Letters: Enough with the fireworks. July 4 now 'a drunk's party for noise makers'
'Thanks' for the noise
Thanks members of city council for allowing every Columbus neighborhood to terrify dogs, veterans and generally blast every citizen by granting your tacit permission for personal fireworks displays.
More: Can I set off fireworks in Columbus area? Here's what you need to know
Why do we celebrate July 4? The Declaration of Independence
And of course, July 4 isn't enough; it now must go on from June 30 through July 10.
Don't we have enough gunpowder going off?
We have lost the real meaning of July 4, and turned it into a drunk's party for noise makers.
Gregory Winter, Columbus
The unending crescendo
Every year as the Independence Day holiday approaches, folks will tell me that, while they feel sorry for people who have problems with loud noises, they should plan on staying at a hotel during the fireworks displays.
That would certainly be a solution (although it doesn’t address traumatized pets).
More: July 4th history: Some 'facts' we get wrong about Independence Day
However, in my neighborhood, random firecracker and fireworks explosions have been going off at night a week ahead of the formal celebration.
On July 1, sudden loud noises were constant from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Of course, they will have reached a crescendo on July 3 and July 4, with “leftovers” the night following.
That makes for a very expensive hotel stay. James Dooley, Gahanna
More: How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch
Widening gap between the haves and the have-nots
Throughout our history, American workers have worked hard to secure the right to organize for better wages and working conditions. Sadly, our labor laws are out of date, leaving workers vulnerable to union busting and diminishing union participation.
Recently big-name companies like Amazon, Apple, REI, Starbucks, and Trader Joe's have been caught engaging in illegal union busting tactics — not only threatening their employees, but even firing those brave enough to stand up for workplace fairness, safe conditions, fair wages, and a say in their own work lives.
Corporations and their political allies have conspired to undermine labor laws, enabling them to trample on workers' rights without consequence.
This has widened the gap between the haves and the have-nots to levels not seen since the Great Depression. Our economy simply can't function when those who power it are left behind.
We need strong labor laws that safeguard the fundamental right to form unions freely and fairly, which is what the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act would provide. Many more Americans are ready to join unions and improve their working conditions.
Tell your members of Congress to pass the PRO Act, so they can have the opportunity.
Sara Patrick, Strongsville
ATVs are not for young children
ATV accidents are something I see too frequently as a pediatrician.
ATV design with their powerful engines and lack of safety features such as seatbelts make them particularly hazardous for children. Adult sized ATVs weight over 800 pounds and can reach up to 70 mph.
Inexperienced riders lack the necessary skills or judgement to operate these vehicles safely.
As a result, children are disproportionately affected by ATV accidents resulting in serious injury including paralysis and death. Pediatricians recommend a minimum age of 16 to ride ATVs. However, if you do allow a child aged 12-16 to ride an ATV, they should be restricted to youth models of ATVs, should always wear a helmet, and should be supervised by an adult.
Children below the age of 12 should never be allowed to operate ATVs. Additionally, children should not be allowed as passengers on single rider ATVs.
By adhering to these few basic guidelines, we can make the summer season safer for all children.
Christine Wang, Columbus
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Thanks city council. July 4 now 'a drunk's party for noise makers'
