Sounding Board -- John M. W. Moorlach

“It ought to be solemnized with pop and parade, games, sports, guns,

bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the

other, from this time forward forevermore.”

-- John Adams

The esteemed good doctor, Michael Glueck, is showing a flaw in his

normally astute dispensations of knowledge and wisdom (“Fireworks not a

sign of good parenting” Community Forum July 3).

First, his history lesson on the signers of the Declaration of

Independence may be wanting, as noted in the aforementioned quote by John

Adams, speaking about Independence Day.

Also, Glueck postulates that because a few have been injured using

“safe” fireworks, this is grounds for preventing all of us from using

them. Call this “the safety for all,” “big brother knows best” approach

to life.

This well-meaning logic is flawed. Unfortunately, it permeates

society. Let me explain.

Just because one person was murdered on one of our local beaches, they

are now closed at 10 p.m. Ridiculous! It’s finally dark, the fire is

toasting along, the family is relaxing in lawn chairs, you’re deep in

conversation and a jeep comes by with a loud speaker telling you it is

time to go home! “Safety for all.” Bah, humbug!

One would think that because so many have drowned or nearly drowned in

the nearby ocean, swimming would be prohibited as well. In the meantime,

remember: no diving in the shallow end.

Car accidents? Better outlaw driving. Now we won’t even be able to get

to the beach.

Life is full of risks. We know it when we enter the ocean, our cars or

the fireworks display stand. You want to go rock climbing, go rock

climbing. Just remember you could get hurt.

Football, skateboarding, jogging, fireworks -- all the same. Dearest

Michael, be our doctor, not our mother.

For those who enjoy the tradition of lighting your own fireworks -- go

for it. You and your kids deserve the joys they bring on this one special

day. Just be extremely careful, some injuries are permanent.

But don’t be bogged down by any sense of guilt about not being a good

parent. Bah, humbug. Enjoy your Independence Day illuminations.

* JOHN M. W. MOORLACH is a Costa Mesa resident and the Orange County

Treasurer.