Letter: Seek compromise on fireworks rules

Regarding the July 6 story 'Booming business leads to expansion plans in Iowa”:

My neighbors over the back fence had a wonderful, safe and sane Fourth for nearly two hours. It was beautiful and without incident.

I'm not opposed to fireworks used to celebrate our nation's independence. However, having said that, I would offer The Gazette headline should have read 'Booming business leads to expansion plans of ER's across Iowa.” Maybe it would have been more appropriate to have half the photo include a burn victim being treated or shrapnel being removed.

As far as how long to sell fireworks, I think a week or 10 days before the big event would give everyone plenty of time to purchase and far less time to irritate or terrorize others and restock. The legal use dates should be limited to start the first Saturday before the Fourth and ending the last Sunday after the Fourth. This gives folks nine days to celebrate.

I certainly hope all involved, from those in government at every level down to individual users, will rethink how this went this first time and search for workable solutions. I don't think many of us want a rerun of this last Fourth again in December or the Fourth next year.

Ray Buck

Cedar Rapids