The laws in Rhode Island that govern the use of consumer fireworks are out of date and out of touch with the demands and rights of the Rhode Island citizens. The time has come for Rhode Island to be brought into the mainstream of American life and for the legislature to let its citizens enjoy the celebration of freedom with consumer fireworks.

The spirit of the Rhode Island signers of the Declaration of Independence — Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery — should rise once again and break the chains of anti-fireworks servitude in the Ocean State.

The imperative for the legislature to “protect” its citizens from the dangers of consumer fireworks is long gone. The consumer fireworks today are the safest ever, and the injuries associated with the use of consumer fireworks are at an all-time low. There simply is no longer any need for the antiquated laws in this state that prevent citizens from enjoying the family celebrations associated with a home fireworks display.

The fireworks-related injuries in America have dropped dramatically, and the use of consumer fireworks has gone up several fold. From 1992 to 2006, the actual number of fireworks-related injuries has dropped over 26 percent, while during the same period use of fireworks measured by imports from China has increased from 87.1 million pounds to 278.2 million pounds, or almost 220 percent. Based on injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks used, injuries have dropped an amazing 76 percent since 1992. This is based on information published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Rhode Island is now one of only five states that totally outlaw the use of all consumer fireworks.

John Adams, before he was our second president, said in 1776 in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that Independence Day “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade . . . bonfires and . . . illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore.” Fireworks provide the citizens of this state and this nation a means to celebrate their freedoms.

Countless Americans, past and present, have fought for this freedom, but in Rhode Island they are still not able to celebrate this cherished right with fireworks. The outdated Rhode Island law that makes fireworks illegal is a violation of every citizen’s right to celebrate Independence Day as John Adams said it ought to be celebrated.

Celebrating Independence Day in the United States without fireworks would be like celebrating Thanksgiving without turkeys or New Year’s without the ball dropping. Traditions are passed down within families, nations, and cultures. The tradition of celebrating Independence Day and freedom with fireworks is ingrained in the very soul of our country. There is nothing more strongly associated with the tradition of Independence Day than fireworks.

Write to your legislators and let them know that you want the right to celebrate your freedom with fireworks in the spirit of John Adams.

WILLIAM A. WEIMER

Youngstown, Ohio

The writer is president of Phantom Fireworks.