Chronicle Editorial

By: 
Chronicle Staff

Fuming over fireworks
 
     Each legislative session always forces a wide variety of topics to the forefront of public discourse. Be it debate over education funding or ongoing discussion about tax breaks, the General Assembly typically exhausts a fair share of pressing issues affecting Iowans on a daily basis.
     That’s why a bill introduced and passed by a Senate committee last week is so head-scratching. The committee voted 10-4 to advance legislation that would legalize certain kinds of fireworks in Iowa. Our state currently has a restrictive set of rules prohibiting most kinds of fireworks, and this bill would liberalize time-honored laws by giving more access to citizens over the age of 18. No longer would responsible adults need to cross into Wisconsin, South Dakota or Missouri to get their fill of pyrotechnic splendor.
     Therein lies the problem with fireworks legislation in any state. Laws like this one create more access to a larger portion of citizens, and there’s simply no possible way to keep young children away from these tantalizing explosives. Numerous emergency personnel, doctors and other health care officials have come out against the bill over the past week. That’s a strong warning from credible sources, and lawmakers should listen. Missing fingers and burns are only a few side effects of fireworks that get into the wrong hands, and no amount of education campaigns are going to stop injuries from spiking if this law is passed.
     The bill covers a large cross section of categories: firecrackers, helicopters, aerial spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and many others would all become widely available if the bill gets approved. Some lawmakers have supported the legislation, saying it would rid Iowa of its current “head-in-the-sand” policies that turn a blind eye to fireworks. While current laws might be enforced more leniently during certain times of the year, they give local governments more control over large pyrotechnic displays. Fireworks are legal in Iowa – you just need to get the proper permit.
     This bill seems like an ill-advised piece of legislation that would force a landslide of unintended consequences. The only added benefit from reformed fireworks laws would be more tax revenue, which is somewhat alarming if that’s the only reason officials are considering a change. More money is always nice, but obtaining it by tweaking laws that jeopardize safety is a step lawmakers should not take.
 
IS quagmire grows following president's request
 
America’s role in the Middle East took another turn last week following the president’s Congressional request for authorized military action against the self-proclaimed Islamic State. The request sidesteps a long-term ground combat invasion, but it paves the way for a three-year military commitment to fight Islamic militants throughout the war-torn region.
     Criticism has risen from both sides of the aisle following the president’s appeal. Some lawmakers fear the plan lacks real teeth to fight the Islamic State, while others worry the plan sets us up for another drawn out quagmire in the Middle East. No matter your opinion, it’s clear America’s role in the region will only grow as solutions to halt the militants’ advance become increasingly scarce.
     The American-led coalition against the Islamic State has conducted thousands of airstrikes over the past six months. Results have been mixed, as militants have continued terrorizing large portions of territory quite regularly. It’s frustrating to witness these heinous crimes against humanity at such elevated levels. However, our efforts currently seem directionless. It’s clear these extremists will continue on a path of brutality whether we commit to the fight or watch from afar.

Hampton Chronicle

9 Second Street NW
Hampton, IA 50441
Phone: 641-456-2585
Fax: 1-800-340-0805
Email: news@midamericapub.com

Mid-America Publishing

This newspaper is part of the Mid-America Publishing Family. Please visit www.midampublishing.com for more information.