Fireworks & Big Mother Legislation
 

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.

I think you should be free to do whatever you want to yourself, even if that means blowing off some fingers.

Thanks for the heads-up, *Note to self* never move to Minnesota.

Woot's roong wit Mini-soot-ah, eh?

No sparklers though... That means no sparkler bombs! Outrageous.

me and a friend were in wal mart the other day trying to buy some of those things you use at birthdays (you spray it on the guy's face things, i dont remember what they're called).

anyway, we reached the checkout and the cashier asked for ID!!! he was under 18, so i had to buy it for him.

My brother couldn't buy whipper snaps at the store down in Northfield, MN because he isnt 18. I find that totally ridiculous because I remember us as kids buying them at like age 5.

Is this to prevent people from hurting themselves or due to fire danger? In Cali fireworks aren't legal at all and in Oregon nothing that leaves the ground is legal. But it isn't so much to do with hurting oneself (although public awareness campaigns about safety are run throughout the season) as it is about our forests and fields and dry season.

The only reasoning that I've been able to dig up to support the anti-fireworks (mostly dems) crowd was "kids .. keep all their fingers." This is pretty much as ridiculous as claims that noise from fireworks "drives a person nuts." (link)

Fireworks-related injuries are not a major concern, and really shouldn't be. Allowing fireworks would bring some more money to the state (one of only nine in which fireworks are illegal yet in which 40% of the nations fireworks-related injuries occur).

That type of logic is so inconsistant. By the same token, skateboards should be abolished as many more injuries are attributed to them than fireworks, and of course, it is the governments job to protect us from ourselves.

But, I can't complain. Here in PA, an equally restrictive state, they are finally repealing the motorcycle helmet law!

OH NO!! How is the government going to gaurd me against my own motorcycle stupidity now???

Noise drives people nuts? That's why people get them ...

Since when did the Democrats become anti-fun? I think fireworks are great, and their usage should only be restricted in densely populated areas where they have a good chance of causing injury, and during droughts, when they can spark forest fires. If a few college kids want to go down to the beach or to an open field and (while sober) light off a few bottle rockets and roman candles, as long as they aren't pointing them at people, they should be allowed to. If there are a lot of boaters, I can see not wanting them going over the water, but at night, not many boats are out there.

I'm going to stop rambling now.

I live out in the desert of California and, according to the public service announcement I saw, if it "goes off in the air or explodes on the ground...it's illegal." That's just about everything. Of course it's more of a fire hazard here than a safety concern... but couldn't they just ban explosive stuff in the city? A big sandy field is no fire hazard...

Years back, my neighbors kid set the roof of my garage on fire with bottle rockets. He just watched while it burned. did nothing to put it out, call me to tell me, nothing. THAT'S why there are laws like Minnesota's. One asshole whole can't be responsible with 'em!

Thats still not a good enough reason to ban them. There are assholes involved in everything we do. We don't ban driving because some drunk asshole kills somebody with his car. I agree with restrictions involving urban areas or dry conditions, but people deserve the freedom to do what they want within reason without government restrictions.

Sorry about your garage dude:(

Isn't Minnesota called the state where nothing is allowed?

Yes, unfortunately. :(

Well, that is why we have a justice system -- to prosecute those (or the parents of those) who cannot be trusted to not be completely irresponsible morons. Punishing a majority for the actions of under 1%, has never been a good idea.

I think that's the state motto, actually :)

Fireworks aren't allowed inside city limits where I'm at. You can't buy them there either.

Thankfully, they're legal as soon as you leave the city. A large group of us got together at the college campus and trucked out our bags full of fireworks and set them off right outside city limits.


I just think that if I want to blow off a couple of fingers and wave sparklers out of my ass all night long then I should be allowed to do it. I swear to god....one stupid hillbilly and the rest of us suffer....:mad:

Hey, the bigger the better. They are not legal here, but I sat up half the night last night thinking it was a war zone. Everyone flouts the law. Let people have fun. One point should be made; We had the first 2 full had transplants done here, and both were guys who blew their hands off with large fireworks. Ouch.

I think all forms of fireworks should be legal. I mean guns are worse, but legal. Kids just need to learn to be carefull and use them the right way. even though kids accidentally shoot each other every year, the gov't won't take those away. you know why, the constitution and the NRA won't let them. no one is that concerned about fireworks so i guess those of us in your situation need to make frequent drives out of state in the summer. :)

If a person want them banned, then ban them through a city ordinance, (like owning farm animals). There is no need for the goverment to play big brother about such things, stupid people will do stupid things. I say let them pay for their mistakes with there own money.