Regarding the use of illegal fireworks

To the Editor:

My family, friends and invited guests are sitting on our deck at camp enjoying a Fourth of July celebration get together.

As darkness approaches, I begin to assemble an array of fireworks, as I have done for the last 15 years, to entertain my guests. All around the lake, other who can't wait for total darkness, have already begin the Independence Day celebration. Other criminals like me.

Finally, my grandchildren can wait no longer, so under the supervision of three responsible adults, the show begins. Things are a big success, and the clapping and cheering around the lake are testimony to the onlooker's approval.

Suddenly, out of the darkness, three unidentified men, bearing weapons, and wearing black "Swat team" outfits, appear at the end of my 70-foot dock and demand to know whose in charge of this illegal activity.

My first response was, "Who the hell are you?"

The leader of the group was quick to respond as he shined his flashlight on his state emblem, simultaneously giving instructions to the other two officers on confiscating the remainder of the contraband.

Being the owner of the property, and the fireworks, I accepted full responsibility for this illegal act, up to and including a citation for illegal possession of fireworks (as the sky was aglow with displays from around the lake).

Sour grapes you say. Hardly. I just want to warn you, and inform you of a few facts that may save you from similar embarrassment.

First, if caught in possession of fireworks with a value in excess of $100, it can treated as a felony. Next, although New Hampshire profits immensely from the sale of fireworks, it also prohibits discharging them in their state without a permit. How ironic.

Last, there is legislation currently being introduced in Maine to legalize fireworks. There are some stipulations included however, in an attempt to make "the inevitable use" safer. This may be a senisble approach.

In closing, at my age, I'm getting a little tired of people trying to protect/prevent me from hurting myself.

Kenneth MacFawn,

Rumford Center