Bad decision on fireworks

Regarding Jackson's recent vote to ban the sale of fireworks: Thursday's headline said that decision may be reversed. I certainly hope so. As a lifelong resident of Jackson, I was outraged when I read the headline Wednesday. The purchase of fireworks and the shooting of them is one of the few privileges we have left, and I do not want it taken away. The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays, and I enjoy not only our personal display that night but the displays of our neighbors. It's our country's Independence Day, and we as its citizens should have the right to celebrate it with fireworks if we choose.

The notion that a few aldermen arbitrarily decided to take away this privilege without any input from voters and taxpayers is outrageous. David Hitt, who is an alderman in the ward in which I live, voted to ban fireworks. Thursday's paper said Hitt could not be reached for comment. Maybe this will reach him. I am notifying him that he will not get my vote in any upcoming bids he may have for re-election.

How dare the aldermen make this decision without consulting the public. It smacks of our current Congress ramming legislation down our throats without asking the people what they want. Government already controls too much of our lives.

BARBARA PROCTOR, Jackson