Several years ago, the Minnesota Legislature modified its long-standing ban on the sale and use of all consumer fireworks and permitted the sale and use of certain ground-based items such as cones and fountains. While this was a great initial effort, it was just that — a first step that should now be taken to the next level. The time has come to legalize the sale and use of all consumer fireworks in Minnesota.

The Minnesota pioneer spirit exemplified by such individuals as Joseph Nicollet, Louis Hennepin, Henry Schoolcraft and Jonathan Carver should rise once again, complete the process and legalize the full line of consumer fireworks in the North Star State.

The imperative for the Legislature to “protect” its citizens from the dangers of consumer fireworks is long gone. The consumer fireworks today are the safest ever, and the injuries associated with the use of consumer fireworks are at an all-time low. There simply is no longer any need for the limiting laws in this state that prevent citizens from enjoying the family celebrations associated with a full line home consumer fireworks display.

The fireworks-related injuries in America have dropped dramatically, and the use of consumer fireworks has gone up several fold. From 1992 to 2006, the actual number of fireworks-related injuries has dropped over 26 percent, while during the same period, use of fireworks measured by imports from China has increased from 87.1 million pounds to 278.2 million pounds, an increase of almost 220 percent. Based on injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks used, injuries have dropped an amazing 76 percent since 1992. This is based on information published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Former President John Adams predicted in 1776 in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that Independence Day “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade … bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore.” Fireworks provide the citizens of this state and this nation a means to celebrate their freedoms.

Countless Americans, past and present, have fought for our freedom, but in Minnesota, citizens are still not able to celebrate this cherished right with a full line of consumer fireworks. The limiting Minnesota law that makes aerial consumer fireworks illegal is a violation of every citizen’s right to celebrate Independence Day as John Adams predicted it ought to be celebrated.

Celebrating Independence Day in the United States without the full line of consumer fireworks is like celebrating Thanksgiving without turkeys or New Years without the ball dropping. Traditions are passed down within families, nations and cultures. There is nothing more strongly associated with the tradition of Independence Day than fireworks.

Write to your state legislator and let them know that you want the right to celebrate your freedom with the full line of consumer fireworks in Minnesota in the spirit of John Adams.

Please enjoy the Independence Day holiday with your family and celebrate safely.

William A. Weimer

vice president

Phantom Fireworks

Youngstown, Ohio