It was horrible here. I think all the pent up frustration led to a bunch of guys blowing big stuff up. My boom is bigger than your boom. Take that! To hell with the laws, to hell with the fire danger and the terror to animals and the kids who couldn't get to sleep until after midnight.

I'm not a fan. I, too, don't think this has anything to do with American spirit. Our city sanctioned fireworks displays were cancelled but they decided that the residents could do what they wanted. On my narrow street with room for parking only on one side, the houses are close together. My next door neighbors decided to do their own display. They invited people over (no social distancing happening there) and proceeded to set off the big boxes of fireworks from the middle of the street. Unfortunately for me, they were coming over and landing all around my house. There are 3 households with babies and 7 with dogs immediately adjacent. In my opinion, no one else's situations were considered in any way. So American Spirit? No, that wasn't happening, not at all.

ETA when I heard the man saying "whoa this is bigger than I thought it would be", I knew these are people who have no idea what they are doing, handling fire and explosives.

Illegal here but LOTS of noise/booms last night that went on for quite awhile.

We are in the county so it's legal. But in subdivisions with houses close together it's very dangerous. We had a lot of fireworks going off all over including several of our neighbors.

Unfortunately, as always, there are the idiots that decide fireworks aren't enough and get out their guns and shoot them up in the air. What goes up must come down and they sure did! One neighbor a few houses down had on tear up his basketball goal backboard which is on his pool patio right outside his back door! Another neighbor found the actual bullet in his sidewalk to the front door. No one should be shooting guns but how difficult is it to point it downward into the dirt instead where it can't hunt anyone.

So luckily the police were driving through the streets of our neighborhood. I saw them at our neighbors house around 10:30. I think they had been shooting guns and they were shooting fireworks in the middle of the street. Suddenly it was quite. Thanks for the officers on patrol!

Mia did fine until the neighbors started. I gave her some medicine, over all she did OK.

The bullet

Any "American Spirit" people around to explain what they said? Is there a sentiment they sense that others seem not to?

Thanks mdln, dramatic information that most people do or should know. But, of course, many people think they're invulnerable and as a result they think no risks need be considered because they don't apply to them. Until something goes wrong. Hmmm, is that the same attitude people have who think they don't need to wear masks in public?

Yay for the ER doc.

Houston still did their firework display last night, but didn't have the usual festival and asked anyone coming down there to stay in their cars. They've always televised it so most didn't miss out if they wanted to watch it as opposed to shooting them off in the subdivisions (which they do every year outside city limits).

Last night was a bit quieter than usual for some reason; after reading so many stories of cities (LA, NYC, etc.) having nightly firework 'displays' for the past several weeks, and no one shooting any off in this area until last night, I thought it'd go on until very late, but it seemed less than usual and they were mainly done before midnight, with just sporadic booms here and there until close to 2:00 a.m.

I did see that LA had very unhealthy air quality readings this morning (and warnings for folks to stay inside) and saw a news station's copter video and a drone video of the fireworks in what looked like all neighborhoods there. I hope they've all shot their arsenals off and things can quiet back down to a semblance of normal, many people (and pets) have suffered a lot with the constant barrages of fireworks over the past several weeks.

Booms until 1:30 a.m. Not my "thing" at all. Watched fireworks in New York around the Statue of Liberty. It was pretty.

I sat outside with the pup last night until about 7. When we came in, his fur smelled smoky. Not too good for the lungs.

The Chinese do displays of lighted drones instead of fireworks. One youtube shows what can be done with 1500 drones in the sky, and it's amazing correography and images. Less racket (ok some love it), less air polllution, fewer freaked animals.

Here's some American Spirit:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/lost-everything-illegal-fourth-july-145531031.html

Why America Celebrates with Fireworks

https://www.history.com/news/july-4-fireworks-independence-day-john-adams

Every European country I know of has one or more holidays when fireworks are traditional. Asian countries do too. Gunpowder and fireworks were invented in China centuries ago. There's nothing "American" about it.

Socks I've seen videos of the drones and they are amazing!

Fireworks on independence Day is an American tradition.

It was just awful. No consideration for neighbors. The loud booms continued well past midnight and have been going on for days and days. I wouldn't care if they were done just once on July 4th for about an hour but this has been out of control.

Yes, and finish this one too:

When the fact is that one knows little about something, but in ignorance thinks and insists that what they (incorrectly) believe must be right, that doesn't make it so.

Oops, I went too far.

I love America,our nation,all the patriotism that is shown on the 4th of July. Its a big deal in our part of the world,and most everyone i know celebrates in some way,last night was no different for myself and family we saw an absolute amazing commercial firework display and beside that was an amazing beautiful moon while we set out in the middle of a lake in our boat, pretty sites in every direction,many boats decorated with lights and flags, yes thats a tradition and i can remember going to that lake 50 plus years ago enjoying the same 4th of july celebration, so thankful that we get to do that every year,then to top it off this morning in Church we sang patriotic songs so if thats having spirit than i am very proud to have spirit, God Bless America.

"Its a big deal in our part of the world"

I'm glad you said it this way. In my area, in normal times, July 4th is little more than a reason for a 3 day weekend and a traditional BBQ with (for some) fireworks viewing at sundown. A high percentage of people and/or their families weren't here 50 years ago much less have social traditions that go back that far, don't go to church on Sundays (for a variety of reasons), don't sing patriotic songs nor say God Bless America. There's no moral or patriotic report card, no right and wrong, you just have different views and practices. You'd be in a minority here with your approach but minority views are supposed to be those most protected under our laws.

If you've been to or know much about other democracies around the world, there's little about the US as far as freedom and civil liberties are concerned that are that different or exceptional compared to elsewhere. Many abroad, though, find the pockets of American hyper-patriotism peculiar. I do too. You're more than welcome to your views and practices. Remember, there's no scorecard plus or minus, moral or civil or otherwise, about what anyone does or doesn't do

In my part of the world, it's similar to Elmer's community. We don't go in for sentimental shows of patriotism - flag waving, pledging allegiance (ugh) or anything like that (for the most part). I think my community thinks of patriotism and love of country as a view that we care for each other, we try to help those less fortunate, we don't sit in churches but worship the great outdoor gifts we enjoy. We pay taxes to make things better for each other; we volunteer to help each other - and not just those whose beliefs align with ours.

I worked last night and the surrounding skies were full of fireworks all night into the early morning hours. Very pretty. It brightened my nightly walk. They will likely continue tonight. SO says that someone out in the sticks where we live were shooting them off and that our dogs were fascinated by them. They all sat on the front porch and watched them for awhile.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if they weren't there,but I enjoy them when they are.

I love how some people want to tell us what is and isn't American spirit. No, fireworks are not made anymore in America due to the extensive regulations to manufacture and we didn't discover them either. Our national bird the bald eagle, one of our symbols that represents independence, freedom and the American spirit is also a native to Canada and Mexico. I guess we should get rid of that dirty bird also because it is not strictly American. I see bald eagles everytime I go to the lake. They remind me how proud I am to be an American. Go back in time and try telling the thousands of the immigrants that came through Ellis Island that the Statue of Libery is not a symbol of independence, freedom and the American spirit. And while your going back in time you better tell John Adams that he was off his rocker in 1776 when he stated the 2nd of July (he was off by two days) should be celebrated with fireworks, because they didn't originate in America. His quote "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America,” Adams wrote. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." We better do away with the parades, etc because they didn't originate in the US either. How pompous of yinz to tell people what should or shouldn't represent the American spirit. To millions of Americans fireworks on the 4th of July represent the American spirit of freedom and independence from tyranny and just because you don't think so is your problem, not ours.

"I love how some people want to tell us what is and isn't American spirit" and

"To millions of Americans fireworks on the 4th of July represent the American spirit of freedom "

No, not at all. You misunderstand how things are. The US today is a nation of countless minorities and no real majority. There's no one answer, no one way, no one opinion, that anyone needs to have or pursue. You're entitled to your opinions, no matter how extreme and far out they seem (to me and others) to be. You are far from convincing in what you usually say. You still can say whatever you want and anyone who disagrees with you has the same rights to speak up.

You missed when I said this in my comment. It's something you haven't said at all and from prior comments of yours on various topics, I doubt you would ever say. You're the one with un-American views, most unpatriotic. I'll quote my own words, what I said in replying to Tonya:

"You're more than welcome to your views and practices. Remember, there's no scorecard plus or minus, moral or civil or otherwise, about what anyone does or doesn't do"

To me, Elmer said it right. This-

"You're more than welcome to your views and practices. Remember, there's no scorecard plus or minus, moral or civil or otherwise, about what anyone does or doesn't do"

is the American Spirit. Freedom

True freedom. Freedom to disagree, freedom to worship if you wish, however you wish, freedom to think what you would like, to celebrate when, if and how you like.

Boom, boom...freedom isn't free.

Thanks to firefighters this display of stupidity didn't turn into a tragedy. I'm quite angry about this because it absolutely did not have to happen, but I guess these folks just had to show off their patriotic spirit or somethin'.

Fireworks caused fires

Willful ignorance, denial, and selfish, compassionless self Indulgence. Despite the fact that it's illegal, and despite the fact that it is dangerous, despite the fact that there are combat veterans with PTSD living all around all of us, despite the fact that domestic animals and Wildlife are terrified and traumatized, this Self indulgent crap goes on.

I have an update to my story. My neighbor came over yesterday and apologized for the fireworks display they set off. I showed her the grocery bag of debris I picked up in my front yard, some pieces large enough to cause possible damage being run over by my lawn mower. She admitted they had fireworks they had no idea what they would do. Uninvited people showed up to watch, making any kind of distancing impossible. She assured me they would not be having any future fireworks displays. I really appreciated her apology. And after hearing that a man in our town lost his life when the fireworks he was lighting went off in his face, I'm just glad no one was injured in my neighbors party.

Well, that must have been a big surprise, Murraysmom. It's hard to apologize and most people rarely/never do it. I'm glad your neighbor was a big enough person to do it.

sjerin, it really was. I really expected them to act like nothing happened. We had a pop-up thunderstorm yesterday and I was on my front porch and I was seeing something flying around in the air, off the rooftops. I realized after seeing it laying in the street, it was cardboard debris from the fireworks. There was a lot on the street the night they set them off and I found a fair amount in my yard the next day and now it seems there was some on the rooftops as well. Not surprising, but just a reminder of how widespread all that mess can go!!

Yes and landing on rooftops is what can cause a house to burn down. But I guess they don't think that far beyond their own desires.

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

We had a lovely town display. We sat on the side of the road across the street from the golf course where they were lit off. It's been YEARS since we were able to see a 4th of July display. Our town has theirs on Father's Day as part of the town's Water Carnival. There were many young families all around us and they brought their own store bought cones, and crackers, sparklers, smoke bombs and flares. It was great fun to see the kids having such a good time. Just what the soul needed after sooo much being taken from us these last four months. Before we headed over to our chosen spot of grass we were enjoying watching the fire flies blink in #2DDs back yard reminiscing about when they were young and we were at my in-laws small town celebrations. Sometimes allowances need to be made and generosity of spirit is called for.

There were fireworks around our state for the Fourth of July, many just sat in their vehicles and watched. There were lots of people that had them too. I did not watch any but heard some. They did not bother me or Izzi.

Sue

In my area, we have fireworks season--fireworks going off all summer. Then summer winds down & duck season starts. At dawn. Not much chance of having a gun shy dog in my neighborhood!

If you have a dog that freaks out over fireworks, there is a human in its past who did not do their job. Puppies should be exposed to noises from the day they are born. Banging pots & pans around for a start & then moving along to a cap pistol, small firecrackers....whatever noise making means that you have available. Any decent breeder knows this; acclimating pups to loud noises is part of the job of being a responsible breeder.

Here is a good article on how one trainer worked with a gun shy dog & got him to the point of being eager for the hunt:

Gun Shy Dogs Can Blossom

Of course, this applies to all dogs, not just sporting dogs.

Illegal here...for good reason. I'd like to 'like' sylviatexas1 a hundred times.

Does anyone think for a minute that the people setting off fireworks are celebrating "America"? It's an excuse to be childish -- 'sound and fury signifying nothing'. I've never seen a woman setting off fireworks, but plenty of boys (of all ages).

Since I was in the ER the afternoon of July 4, I asked when they expected the carnage to hit. They expected some burns and finger amputations, but said the alcohol-related accidents would start showing up by 5 p.m. and go on all night.

"Does anyone think for a minute that the people setting off fireworks are celebrating "America"? It's an excuse to be childish -- 'sound and fury signifying nothing'."

Of course. I've always attributed a lot of noise-making and other false displays of manhood as coming from those who are insecure with themselves or think themselves to be inadequate equipment wise or otherwise. Similarly a needlessly big truck, bang bang with guns, a loud exhaust (car or motorcycle) suggest to me a small man is involved.

I never got the memo about females not liking fireworks. Because I blew up as many as my dad & my allowance would buy me. Back in the heyday of manned space travel. I was inspired by NASA. Nowdays, I favor playing in the firepit and running the chainsaw.

I did find one other girl who likes fireworks.

ci_lantro who is the picture of? I enjoyed little firecrackers as a child, and already said I enjoy watching the big public displays -- which means 4th of July here, and often New Years Eve world-wide. Remember when 1999 tipped over to 2000? That was great, watching the world ring in a new millennium (a year early but who cares) as our globe turned in space ....

I've always attributed a lot of noise-making and other false displays of manhood as coming from those who are insecure with themselves or think themselves to be inadequate equipment wise or otherwise. Similarly a needlessly big truck, bang bang with guns, a loud exhaust (car or motorcycle) suggest to me a small man is involved.

Funny. You usually hear statements like that from girls and women who can''t get the guy's attention and are jealous of his hobby. I can't think of a time I heard a man say that. Does that mean the guy in the Prius or mini van is advertising and attempting to show proof of how well endowed and adequate he is?

Samantha Shader of recent NYC protest fame.

Oh yikes!!

" I can't think of a time I heard a man say that. Does that mean the guy
in the Prius or mini van is advertising and attempting to show proof of
how well endowed and adequate he is?"

That's a function of what kind of men you associate with. No, what the guy in the Prius or other small car or minivan full of little kids is showing is how secure he IS with his masculinity, and how he doesn't need big "things" or noise to make up for feelings of a lack of manliness or confidence or feelings of inadequacy.

Real men get pedicures and massages, in places full of women with their mouths wide open. Ask me how I know.

No, what the guy in the Prius or other small car or minivan full of little kids is showing is how secure he IS with his masculinity, and how he doesn't need big "things" or noise to make up for feelings of a lack of manliness or confidence or feelings of inadequacy.

So if the above guy is showing how secure he is why does he have the need to attempt to cut down men who chose other pursuits? Hmmm. Most people would call that envy.

BTW you can be a great family man, cook, clean, honor your wife or woman and be a great dad and still be a good marksman, own a big truck and ride a motorcycle. Sad some people have such a limited world view they think it has to be one or the other.

Fail. No, not at all.

Why would anyone have envy of fellows who are unhappy because they realize they're underequipped or under-endowed in any of various categories compared to other men and feel uncomfortable and inadequate because of it. This is something I've discussed from time to time with friends and my views are widely held. Among people with self-confidence and no feelings of inadequacy.

You're trying too hard.

OMG, that is ridiculous Elmer. I'm surprised someone in this day and age would even think (that alone say) that. Perhaps there is some truth in what Wildchild2x2 said.

We all live different lives, have different experiences, know different people and see different things. You live in another country, for goodness sakes, and perhaps live in a more rural area than I do. Why would you think our life experiences, interactions, and perceptions from what's common in our own separate communities would be similar or even comparable? As others have shared their own perceptions in this thread, what's your experience with people who set off fireworks on the 4th of July?

Physically, who can say? But people who set off loud explosives, holiday or not, in close proximity to their neighbors, are not endowed with much in the way of common courtesy.

Nor common sense or brains.

But hey, some would say they have the American Spirit!. The phrase almost sounds like a brand of Native American cigarettes. Another form of enhanced risk for death.

I was really surprised how popular fireworks is with our First Nation population. The city I live in has a population around 12,000, more than half of which are First Nations (Native American to you). They don't seem to need any excuse to light off fire crackers at anytime they feel the urge. I'm not sure why but I agree that it's not very respectful when they are going off all night long. I hesitate to say anymore since some might consider that stereotyping or discrimination ... Canada has unfortunately become a country where free speech is not welcomed depending on your race, gender and political leanings. Can you tell I'm a little sensitive (sorry about that) 😇.

I don't know about others but I know the term used in Canada. In my opinion, these peoples on both sides of the border have been treated cruelly and discriminated against for centuries. Are they frustrated and collectively sensitive and unhappy? Of course.

On their part, have all of them collectively done everything possible to improve their lots in life, despite the obstacles they confront that those of European ancestry haven't had to deal with? A minority has, just as with any underprivileged underclass, but many haven't. Have Canada and the US as nations having this problem underclass done everything possible to help them do better economically? No, definitely not.

The causes don't matter, history doesn't matter, what got us (and you up North) to where things are today don't matter. Like golf, the ball needs to be played where it lies. These are problems today to fix that will cost a lot of money. They need to be dealt with.

As far as groups that do or don't do this or that - my experiences suggest that Canada has as much racism and discrimination as anywhere else, much as y'all like to pretend you don't. You're in a free country - free speech there as here is welcome but bigoted speech, phony facts, stereotypical generalizations usually get some push-back. As should be expected.

.

I can assure you that we all know racism is alive and rampant everywhere (even within the minority classes) and much of it is based on greed. Unfortunately, I don't think there will ever be enough land or money in Canada to fix that. Enough said 🤪!

Greed may have been a factor in centuries past as those of European background overran and essentially stole the territories used by the indigenous peoples but that was long ago. Even if there were more recent instances of same in places, I don't think that hardly matters. That was my golf parable above - what did or didn't happen in the past changes nothing, the situation today is what it is and it won't change without the will to act. As also needs to be done for the poor in underclasses of other origins in my country and yours.

Smithsonian Voices: Do American Indians Celebrate the 4th of July

Nat'l Museum of the American Indian: Do American Indians Celebrate the 4th of July

Interesting and varied responses/ perspectives from individuals.