June 28, 2001

Fireworks legislation ensures law will be broken

You can buy fireworks in Ohio, but you can't set them off.

Plus there's a 48-hour time limit for residents to get them out of the state.

Is that the type of law that our legislators expect to work?

It's really a formula for lawbreaking, plus a ready excuse for legislators if an Ohioan gets maimed.

After all, it IS illegal to use private fireworks. But by allowing sale of rockets, firecrackers and the rest of the more dangerous items, lawmakers have avoided offending lobbyists for the fireworks industry.

They also have made it handy for people to buy whatever they wish.

It would be easier to respect the senators and representatives who enact fireworks legislation if they'd be decisive.

If individual use of fireworks has proven to be a public safety issue -- which it has -- then sale, possession and use should be banned.

If legislators view the issue otherwise, then sale, possession and use should be allowed.

What we have now is not a compromise.

It's a mishmash.