Don't die today

Happy 236th Birthday, America!

Three cheers! Fourth of July! Independence Day. Declaration of Independence. Fireworks, BBQ, drunk people. The United States of America. Three sheets.

I love America. Today is a great day to celebrate — but let's not forget what it's about. Looking across my backyard, Oakland (east, west and south of Lake Merritt), I've seen fireworks sputter and explode and in the sky since June 29. The pace is frenzied, the explosions progressively larger.

Believe me, it's beautiful. Unfortunately, it's dangerous.

These displays aren't set off by professionals in safe, controlled environments; hobbyists are firing off large fireworks from rooftops, alleyways, parking lots and street corners. Last night I saw the flashes of M-80s and M-1000s, along with a procession of gunfire.

People lose flesh, fingers, and lives from firecrackers and DIY explosives… I've seen some screwed up stuff on YouTube. It sucks that Oakland is too broke to afford an official firework show, but there are many across the bay area. There is, however, a family-friendly event at Jack London Square starting at 11am.

Oakland spent over $1M on Occupy clean-up; that could've been one heck of a firework show!

Second, don't let anyone drive drunk. Drunk drivers cause a majority of automobile fatalities. Take a cab, crash on a couch, safe a life. Thanks.

Sorry for being a buzz kill. I just want those I care for to be okay tomorrow, and don't like to hear about people's holidays ending in the county jail, ER, ICU or morgue. I'll watch the news tonight and tomorrow, and sure enough… but hopefully, I won't see you, or someone you know.

America is a wonderful place. Enjoy it. Let everyone else enjoy it.

See your friends and family. Laugh. Dance. Sing. Put a silly outfit on the dog/cat/baby/grandparent. Take pictures. Post the funny ones on Facebook.

And go to bed, safe and intact. Because tomorrow, people will be as serious and grouchy as ever.

Posted with Blogsy