Yonkers launches war on Fourth of July

The city of Yonkers, New York, must not have a serious crime problem. What??? It does??? Considering city officials are so up in arms about Fourth of July fireworks, you could've fooled me!

Laws that ban fireworks are generally a losing proposition. If fireworks are legal, you can at least regulate them so they can be used safely. A total ban can't distinguish between safe and unsafe.

I think most people know this. So it's clear the main purpose of most laws to ban fireworks is to keep people from having fun. These laws are also motivated by economic classism, for fireworks are viewed as a working-class activity with very little appeal among upper economic groups. The laws have nothing to do with safety.

The illogic of fireworks laws is why they often weren't enforced until the '90s. They were considered relics like the laws against fornication. Enforcement these days, however, is rigid and getting worse. (This has failed to reduce fireworks injuries.)

The city of Yonkers (which has long been ruled by Republicans) is engaged in a right-wing war against the Fourth of July. The police commish announced yesterday that he's cracking down on fireworks. Anyone found in possession of fireworks will be arrested on sight. This despite the fact that possessing or using fireworks in the state of New York is only a violation - not even a misdemeanor. It is my understanding that arresting someone for a mere violation is illegal in New York. At most, you can receive a ticket.

The city is using both uniformed and plainclothes police to look out for fireworks possessors. Police plan to stop vehicles to look for fireworks - especially those traveling from Connecticut where the laws are less rigid. Cops also plan to seize vehicles found in violation.

That's unconstitutional, of course. Not like I expect that to matter when the country has spent the past 8 years being ruled by a Nazi dictator who insists the Constitution is "just a damn piece of paper."

So go ahead! Celebrate Independence Day! Don't let the America haters spoil your good times.

(Source: http://yonkerstribune.typepad.com/yonkers_tribune/2008/07/ypd-commissione.html)