Some thoughtful PR relating to my least-favorite holiday

Just got an email from Portland Fire and Rescue, urging us to have a safe 4th of July holiday.

The message points out that all but the most modest fireworks are illegal in Oregon, concedes that anyone can cross the river to Washington and buy as much explodey goodness as their little heart desires, then begs us all to consider the following, which seemed worth sharing:

Illegal fireworks cause:

• Countless injuries including trauma and burns from unplanned explosions
• Reoccurring trauma to many of our returning veterans suffering the effects of their service to our Country
• Emotional trauma and anxiety to many small children and animals, who are especially vulnerable
• Enormous property loss each year by causing fires to residences, landscape, and wildland
• Environmental pollution, measureable in both air and noise

"Given the physical, emotional, environmental, and economic costs, as our population becomes more aware about these real consequences, it will become increasingly clear that illegal fireworks in the hands of amateurs is no longer a 'patriotic' act."

Hallelulah.