DEAR EDITOR:
I just read the letter written by Jeannette Stimac in the
”
Your Voice
”
section in the July 22 edition of The Dispatch. I would like to
offer a different opinion on this issue.
DEAR EDITOR:
I just read the letter written by Jeannette Stimac in the “Your Voice” section in the July 22 edition of The Dispatch. I would like to offer a different opinion on this issue.
I am having a problem understanding the logic that Ms. Stimac uses in pleading her case about banning “safe and sane” fireworks in Gilroy. As with Ms. Stimac, my heart also goes out to the family that lost their home that night. However, was this the result of “safe and sane” fireworks or was it the result of illegal fireworks? I would bet it was the latter.
I also ask, were any of these emergencies that night the fault of “safe and sane” fireworks? This is important to know if your are going to support the ban of these fireworks. Is there any evidence to support a ban?
Ms. Stimac wrote, “I did not feel free in my own town that night, and I am sure the victims of illegal fireworks still are feeling less free today because of it all.” I place emphasis on the word “ILLEGAL.” The fact that Ms. Stimac acknowledges that it was the illegal fireworks that made her uneasy basically cancels out her logic for wanting to ban the legal fireworks. This logic is the equivalent of killing your pig because the fox ate your chickens. That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, does it? Nor do I believe that the fine people of Gilroy adopt a mob mentality and an “anything goes” attitude because “safe and sane” fireworks are legal.
The fact of the matter is people that insist on using illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July will continue to do so regardless of whether or not “safe and sane” fireworks are banned in Gilroy. To my knowledge, these illegal fireworks cannot be purchased at any “safe and sane” fireworks booth. That means that people have to go out of their way to acquire illegal fireworks. Therefore, they completely understand that they are breaking the law. Is banning “safe and sane” fireworks all of a sudden going to scare these lawbreakers into legal compliance? Give me a break!!!!
Banning “safe and sane” fireworks is not the solution. What needs to happen to these lawbreakers is prosecution to the full extent of the law and financial liability for the damage they cause. This should be strictly enforced, period.
I have no motives for not supporting a ban other than the fact that my family looks forward to enjoying “safe and sane” fireworks every Fourth. Why should us law abiding and responsible citizens have to be penalized because of a few degenerates that are breaking the law? It doesn’t make sense. It’s flawed logic. And it’s wrong.
Alan E. Naysnerski, Gilroy
Submitted Tuesday, July 22 to ed****@****ic.com
The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.
