Why does it seem like every holiday nowadays requires fireworks? I know they’re a tradition for July 4th (in the US), but I’ve heard them go off on Labor Day, Memorial Day, even Father’s Day.

Why? Why is this necessary?

I am a dog owner. My dog generally isn’t afraid of fireworks, although they do startle her. However, there are lots of dogs out there who are afraid of them, for various reasons. There are also veterans who are… well, not afraid, per se, but the sounds of the explosions can trigger PTSD or other trauma reactions.

Oh, and how about all those people who take videos of fireworks shows, never to look at them again? That’s a waste not only of good hard drive space but also of an experience — viewing an experience through a lens is different than viewing it through your eyes without thinking about what the pictures or videos will look like.

This July 4th, if you’re in America, don’t set off fireworks. Donate that money to an animal shelter or a veterans’ organization. Trust me: it’ll go a lot farther and make a lot more people (or animals) happier.

(No, not every post can be about sex or spanking. Sometimes I have other things to say. But tomorrow there will be spanking. Count on it.)