Crack down on the crackers
We enjoy a hearty anniversary blast as much as the next American.
But we also agree with letter writer Mike Bailey of Coeur d'Alene, who notes with some chagrin that the window of pyrotechnic opportunity should long since have closed around here.
From the heart of Cd'A to Hayden and beyond, fireworks - many obviously of the illegal kind - have been interrupting the otherwise peaceful slumber of young and old alike.
These aren't victimless crimes, as many a bleary-eyed, semi-cranky sleepwalkers can attest. Nor should they be violations where the culprits are difficult to find. So why is it that for a week or so before July 4 and sometimes well beyond a week later, the big bang theory is repeatedly tested in our neighborhoods with apparent impunity?
No need to belabor this point. We respectfully request that municipal and county law enforcers continue to look and listen the other way during the Fourth of July holiday, but issue citations before and beyond that reasonable window. If we can't have peace on Earth, maybe we can at least enjoy a little of it during the sweet summer nights in Kootenai County.
Pollen and police everywhere
Considering that we've just implied police are nowhere to be found when residents weary of fireworks wish otherwise, here's an alert:
Police are about to appear everywhere.
Starting tomorrow, city, county and state patrols will be aggressively pursuing "aggressive drivers" through July 26. In the case of law-breakers, aggressive driving includes failure to yield, stop sign violations, driving too fast for conditions, reckless driving, tailgating and disregarding traffic signs or signals.
We're telling you this not so your radar can be especially sensitive to squad cars for the next couple weeks. We're telling you because aggressive driving is the greatest contributing factor to crashes that injure or kill people.
Common sense tells us that in the heat of summer, tempers can also rise. And speaking of nature, the human variety suggests that with many Kootenai County residents now suffering late-season allergic reactions, as reported in this paper Monday, some drivers might not be at their most alert or their most patient.
As always, please drive carefully - and considerately.