Well if you’re part of the City Council you’ll lean toward foe.
Two years ago, a 6-year-old (because 6-year-olds are responsible enough to hold a flaming stick) was burned by a sparkler on the Fourth of July. So, the City Council threw sparklers in with all the other fireworks on the list of contraband in Chicago. It didn’t get far because the punishment of vehicle impoundment seemed ridiculous.
But 11th Ward (Bridgeport) Alderman Jim Balcer tried to convince the Police Committee to try banning sparklers again without the impoundment penalty. He argued that every year, more than 1,500 U.S. children between the ages of 5 and 14 are injured by sparklers.
Children under a certain age should be supervised by the parents. If they get burned, it’s their own fault. I don’t think the entire city should be punished because parents can’t keep their eye on their kids or tell their kids not to touch the ball of fire at the end of the stick. Or maybe…I don’t know…don’t let a six-year-old hold the damn thing in the first place!
Sadly, the Daily Southtown reports that the ban has taken effect, without debate!
“Sparklers are completely different now,” Mayor Daley said. “They’ve gotten more dangerous, unfortunately. It’s the same thing with cherry bombs or M-80s. … They’re getting much bigger. A lot of children have been injured in the past with that.” I can’t believe they’re comparing Sparklers to M-80s. I’d prefer my entire block be lit up with Sparklers than have to deal with the loud bangs from M-80s every year.
What’s next? Those Snap things? You know, the little white balls you throw at the ground and go Snap! Some kid will probably swallow one because he’s a moron and we’ll get punished for it.
Photo courtesy of Chicagoist
