boon's log 0907.01: Happy CNY 2007 (Pt.2): What ban?

Firecracker. To ban or not to ban? Recently, there were appeals to the Govt to lift the ban on certain occasions, e.g. during festivals. Well, ban or no ban, last night was no different from previous years. Last night, as the Chinese Buddhist community celebrated and ushered in the 9th day of the CNY - Pai Tee Kong (more write-up here)- fireworks enthusiasts were on a frenzy.

Some would then ask, "What Firecracker Ban?!"










Lighting up the skies

It's a toughie, ain't it? To ban or not to ban? We all know that firecrackers have been the culprit of fires and maimed individuals - some, even deaths. Well, if the folks playing 'em and the manufacturers are more responsible, probably those incidences would not have happened. But then again - who can control a projectiled firecracker. I mean, it is not some high-tech missile or something, that you can control the direction of its flight path.

How about having SIRIM (or some sort of authoritative body) set certain standards for firecrackers that can be allowed into the country. Set up a Firecracker R&D Department or something like that. :P Okay, the latter may be a little overboard, but the idea does not - it can also provide job opportunities as well. Remember how big time software companies hire hackers to help them with their codes? Well, we can also hire our local kampung-boys who are so innovative in creating home-made firecrackers to make sure that what ever firecrackers' that are in the market are safe for the public.

I mean, I've always believe that we cannot set too tight a leash on "humans". It's just being human, right? If you see a sign "Do Not Pluck Flowers" next to some bunch of beautiful roses, the next thought that comes to mind is... "Why NOT?" Or something closer to home - I'm sure many of us have seen this (or worse, have participated in it before). Signs like "Jangan Buang Sampah disini" but there are truckloads of rubbish surrounding that sign.

Where there's a will, there's a way. Ban firecrackers? Take a look around. The last time I checked, the "Bams!" and "Bangs!" lasted until about 3AM last night. Again, enjoy responsibly, folks. Firecrackers, are in some ways, like cigarrettes - it may give you a moment's pleasure, but when in excess, may cause angry neighbors on a lighter note or some parts of your body may suffer in that effect.

boon out...