Clean Up Your Fireworks!

You know what really grinds my gears?

For the second day in a row, I woke up to my street littered with spent fireworks. I had to consciously drive around each of the messes in order to get to work. Look, I'm not trying to be a jerk, at least not right now, but come on......There's no need for this.

This is why we can't have nice things.

You see, earlier this year, when the Iowa Legislature voted to end the ban on fireworks, I didn't think it was going to be a big deal. Now though, you have to admit, it's been a bit of a problem in communities across Eastern Iowa

In Cedar Rapids, Police are responding to noise and fireworks complaints from residents all over the city. At least three residential fires have been caused by fireworks-related activity. There's even an online petition started to urge City Council members to ban the use of fireworks within the city limits.

Me? All I really care about is that you don't blow them up in my yard and that you pick up your garbage. That isn't much to ask, is it? This isn't Arkansas, it's Iowa. I love this city and this state. Let's respect our friends and neighbors.

And to the people blowing crap up at all hours of the night: Please chill out, respect the rules, and clean up your mess. Remember that along with the freedom to do something comes with the responsibility to exercise that freedom properly.

I hope you all have a very happy and SAFE 4th of July!