What do you think?
Every year for as long as most can remember, Massachusetts residents set off their own Fourth of July fireworks displays, even though state law says:
"It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts, or to purchase them legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state. The law prohibits any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect."
This year, however, many long-term South End residents said the sound, fury, and duration of the explosions went way beyond what is tolerable in a city. Especially a city that hosts a world-class free fireworks display.
Wednesday's Boston Globe reported, "People turned to the city's 311 constituent service app on Wednesday morning to complain to officials that public spaces around the city were left in disarray after small arsenals of fireworks were apparently set off overnight, leaving behind litter and debris."
Below is a sample of comments to the South End Community Board of Facebook. Add your comments. Or better yet, contact your city and district lawmakers.
"The illegal fireworks on Mass Ave and Villa Victoria and elsewhere are outrageous. Called 911 and they said "we have calls all over the city". Shameful."
"i think they are running out. i know my dog is exhausted"
" It's almost 1am even if they don't have to work in the morning some of us do! Ridiculous and extremely inconsiderate."
"They woke me at 130 AM"
"And at 3:30 AM"
"And the city just won't do anything about it. One of these years there will be a disaster and then the finger pointing will begin."
"Welcome to the world of how other folks do it. 1st time we had to put a Thunder Shirt on one of our dogs. Pure hell week for dogs."
"Noise aside, I was worried they might ignite a fire. Serious fireworks are really dangerous"
"not to mention all the trash left behind....this morning I saw the basketball court at peters and stretches of shawmut "I heard huge explosions at 3 am!"
"After the hour of midnight was uncalled for. People need to sleep."
"Hey, lighten up! It's the 4th, what's the harm in breaking the law, amirite? #sarcasm"