Published: June 25, 2008 02:19 pm      

Legalize consumer fireworks in Maryland

The Maryland legislature now permits the sale and use of certain ground-based consumer fireworks such as cones and fountains.

While this may have been a valid restriction at some point in history, the limitation preventing Maryland residents from using full line aerial consumer fireworks is no longer appropriate. The time has come to legalize the sale and use of all consumer fireworks in Maryland.

The spirit of the Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence - Charles Carroll, Samuel Chase, Thomas Stone and William Paca - should rise once again, break the chains of anti-fireworks servitude, and legalize the full line of consumer fireworks in the old Line State.

The imperative for the legislature to "protect" its citizens from the dangers of consumer fireworks is long gone.

The consumer fireworks today are the safest ever, and the injuries associated with the use of consumer fireworks are at an all-time low.

There simply is no longer any need for the limiting laws in Maryland that prevent citizens from enjoying the family celebrations associated with a full line home consumer fireworks display.

The fireworks-related injuries in America have dropped dramatically, and the use of consumer fireworks has gone up several fold.

From 1992 to 2006, the actual number of fireworks-related injuries has dropped over 26 percent, while during the same period use of fireworks measured by imports from China has increased from 87.1 million pounds to 278.2 million pounds, an increase of almost 220 percent.

Based on injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks used, injuries have dropped an amazing 76 percent since 1992. This is based on information published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Former President John Adams predicted in 1776 in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that Independence Day "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade ... bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore." Fireworks provide the citizens of this state and this nation a means to celebrate their freedoms.

Countless Americans, past and present, have fought for our freedom, but in Maryland, citizens are still not able to celebrate this cherished right with the full line of consumer fireworks.

The limiting Maryland law that makes aerial consumer fireworks illegal is a violation of every citizen's right to celebrate Independence Day as John Adams predicted it ought to be celebrated.

Celebrating Independence Day in the United States without the full line of consumer fireworks is like celebrating Thanksgiving without turkeys or New Years without the ball dropping.

Traditions are passed down within families, nations, and cultures. The tradition of celebrating Independence Day and freedom with fireworks is ingrained in the very soul of our country. There is nothing more strongly associated with the tradition of Independence Day than fireworks.

Write to your state legislator and let them know that you want the right to celebrate your freedom with the full line of consumer fireworks in Maryland in the spirit of John Adams.

Please enjoy the Independence Day holiday with your family and celebrate safely.

William A. Weimer
Vice president, Phantom Fireworks
Youngstown, Ohio