Fireworks bill puts money ahead of safety

I am shocked and dismayed to learn there are naive Iowa lawmakers who are willing to ignore the inherent dangers of using fireworks and propose to legalize them in exchange for securing more money for the state's coffer.

Wake up, people. Fireworks were outlawed years ago by responsible people because fireworks could be a danger to those who use them. Now, the smell of money appears to be more important to some than people's safety.

Anyone who believes that limiting fireworks sales to people 18 and older will keep fireworks out of irresponsible hands and keep problems under control is suffering from delusion. Young kids will obtain them somehow, and the results might not be pretty.

If I remember correctly, our lawmakers are supposed to pass laws to protect their constituents, not pose harm to them. Lawmakers should not attempt to get laws passed based on cockamamie ideas that are in contrast to their duties.

Legalizing fireworks is a prime example of a cockamamie idea that would allow exposing people to unnecessary dangers just to get a few more bucks to spend on something, perhaps teaching grade school kids about the dangers of fireworks after one of their classmates has been injured.

Eugene K. Dushek

Cedar Rapids