I was 10, maybe 11. It was July 4th and we went to a BBQ at the Dietrichs' house, about 3 blocks from where we lived. The party was fun, everyone was enjoying themselves, and as the sky darkened the hosts spread the word that they would light off some fireworks in the street. Now, fireworks are illegal in New Jersey - but it's July 4th! Let's have a little fun!
Not Dad. As an employee of the state and of the county (he was County Prosecutor) he felt that it would be unethical for him to observe the fireworks without intervening on behalf of the law. But he also didn't want to spoil everyone's night. So, he recused himself (that's the technical term) from the party - he went home. My dad was the most honorable - and most strictly ethical - person I've ever known.
Tonight, when the neighbors set off their fireworks, my response was more my dad's than my traditional, childish, "Ooh! Fireworks! I want to watch!" I used my Flip video camera to document the display, and thought about calling the police.
Little kid with sparkler, ok, not so bad. Throwing a very loud firecracker in the middle of the street? Questionable.
And again. Sounds like gunshots. Scares Panda.
Fireworks are just as illegal in Massachusetts as in New Jersey, and Somerville (where we live) is the 17th densest populated city in the country. Fireworks on your front step? Entertaining, maybe - but also a little dangerous, and a lot annoying to neighbors who cherish their quiet evenings. Maybe I'm a curmudgeon before my time, but our neighbors certainly aren't going out of their way to endear themselves to everyone else on the street.
The least they could have done was invite me, so I could recuse myself.
1 comment:
What Louis has forgotten is that his mom also had to recuse herself. I really wanted to stay but I thought I should support my husband's decision so I went home too.
Louis - do you remember when the Band Boosters wanted to sell Raffles and what Dad did then?
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