As published in the Record Journal Wednesday July 3,
2013
Do you get fired-up over fireworks? What is it worth to you to light-up your
town’s night sky to celebrate our nation’s annual Independence Day?
These
questions were, in part, explored as part of yesterday’s news story focusing on
whether public fireworks displays should be expendable during constricted
economic times.
While some aver that “everyone” loves robust public
fireworks, the reality is that such events are not each citizen’s cup of
celebratory tea.
On one hand, significant crowds gather en mas se to
behold the spectacle and, hopefully, renew the solemn covenant between America
and her citizens. On the other, there are those who grouse vociferously that
after all the sturm und dr ang of ofttimes painful municipal budget-cutting,
taxpayer dollars are going up in smoke (literally) for a misguided interval of fleeting
jubilation.
High-end fireworks displays can be dazzling — perhaps
triumphant. Less ambitious presentations may prove a tad lackluster. Quite
understandably, then, if a municipality embarks upon spending, say, $25,000 to
illuminate the July 4 th evening sky, it had better thrill event-goers (i.e.
provide plenty of bang for the buck).
Whether publically funded by
taxpayers through town budgets or paid for by dedicated efforts of private
fundraising, the “show must go on” mindset is prevalent.
Fighting
political wars over expenditures pales in comparison to historic wars fought for
freedom. If it helps uplift spirits during difficult times while stroking
passions of national pride and unity, all should avail themselves of patriotism’s fervor.
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