Not too long ago we had the annual dash for fireworks. Here in New Zealand we can buy fireworks for 5 days leading up to Guy Fawkes (November 5). Along with all the other pyromaniacs we bought our box (or two) and for a couple of nights sent missiles flying into the night sky from our back yard.
At almost the same time as Guy Fawkes, Diwali was being celebrated - so by joining the two celebrations together there was a reason for just about every neighbour we have to join the cacophony of light and sound. It's fun - until they let loud one's off in the early hours of the morning.
On the serious side of the celebrations - the fireworks alwas cause problems. We had a few houses burnt down, a few kids blown up, idiots who unfortunately spoil it for everyone. So the government have their annual debate about banning the fireworks, again.
In the mean time one of the major supermarket chains decides that in the interest of public health and safety they will no longer sell fireworks. "It's not safe for kids, and has the potential to ruin their lives".
I wonder if they have considered that the aisles of alcohol, and cabinets of cigarettes that they sell could perhaps cause more harm to children and families!
