Minnesota is one of a few states which have made illegal any sort of firework which may be even somewhat entertaining. A couple of years ago there was a media-staged "controversy" regarding an amendment to the ban which allowed -- collective gasp --
sparklers to be purchased and used legally. We can't use firecrackers of any sort, bottle-rockets, mortars, roman candles, pinwheels, or any of the "good stuff". Of course, those who want fireworks just drive 20 miles to Wisconsin and pick them up there, but that shouldn't be necessary.
What do you guys think of "Big Mother" legislation like this which seeks to limit access to mostly harmless goods in order to protect a vast minority of people who are stupid enough to injure themselves by eating or taking apart fireworks? According to the CPSC and American Pyrotechnics Association (
LINK) more people are injured by cigarette lighters than fireworks. Over twice as many people are injured by fireplaces/chimneys than by fireworks.
This, to me, is just another example of how Minnesota is trying to be a nanny-state, and completely absolve parents of being responsible for their kids and what their kids are stupid enough to do. It blows my mind.