Remember sparklers? Little metal rods that spark when lit?
Sparklers can be big money, especially if you don’t turn them over to police this weekend. Sparklers are illegal in every city in Hampton Roads except Hampton. Get caught lighting them, and it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor. That’s up to a year and $2,500 for the thrill of sparks.
The Virginian-Pilot reports that seven checkpoints will be set up in Virginia Beach alone. Last year, 850 pounds of fireworks were captured by police.
Gangs? Robberies? Murders? Those measly crimes can wait, I guess. It’s fireworks on the 4th of July that are the menace.
Ever drive around this fair neck of the woods at anytime after midnight? 3000 pounds of car unmistakeably driven by people who spent hours in a bar and stayed completely sober.
But sparklers are dangerous.
Warner Athey commented on the story, saying:
“Maybe if the British had confiscated all rockets and explosives and anything that could start a fire, we wouldn’t have to worry about this Fourth of July thing.”
It’s about safety, they say. Fireworks can do a lot of damage…even sparklers. “A lot of people think they’re innocent,” said Battalion Chief Tim Riley, “but really, it’s burning metal.”
The city says they’re responding to citizen complaints. So, I ask you, Bearing Drift readers. Is this government reaching way beyond normality, or is this a responsive city protecting lives and property?
