…and another muggy one. Frequent rumbles of thunder, occasional light showers.

River grass, anchored to the bottom, but going with the flow

Pax has not fully recovered from last night, and the off-and-on thunder has not helped him settle down.

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Why I’m Down On Fireworks

1) They are, in essence, a re-enactment of war—bombs bursting in air, and all that. Since war is bad, there is really no need to have pretend battles or to glorify the worst of humanity’s accomplishments.

2) Shooting off fireworks demonstrates a lack of consideration. The effects of pyrotechnics spread far beyond the point of ignition, and while you, the igniter, might like big bangs, many other people within range may not. Think of them, perhaps?

3) Fireworks terrorize both wild and domestic animals, disrupting natural systems and causing unnecessary trauma.

4)The thrill of fireworks is superficial and ephemeral. Whereas observing a work of art (painting, dance, film, etc.) has a residual cognitive effect, fireworks are an intellectual sugar cookie.

5) Fireworks pollute—the air as well as the land and water below any aerial display.

The one example of what I would call “appropriate” fireworks occurred many (many) years ago (pre-teen times if I remember right) in a neighbor kid’s basement. A large utility sink was filled with water, and then a lighted cherry bomb was dropped in. The result was: 1) more flood-like than war-like, 2) virtually unnoticed outside the person’s house, 3) scared no animal, 4) was memorable, clearly demonstrated the laws of physics, and had lasting consequences, and 5) actually led to the cleaning of a messy basement.