Don’t expect Hoosiers to use fireworks sensibly

I usually am not in agreement with many of the editorials in The Journal-Gazette, but I have to admit that the editorial, “Lack of rain, lack of sympathy” (July 4), was right on target.

Steven L. Graves, the executive director of the Indiana Fireworks Dealers Association stated, “I think Hoosiers are intelligent enough to make decisions on their own.”

Are you kidding me? In my opinion, Graves wouldn’t have a job, and his organization wouldn’t exist if our lawmakers had the guts to limit fireworks to July 4 only. As it is, the law permits fireworks to be set off nearly a full two weeks every year.

As far as intelligent Hoosiers go, Graves needs to spend some time in my neighborhood. Every year, a few clowns start blowing up stuff well before the June 29 start date and conclude whenever they run out of ammo. Sometimes this is well after July 9. They don’t pay any attention to the time either.

I have no sympathy for Graves and his organization because they have no sympathy for me and my right to peace and quiet in my own home.

JAMES A. BRENOCK Fort Wayne

Health care insurance is necessity, not choice

Who would consider driving and risking the lives and safety of others by driving without insurance?

Certainly no one in their right mind would consider spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a house without insuring it against loss. In fact, states and mortgage companies will not allow us to drive without liability insurance or purchase a house without coverage for loss.

I would suggest that even more important and precious than cars and houses is good health. Anyone who has ever suffered any medical or health issues would surely agree that regaining your health and being able to go about your daily routine is our greatest human need.

So why are there politicians and others who decry the requirement by the government to have health insurance? Who cares whether it is a tax or a penalty? It is a necessity.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to have health insurance from employers pay for those who do not have insurance. We pay for them in the form of elevated medical care costs and premiums.

Our market economy and the law of supply and demand should reduce those expenses when everyone is insured.

It is time for everyone to get on board with the rest of the world’s richest nations and provide affordable health care to all our citizens.

GLORIA DANCE Fort Wayne

Heed detour signs or run risk of injury

During the recent weather catastrophe, power lines and tree limbs were down and across streets.

I must compliment New Haven’s police and street departments for their swift action in closing and barricading Green Road. There were fallen trees and electrical poles. The police swiftly blocked the road while the street department erected signs and traffic cones warning of the hazard ahead.

That same day many drivers considered themselves above all of this and proceeded to move signs and cones and drive through. Some even drove down the side walk. I saw a string of eight cars going past, in spite of all the warning.

I wonder who these people will try to sue when they are injured, electrocuted or get a flat tire?

RICHARD LASH New Haven