Fireworks and Idiots who can't think for themselves ... well ...

Apparently Steve Graves has not visited New Albany. I would prefer he does not. After yesterday's conflagration at the recycling complex, few of us are in the mood for NA portraying Damascus this coming Wednesday evening.

For parts of the nation, a fireworks-free Fourth, by Charles Wilson and Steven K. Paulson (Associated Press)

DENVER (AP) — Drought and wildfire fears are snuffing out some Fourth of July festivities this year.

From Utah to Indiana, state and local governments are calling off annual fireworks displays out of fear that a stray rocket could ignite tinder-dry brush and trigger a wildfire. They're also warning residents not to use fireworks, sparklers or Roman candles in backyards ...

... The danger is real: Fireworks were blamed for more than 15,500 blazes and $36 million in property damage in 2010, according to the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass ...

... Some states are grappling with just how far they can go in issuing bans. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez said she considers fireworks a risk that can be avoided, but state law allows cities and counties to ban only certain classifications of fireworks and where they can be used. More than half of the state's 33 counties and its largest cities have already imposed restrictions and urged residents to attend organized events instead of setting off their own ...

... Leaders of the fireworks industry, which brought in nearly $1 billion in sales nationally in 2011, question whether firework bans are legal. Steve Graves, executive director of the Indiana Fireworks Association, said people should be given credit for common sense ... "Instead of talking about safety, they decided to treat Hoosiers like they're a bunch of idiots that can't think for themselves," Graves said.