The 4th of July

[umbrellabeach]

I've always hated the 4th. I'm always attacked because I don't worship America and also because my ideas of freedom go beyond merely what's legal and what's not. When I was a teen I was forced to waste entire afternoons going to picnics and having to listen to middle-aged people talk about the weather and their relatives and other stuff I didn't care a bit about. The 4th of July is one of the days of the year I feel the least free.
Fireworks were too loud for me as a kid, but not so much anymore. However, in the city, I'm always annoyed when people set off fireworks close to my house. It's really annoying, especially when they go on and on and on and WON'T STOP. Thankfully I don't live in the city right now, so I haven't heard any this year.

 

[wyverary]

When I was at my friend's place last night people were ALREADY setting off fireworks, even though it's illegal inside the city limits...I hope the cops came and busted their asses!

 

[buckyboy14]

My family is setting off fireworks right now. I'm having a lot of fun...






...lying in the basement! Fireworks are much too loud for me. This has always been my least favorite holiday. It combines three things I absolutely hate: loud noises, doing illegal things, and hurting the environment. I feel like people with sense would do things less harmful to themselves and their country if they really wanted to celebrate it.

Ow. My ears are hurting right now, and I'm indoors...

 

[Sunnylims]

People are so stupid and careless with fireworks, and each year it just gets worse. Being an outsider on this day, I've noticed all the harm that fireworks can cause. People think the 4th is all about being wasted, wearing their American flag apparel, and blowing things up. Look at any picture from a 4th of July party, there is a 95% chance that at least one person is holding a beer. I mean, I don't like when people get hurt, but when you are careless and bring it upon yourself, I smile a little inside. I'm all about doing risky things for a thrill, but you just have to be mindful of what you're doing. Down the block, there are currently 7 firetrucks and an ambulance. I'm assuming a fire of some sort, but I just don't feel bad. Pretty morbid, but hey, I can't help but say told ya so!

 

[buckyboy14]

Doesn't sound morbid to me at all. I feel exactly the same way. I can't help but feel a little superior when people get their comeuppance for doing stupid things like getting "wasted" or doing drugs. Serves you right.

 

[rollerskate]

Happy to report he actually went to the show! I prepared myself with my ear buds for my phone (not for the noise of the fireworks which doesn't bother me that much, but to keep myself calm and still able to think logically in the CROWDS... All those people moving every which way all around me like ants but way more chaotic than ants and all of them talking at once always makes me melt down and/or shut down otherwise) and walked with him down there so that he could hear it getting closer gradually and turn around if he felt it was too much without actually having to be right in it first and risk a total meltdown... I hope that makes sense. Every once in a while I'd ask him if he was OK and wanted to turn back. He made it through the entire show, though he kept his hands over his ears through the show and most of the walk home because afterwards he couldn't even handle the murmur of people around us. I'm very proud of him. He handled things like a trooper!

 

[rollerskate]

Oh about the ear plugs thing, his ear canal is too small for them.... Believe me I wish I could set him up with them so badly, they're a real lifesaver for me at times...