the right to sell illegal fireworks. If they sold something beneficial, it would be one thing, but they should not be allowed to sell something harmful.

DELORES WARNER

Federal Way

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