Editorial

Fireworks can make a good holiday great. Many people have fond memories of attending Fourth of July or New Years Eve firework shows together. Some even extend the fun to their own backyards. When done correctly, it can be a wonderful experience for everyone.

The problem rises when people do not put the fireworks away. There is a time when the fun must stop. Actually, there are laws stating that the fun must stop.

Some in Demopolis have not gotten the message. While playing with fireworks well after the legal period may seem harmless to them, there are many other people who suffer greatly.

There is nothing worse for a family with small children than hearing explosions at all hours of the night. These noises can be frightening enough when the kids know it is coming. When a blast comes from nowhere they turn into sleepless nights for children and parents.

The pure annoyance is not the only problem. When people call the police to report these crimes they must respond. It is their job. While they are dealing with the product of immature behavior there are probably other crimes going on they can’t get to. Many of these can be prevented if policeman are able to patrol and not forced to respond to calls that can be easily prevented.

The same rules apply for those who throw their trash on the side of the road. It is pointless for people to try to maintain a clean, beautiful dwelling if you continually throw your trash on their lawn. If you are old enough to drive you are old enough to clean up after yourself. Don’t let your laziness lead to another person’s misery.

It is very easy for people in a small town to get along. It all starts with respect for one anothers property and space. These people have likely never done anything to you and don’t deserve your annoyances being thrust upon them.

For those who are causing the problems, shame on you. You are a poor example of what good Demopolis citizens should be. For the others who are enduring the irritation, don’t give up. There are plenty of people behind you and eventually the problems will be solved.

In these cases rules were not meant to be broken and you can bet there will be a closer eye put on these situations in the future. Your best bet is to stop now or suffer the consewuences. These problems are uneccesary issues our council should not have to deal with. If they are resloved the council will have more time to discuss issues geared toward progress and everyone will be better off.