Question of the day
Monday, Jul 9, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* July 3rd press release…
Today, on the eve of Independence Day, State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has filed legislation to allow Illinoisans to celebrate the occasion with the time honored tradition of fireworks without the risk of fine or arrest. Illinois is one of only four states that does not allow for the consumer purchase and use of fireworks and Wheeler’s legislation would give that independence back to residents.
“Illinois is already an outlier in so many ways, and this another silly example,” said Wheeler. “Illinoisans, like residents in 46 other states, can and should be trusted to responsibly use consumer fireworks and take care of themselves. Not only does it make sense to give a little independence back to the people for Independence Day, but it will also generate some business and tax revenue for the state that will help mitigate some of the exodus of people leaving the state.”
* Illinois News Network…
In 2017, the Illinois State Fire Marshal reported there were 204 fireworks-related injuries and one fatality between June 23 and July 20. That was down from 2016 totals of 240 from the same period the year before.
A representative with the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s office said Iowa doesn’t have a mechanism to collect injury data.
The Missouri state fire marshal’s office didn’t have information immediately available because there’s “no statute requiring reporting of fireworks injuries to the Division of Fire Safety.”
In Indiana, the state department of public health compiles the data and reported 238 firework-related injuries in 2017. The majority were male and more than a third were younger than 18.
* Patch…
[GOP Sen. Chapin Rose’s] staff calculated Illinois fireworks consumer provided somewhere between $10 to $15 million in sales tax revenue to neighboring states. […]
The risks of misusing fireworks are considerable. According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, there are an average of 18,000 fires caused by the improper use of fireworks every year. The fire marshal’s office conducts an annual statewide survey of hospitals for data on the number of fireworks-related injuries.
* The Question: Should Illinois legalize the sale of fireworks in a similar manner as neighboring states? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
bike trails
- stir - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:28 am:
I think this is a no Brainer, I think we are losing out on tons of revenue that is just going to other states. We’re just giving our bordering states our money.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:31 am:
There is no shortage of people using fireworks in ILlinois purchased elsewhere. So, yes, legalize
- NoGifts - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:31 am:
I vote not because my neighbor’s fireworks can burn down my house. However, fireworks regulations are not enforced in my town and I wonder if they are enforced anywhere?
- Anon - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:32 am:
Standing on a beach in Rogers Park, you could see for miles along the shore. Thousands of fireworks going off. Zero revenue.
If the current ban had any semblance of working, it could be worth talking about. They are as prevalent as can be. Zero enforcement.
- Honeybadger - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:32 am:
Why not? We are always behind the curve when it comes to revenue producing streams in our state. We have legalized gambling, let’s expand it. We have legalized medical marijuana, let’s see how it goes and if it is a boom, let’s do more.
- Moby - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:34 am:
I voted yes. The law doesn’t really stop fireworks use and just sends all of the revenue and tax dollars to neighboring states. With that said, I don’t believe a lot of people are capable of being responsible enough to discharge fireworks in a 100% safe manner. Not only do you need to know how to do it properly and safely, but you also have to refrain from using alcohol while doing it. I was at a residential fireworks show last week, and there were no less than five close calls of serious injury and one near exploding car due to inexperience and alcohol consumption. And I consider this group of people close friends.
- NoGifts - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:34 am:
Who will pay to put out the fires in rural areas during dry conditions? How costly will this be on balance?
- Saluki - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:36 am:
If we are going to have legal weed, I wanna be able to shoot off some fireworks too.
- Bruce (no not him) - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:38 am:
Go ahead and sell them. It’s foolish to think there will be much more than there already are. I live about 40 miles from the Missouri border, and there are probably more here now, than if it were legal. Kind of like the old Coors road trip. It’s the thrill of buying something that’s not available at home.
- A Jack - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:39 am:
I voted No. People are irresponsible with the fireworks that do make it into the state. It will be much harder to make people responsible, if there isn’t the threat of arrest.
And quite likely house insurance rates will go up.
People don’t just shoot fireworks off on the fourth. Some shoot fireworks off every time their team wins. And of course there is New Year’s when many times fireworks mask the sound of shootings.
- Stuntman Bob's Brother - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:40 am:
You sure wouldn’t know they are illegal from the vantage of my back yard between the middle of June and a day or so after the 4th each year, and I’m talking aerial dynamite, ordnance that would still likely be illegal even if the smaller, pretty stuff were legalized. I can’t think of a law that is more universally flouted (not even possession and use of the Wildwood Flower). May as well get some of our ER expenditures back via sales taxes, and maybe it would decrease dimwits popping off rounds from firearms.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:40 am:
I’m OK with legalization so long as the law also makes it perfectly clear that the person setting off the fireworks is 100% responsible for the foreseeable consequences. Start a brush fire, set neighbor’s roof on fire, blow off a finger, injure someone — it’s on you.
- Anon E. Moose - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:40 am:
Tax and regulate. Our current situation is the worst of both worlds; we get no money from sales of fireworks, but they are ubiquitous so we deal with the consequences anyway.
- NoGifts - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:42 am:
No again. We have to hire inspectors to monitor fireworks sales locations for safety. That will cost something too. And will it be fireworks sales year round? Also misfired fireworks can injure people and property not even on the user’s property. Fireworks are a senseless risk.
- FormerParatrooper - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:42 am:
I voted yes. John Adam’s would approve as celebrating our Independence with fireworks was his idea.
- Last Bull Moose - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:46 am:
Voted yes. If course the buyer would have to take a fireworks safety course and show their FOID card. /s
- Bogey Golfer - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:47 am:
Did anyone see the fireworks billboards on the Tri-State?
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:48 am:
No way. Alternatve- allow firearms to blast skyward. Illegal if held less than 45 degree angle. Shotguns encouraged. Coroner has last word. Assuming his time isn’t taken up with accidents Signed. Homer Simpson.
- A guy - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:50 am:
If for no other reason than to collect the tax dollars I voted yes. Mostly because it sure seems as if there’s no law prohibiting them now, nor any real effort at enforcing it. So we still get the noise, the dogs go nuts, you still have to beware of the activity…but there’s no revenue. This one’s not too hard for me. They drive me batty, so at the very least we should make some revenue on them.
- Smitty Irving - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:51 am:
Voted yes - on the presumption Rep. Wheeler, who believes in government closest to the people, will allow the use of Home Rule to let the sales / use being determined by villages, towns, and cities. /s
- SSL - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:52 am:
Voted no. Putting something extremely dangerous in the hands of young people or adults under the influence just doesn’t make sense.
I am all for generating tax revenues but there have to be some limits as to what we’re willing to do. What’s next, prostitution?
- Anonimity - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:52 am:
It would be great to see some of the Brian Urlacher Restore billboards replaced with Krazy Kaplan’s Buy 1 get 7 Free
- 47th Ward - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:52 am:
===…the risk of fine or arrest===
Lol. Judging from what happens in my neighborhood every year, there is absolutely no risk at all.
I’d love to see the CPD data on calls about illegal fireworks vs. any ticket or other enforcement. Somebody should check the number of fireworks related injuries too, while we’re looking at data.
To the question, I hate amateur fireworks but I reluctantly vote yes. Might as well tax it and keep those dollars in Illinois. It’s not like there is any way to stop people from blowing up stuff all night anyway, whether it’s the Fourth, Cinco de Mayo, New Year’s, Cubs World Series, or any other excuse to light some fuses.
- JS Mill - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:55 am:
Voted yes. There are stands all over Illinois selling fireworks.
- A Jack - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:55 am:
@Ron, do you really expect someone to take responsibility for burning your house down from fireworks? First it is generally dark outside and so knowing which bozo burned down your house will be difficult to determine.
- Streamwood Retiree - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:58 am:
I voted No. As others have noted there is zero enforcement. However, when some drunken clown sets your house on fire or puts out your kids eye, you will have a better chance of suing because he injured you by an illegal act.
OTOH, the clown across the street might blow his hand off which would make me immensely happy. Well, he still might because he already has more explosives than the Viet Cong.
- Portnoy's Compliant - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:59 am:
I vote yes based on one simple tenet: Fireworks are fun. They make noise, emit sparks and create colorful smoke, all of which are fun both individually and in combination with one another. Perhaps the legalize-recreational-marijuana crowd would have better luck if they too emphasized the “fun” aspect, minus the parts about noise and sparks.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:59 am:
for a lot of the reasons stated above, yes, BUT with an added level of taxation to cover the costs of regulation and safety, which apparently aren’t a priority now.
- Iggy - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:05 am:
July third I was in Hammond IN, Gambling, buying fireworks, and buying Yuengling. If we can’t get the fireworks legal here we should at least petition Yeungling brewery to expand their distribution to Illinois.
- State University Worker - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:06 am:
This is the only conservative sponsored legislation I will ever support. The nanny state does overreach and you would never know fireworks are illegal if you come to Englewood in Chicago. People are still lighting fireworks as if July 4 was still today. Cops in Chicago have their hands full enough. Marijuana, liquor and fireworks have been banned under the thin didguise of religion, public health and public safety, but it does not tak a scholar to read the racism and xenophobia that these nanny laws support against Chinese who use fireworks in their holidays, immigrants from Europe who rotualivr alcoholic beverages in our their (my) cultural heritage and Mexicans for whom pot has been a way of life since the Mayan civilization. The White Protestant vices never seem to be legislatively banned throughout history like theocracy, slavery and unregulated capitalism.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:06 am:
–@Ron, do you really expect someone to take responsibility for burning your house down from fireworks? First it is generally dark outside and so knowing which bozo burned down your house will be difficult to determine.–
That’s actually more of a problem for my insurance company’s investigators and subrogation attorneys, and the fire marshal’s office to worry about. In my semi-rural area it wouldn’t be that hard to determine.
- Chicago Bars - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:07 am:
Lol Anonymity and co-sign. The July fireworks are pervasive in aChicago already anyway. Put a tax on them like Indiana does and let Liberty blast skyward. Because it’s happening anyway. Loudly.
- Jake From Elwood - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:08 am:
I understand that these regulations are poorly enforced by most communities. But having spent some time with child burn victims in the past, I do not want the fireworks legislation expanded. I guess it is personal.
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:10 am:
Would not have a problem with the legal sales if there were restrictions on when they can be sold (at one time our neighborhood starting sounding like an gun range about June 15) and limits on the type that can be sold and age restrictions on who can buy the,
We just came back from a trip that crossed Missour., tons of areas near the Illinois border selling to Illinois residents. Why not get the revenue?
- Chicago Bars - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:10 am:
Iggy - Yuengling is beyond conservative in expanding distribution (and in other ways). Going to be a couple more years and maybe another production brewery purchase before it happens probably.
- Colin O'Scopy - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:11 am:
This falls into my favorite category: “There Ain’t No Right Way to Do the Wrong Thing”. Every first week in July you read a story about some kid losing a finger or his eyesight due to illegal fireworks. Emphasis on the word “illegal”. Just because law enforcement is overwhelmed with lawbreakers, it doesn’t mean we should turn around and tax it.
I personally hate illegal fireworks for many reasons. First and foremost is my dog goes nuts. Second is that I am an unabashed curmudgeon.
- JoanP - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:11 am:
Absolutely NOT! You know, I let it go if kids are playing with sparklers, worms, etc. But when someone shoots off a mortar in the middle of the alley, where people park their cars and where there are wooden porches, I not only draw the line, I call the cops.
Why should my car be at risk of damage or my building at risk of fire because some jackass can’t be bothered to head over to the lakefront?
- SW sider - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:13 am:
About 3 months ago, I contacted my state representative through an email, suggesting that fireworks be legal - to raise state revenue. Certainly they are used here and Indiana seems to make out. He replied saying there wasn’t strong support. I think there is.
- ItsMillerTime - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:13 am:
Yes, every 4th of July it’s made obvious how little the law actually does to stop people. We are inuring the costs of people shooting them off, why not get the benefits as well?
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:14 am:
Yes. We need to sell here to benefit this state.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:16 am:
If it is legalized, let’s have some parameters to go along with it. Only allowed to be shot off in residential areas prior to 10:00 PM for example (tweak as you see fit), only allowed to be shot off for a certain number of days around the 4th too perhaps? And also require the collection of injury data so we can re-evaluate afterwards.
- Archpundit - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:17 am:
===First and foremost is my dog goes nuts. Second is that I am an unabashed curmudgeon
This is a bigger issue than just dogs–Vets often have a hard time. We had a neighbor at our last house who just dreaded the 4th because it triggered his PTSD.
I’m with you on the curmudgeon as well.
The idea that there won’t be any more fireworks if they are legalized is just incorrect. Making them less easy to get means quite a few people won’t make the trip to the border and it also means younger kids aren’t going to have as easy access.
Fireworks in towns or cities are just a nuisance. I don’t want to hear them into the wee hours of the morning and while keeping them illegal won’t mean there won’t be any, there is a marginal decrease that I prefer. This isn’t an issue that doesn’t impact others around you.
- Nick Name - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:17 am:
Voted yes. A law that no one respects and is never enforced is no law at all. Plus, it’s just unpatriotic.
- Al - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:19 am:
I voted no. My dog hates new years as well as the fourth of July and the weekends before and after the 4th. Do not care for the noise at all and it freaks out my dog. Find another way to celebrate.
- ChicagoR - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:22 am:
I had a weekend house (small farm) in Michigan. few years ago, Michigan liberalized the legal sale and use of fireworks, and summer became a nightmare. Every holiday weekend became a war zone of people shooting off fireworks, often over my property. My dog was terrified. I got sick of it, and it ended up being one of the reasons I sold the place.
- Langhorne - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:23 am:
I don’t think it is accurate to suggest the Illinois has a state law providing for a total ban against fireworks. I think what we have is a ban, unless a local government decides to authorize permits for the sale, purchase and use of fireworks. That’s how Springfield does it. You have to get your permit, you have to buy from a permitted Vendor, and hopefully use them safely. There should also be strict standards for the use of fireworks that require a mortar to launch them. For example there should be 70 foot radius clearance for each 1 inch of mortar tube.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:24 am:
===Find another way to celebrate===
Yeah, that’ll work like a charm. It already has, right? I mean there are no illegal fireworks set off anywhere in Illinois ever.
I’m generally against prohibition laws, particularly those which don’t seem to deter the behavior and do little harm to others. This one is kinda borderline (fires), but we could use the revenue. Maybe we could have purchasers buy a little insurance or something.
- Shake - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:26 am:
Illinois Needs Revenue..
- Reality - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:26 am:
Absolutely. Let’s put Darwin’s theory to work here.
- Shake - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:27 am:
Yes. Illinois Needs Revenue..
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:30 am:
–Maybe we could have purchasers buy a little insurance or something.–
Theoretically, if legalized it would then become covered by people’s homeowners insurance unless specifically excluded (which is what would cause rates to go up). As things stand, if your house burns down because your neighbor hits it with illegal fireworks, you’re covered, but if you burn down your own house you’re most likely not because your own policy likely excludes damage caused by your own illegal activity. So maybe either have people show proof of coverage when purchasing or have to post a bond? I’d be interested to know what other states do.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:35 am:
Yes. We could use the money. If for some reason the rate of injuries/property damage goes up, then we ban them again.
- DuPage - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:42 am:
@- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 10:48 am:
===No way. Alternatve- allow firearms to blast skyward. Illegal if held less than 45 degree angle. Shotguns encouraged.===
Firearms shooting BLANKS would be OK, but live rounds would be very dangerous. Someone did that a few years ago and the bullet came down into a crowd over a mile away killing someone.
- JoanP - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:44 am:
=Only allowed to be shot off in residential areas prior to 10:00 PM for example=
You can burn a house down with fireworks or hit a kid or damage a vehicle at 9:00 or 7:00. For me, this is not (primarily) a noise issue, it’s an issue of danger to people and property. Time restrictions won’t affect that.
- Big Jer - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:45 am:
As Jake from Elwood, Archpundit, and ChicagoR have pointed out there are many reasons not too. Our society has become more irresponsible and uncivil so this will just enable the behavior even more.
We used to have a civil USA but in recent decades freedom means doing whatever the hell I want and screw how it affects others. That seems to be Wheeler’s world i.e it’s all about me and if others do not like it or get hurt oh well. In our history we used to know the difference between freedom and civility and common courtesy but not any more.
But as the post points out I can drive 30 miles to Wisconsin and buy fireworks so what’s the point of a law. Might as well join everyone else in the zoo and chase the all mighty revenue.
Lastly with all the issues Illinois, the USA, and the world has maybe Wheeler can focus on serious issues
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:47 am:
Yes. Among many other benefits, the Fireworks stores will always class up an area. Subtle, understated, and clean.
- DarkDante - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:49 am:
Voted no. This just seems like one of those short-sighted solutions to a much larger public health problem to me. The revenue generated probably would not cover the increased hospitalization costs. If we were to legalize firework sales, the problems surrounding firework injuries are bound to get worse. If we were running injuries at the same rate as the Hoosier state, over 450 Illinoisians would have been injured, over double the current number.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:49 am:
OMG…..Dupage. I was KIDDING. YIKES
- Colin O'Scopy - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:53 am:
If this was truly an “income generation” issue, then enforce the laws currently on the books. Ticket the snot out of the offenders. That’ll generate as much as the perceived taxes.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 11:58 am:
Voted no. My husband has PTSD, and the 4th of July is the worst time for him - the whole week really (random booming noises).
I would hate for it to get worse, if this legislation passed. I imagine this impacts others, but it may not be discussed, because it’s personal and medical.
(Anonymous for his privacy.)
- Mike - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:09 pm:
-“Illinoisans, like residents in 46 other states, can and should be trusted to responsibly use consumer fireworks and take care of themselves…”-
How does Rep. Wheeler square that with the fact that thousands of people (including many minors) are injured every year? She is dangerously mistaken. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Seasonal-fires/Fireworks
- Shevek - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:15 pm:
I voted yes. There already is no enforcement, so injury can’t be that big an issue. We should get the tax revenue and employment.
- Keyrock - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:16 pm:
No. My aunt’s leg was seriously injured by a kid using fireworks.
Fireworks are for professionals.
- A Jack - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:31 pm:
Not only are there issues with fires, but as mentioned those who suffer from PTSD or just a weak heart.
And sure it’s fun until your kid gets locked down in school for hours because some joker decided to throw a pack of firecrackers in the school yard and the police have to determine if it was a school shooting.
If fireworks are made legal, there have to be serious restrictions of where they can be used and huge penalties if the fireworks are used in restricted areas.
- SOIL M - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:31 pm:
Yes. Anyone who has seen the flood of cars at Boomland with IL plates on them would realise that they are already being used here just not sold here.
But with this State driving other business to out of state sales, I don’t expect it to pass.
- Glengarry - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:38 pm:
Voted no. As a vet with PTSD, those things going off everywhere isn’t the best thing for me. Just ask my neighbors
- Not It - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:44 pm:
I’m okay with little bottle rockets and tiny little whizzing toys that shoot harmless sparkles, but some of the bigger stuff shouldn’t be for sale anywhere.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:47 pm:
We need the revenue.
- Flapdoodle - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:55 pm:
Hey, Glengarry, I’m with you on this. So also voted no. Maybe if it was only on the Fourth but people fire off the dang things for almost any reason these days. Enforceability is probably next to impossible, but revenue is not a reason to subject people (and animals) to trauma and risk of injury or property damage.
- 37B - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 12:56 pm:
Is it just me or does anyone else suspect that the Rauner Blind Trust owns fireworks franchises in our bordering states?
- Keyser Soze - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 1:08 pm:
We are going to have fireworks in Illinois, legal or otherwise, ipso facto. In this context, arguments to the contrary are irrelevant.
Polling herein seems to show the great majority favor legalization. So, tax it and enjoy, or otherwise, if that’s how you feel.
Illinois, however, could see a reduction in fuel taxes. If fireworks are legalized, Illinoians will no longer need to travel to surrounding states to replenish their bunkers.
- Downst8r - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 1:11 pm:
Four fireworks stands open on the Missouri side of the Chester Bridge in Chester, IL every June in farmer’s empty sheds in the middle of nowhere. There is only one reason why. Folks from Illinois cross the bridge to buy them. The small towns making up most of southern Illinois do not enforce any fines and/or citations on and around the 4th of July. So while I see legitimate arguments for a no vote, there will always be a market for fireworks in small towns in southern Illinois.
- Anon - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 1:25 pm:
===Voted no. My husband has PTSD, and the 4th of July is the worst time for him===
Agreed. It’s bad enough that in places where ordinances exist that nothing is done to ticket, punish, or prevent excessive personal use of illegally purchased explosives — especially outside of the actual independence celebration, like a week before or a week after.
I have seen people make a lot of really dumb decisions about where and how to light fireworks, and when it comes to the need to regulate, sometimes it comes down to how it impacts others.
- Steve Rogers - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 1:43 pm:
Voted yes. No brainer to get that revenue in Illinois rather than giving it to other states. People set them off all the time in Springfield around the Fourth of July and New Years Eve and I never hear of any firework arrests. Keep that money in Illinois.
- PK - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 1:57 pm:
Illinoisians drive to Wis. or Ind. anyway. Let’s benefit and keep our tax dollars in our state.
- Dog - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 1:58 pm:
I understand the revenue incentive here, just don’t be shocked and surprised at the injury and damage that can be caused by openly allowing anyone and everyone access to them. I equate it to raising the speed limit, only to be shocked when the fatality and injury rates go up.
- anon2 - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 2:35 pm:
== It’s happening anyway. ==
So the law has no effect on behavior? There is just as many fireworks already as there would be if it were legal? BTW, does that logic apply only to fireworks, or does it also mean laws are worthless when it comes to guns, drugs, prostitution, tax evasion, and so on? The slogan of legalizers is “Laws don’t matter anyway.”
- arsoney - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 3:12 pm:
NO. Too many people have already proven they are not responsible with fireworks. Tax revenues would not increase because the sales tax is still less in neighboring states, people will still travel. If law enforcement would ENFORCE the law it would be more of a revenue creator for those who think that is the issue
- Chucky Jay - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 3:30 pm:
Similar to the way we’ve talked about casino expansion - our state is giving away tax revenue to our neighboring states. Drive over the border to Indiana and go to any one of the 20 fireworks shops…70% of the license plates are IL.
- Stuntman Bob's Brother - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 3:35 pm:
==What’s next, prostitution?==
In case I missed the poll on that one, please put me down as a “yes”. Because women should be the only ones who decide what to do with their bodies, it’s their individual choice, right? Besides, legalization certainly hasn’t imploded Nevada, and we already followed that state’s lead on gambling, why not prostitution?
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 3:36 pm:
Voted No. I’m with the dog owners (as one myself) and PTSD sufferers over the nitwits who think it’s cool to class up a nice neighborhood by making it sound like Baghdad for a couple weeks straight. Curmudgeon? Yep, and proud of it.
- Archpundit - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 4:23 pm:
===Curmudgeon
Perhaps it’s time for the Curmudgeon Caucus.
- Harvest76 - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 7:34 pm:
We’re all adults here, right? I think we can handle this.
- Jim O - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 8:25 pm:
No Vote - Legalize with zero restrictions. Open sales and use any day, any time. None of the Iowa BS with all variety of usage days and times.
- MyTwoCents - Monday, Jul 9, 18 @ 8:37 pm:
It’s a little ironic to have this question & have 1 of the headlines on the side be about a fire at a Franklin Park ice arena that’s suspected of being caused by fireworks. As for Harvest76, if that were the case there would be 0 fires or injuries caused by fireworks.
Just because cops refuse to enforce laws on the books doesn’t mean it should be eliminated. I’m with the curmudgeons, it’s annoying how incessant fireworks are. I’ve had people say after being in other states on the 4th how nice it is in IL to actually enjoy the professional shows without everybody else shooting off.
- anon2 - Tuesday, Jul 10, 18 @ 10:45 am:
=== Legalize with zero restrictions. Open sales and use any day, any time. ===
I guess we should repeal all disturbing the peace ordinances then. Someone’s right to disturb the peace supercedes someone else’s right to sleep in peace.