These days, we're used to the government telling us what to do — wear a seat belt, don't text and drive, don't cheat on your taxes.
This weekend illustrates one of the last areas of modern life where you're on your own. The government steps aside and says, "Have fun."
It's not going to stop you from buying some of the biggest, loudest and most dangerous fireworks — stuff that's illegal in other places. Supernatural Hysteria, Blue Thriller, Vortex Shower, Hoosier Daddy — you name it.
In 2006, the state legalized consumer fireworks. Before that, residents could only buy ground-based and hand-held sparklers and novelties.
States surrounding Indiana maintain the old law. That's why you can see stores around the state border where fireworks enthusiasts can buy explosives and hope they won't get caught setting them off.
Indiana's laws are actually some of the most lax in the country. But let's keep that freedom in perspective, and the health and safety risks that go along with it.
The Indiana Department of Health reported 116 firework-related injuries in 2009, for which the most recent information is available. Half of the injuries involved children, and 61 percent were burns to the hand and fingers. Malfunction and mishandling of fireworks accounted for more than half of the reported problems causing injuries.
Pyromaniacs: have fun. Thanks for offering the spectacular displays that elicit all the "oohs" and "aahs."
It's all about choices. So let's not push it as we clank bottles and toast to our nation's freedom.
And by the way, one of the things we'd like to see people do — besides being safe with these weapons of mass destruction — is just show some courtesy.
Let's be realistic. It's fun on July 4. On July 5, 6 and 7 it starts getting old.
Firing munitions like this reminds us of what fireworks are also used for — fighting for our freedom.
Soldiers are laying their lives on the line. Let's not put a friend in the line of fire just because we're careless.
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