And yet...

Here in Florida, it's illegal to buy, sell or explode fireworks... and yet, they were on every street corner and store.

Here in Florida, the only thing that a person can legally possess is "sparklers", which should be placed into the ground and lit - not waved around by toddlers in the middle of the street without parental supervision.

Here in Florida, if you purchase the illegal fireworks then you have to sign a waiver which states that you do indeed fall under the one of three categories that are allowed to use them - fish hatchery owner, permit holder or railroad company owner... basically, if you buy these fireworks and sign the waiver then you are protecting the illegal seller by committing fraud.

Here in Florida, you could be punished with up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1000 plus the court costs.

These sound really strict, and yet... I was up until almost 2 a.m. because of idiotic people with a severe lack of respect for others around them.  It started at 1 a.m. yesterday and the cacophony of noise did not stop until 2 a.m. today.  My yard is littered with debris from local pyromaniacs who were a part of this stupidity and I can guarantee that they will not be out cleaning it up later today.

I support my country and her 236th birthday but I sure do wish that this yearly display of stupidity would stop.  I wish that on her 237th birthday, not a single firework is available for purchase.  If there is a law, which there obviously is, then police it, enforce it and stand by it. 

I know that my family, including my pets, would appreciate it.

If you are curious about your state, you can click here to be taken to the American Pyrotechnics Association's state by state listing of the laws.  At the very bottom of the state pages, they graciously give each state's enforcing authority information - I, for one, will be writing them today.