While I understand the concern about fireworks and the reasons for the effort to ban them, I’m in total disagreement with that effort.

Yes, the noise and flashes of light can “bring to mind battles … ”

Yes, property is placed at risk.

Yes, personal safety is also at risk.

Yes, animals suffer.

Yes, many more items can even be placed on this list, and yes, these are all very valid problems.

Is the only solution to place a ban on fireworks? No. Banning things has never solved a problem. Throughout history, banning things only creates a whole new set of problems that will need to be solved. We can go back and forth showing examples of why each set has more validity but that won’t solve them either.

There is a solution to every one of the things on this list. And yes, there is a solution for that whole new list as well. A blanket ban is not one of them.

Focusing our attention on celebrating the Fourth of July safely and responsibly will lessen all the risks and suffering. That’s the solution I choose.

Kelly Clark, Bothell