Why I Hate Fireworks

"And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,..." - "Star Spangled Banner"

Each 4th of July, at dusk, we crane our necks skyward, and oo and ahh at the pyrotechnic marvels above. And they are indeed marvelous and fantastic. But fireworks, in their essence, are nothing more than glorified explosions. The "bombs bursting in air" in the Star Spangled Banner killed people; lots of people.

Without sounding too much like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, I think it's important to remember today what it is we're watching and recollecting. When Francis Scott Key penned his famous words, it was only after numerous casualties and sacrafices. Countries, not only America, are founded through violence, which then becomes myth, which is then glorified.

So when watching those burst of light and color tonight, have a Bud, sit back, and enjoy yourself. But while fireworks are beautiful, I think it's important to keep in mind that there are still myriad places in the world where a flash of bright light a deafening boom and explosion are not comforting or beautiful stimuli.