Fireworks: Animals won’t miss them

After reading the letter to the editor from an Athol woman, I had to share my reaction. In the midst of all the illness and racial strife plaguing our country, here is a woman, steps from the fun of Silverwood, whining that she won’t get to watch the pretty fireworks this year. She came off as a self-absorbed person who can’t locate the bigger picture. To her and all others who might be gravely concerned that their Fourth of July fun has been canceled, I offer you the following adage: Open your mind. If you can’t change something, change the way you think about it.

Think about the million animals in our county that won’t have the trepidation of death from bombs shooting into the sky this year, because that’s how they fear it. Typically, my animals have headed under my bed, shaking and refusing to come out for hours after it’s finally over. One year, my friend’s big dog destroyed her bathroom, ripping down the shower curtain, pulling every bath salt and toothbrush off the countertop — breaking glass, and running all the toilet paper off the roll, except for the last two pieces that hung there shredded. The neighborhood dogs won’t be howling in fright that night. (That’s terror expressed, borne from your amusement.) Thank you, civic leaders, for the pass on that this year.

Think of the thousands of dollars literally blown up before your eyes in fireworks — money that could still be donated to improve parks or otherwise leave a lasting sign of community love. That utter waste of money has caused me to protest by not watching the spectacle rain down sparks on our beloved Idaho trees and lake. This year, the fireworks mess won’t be polluting our air, land and lake or be a fire hazard. I’m hoping all fireworks are banned this year, and forever. (Our country doesn’t even make the fireworks you throw money at with a lit match; largely that’s millions for China.)

I am in complete favor of parades. It is a community activity that includes everybody in active participation. Go OOOO’n AHHH at them this year. I dare you to go to a small-town parade and not laugh and smile at something. Wear our national colors or silly hat. Have you ever been in a Fourth of July parade? It’s another level of patriotic fun.

Lastly, to that woman in Athol; I hope to see you at the parade this year, laughing and cheering on your fellow Idahoan folk. If you are still too bored to attend the “foo-foo parade,” I can assure you, you won’t be missed, except by me; I still hope you will come join the merriment as a proud American, period.

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Suzanne Holland is a Post Falls resident.