Ah, it’s that time of year again when certain states hold the esteemed position of being deemed “unrepairable.” Enter California, land of the palm trees, Hollywood glitz, and, as some would argue, the bureaucratic missteps. On this year’s Fourth of July, despite the governor’s advisory emphasizing safety and compliance with fireworks regulations, Californians took to their rooftops and backyards, igniting the night sky with the sort of defiance that would make the founding fathers proud. With dazzling illegal fireworks lighting up Los Angeles and beyond, it seems that the spirit of #Resist has taken a new, unexpected twist.
In a fascinating turn of events, what was supposed to be a subdued Independence Day in the city of angels morphed into a symphonic explosion of color and sound, as Angelenos collectively decided they’d rather light up the sky than play by the rules. Governor Gavin Newsom’s emphasis on safety didn’t prevent some neighborhoods from staging their own spirited light shows despite warnings of potential $50,000 fines. One might be tempted to say that instead of complying, they opted to give the idea of legality a vigorous fireworks display of its own.
From the looks of it, local fire and police departments were kept more than a bit busy, darting from call to call with overwhelmed 911 lines buzzing faster than a firecracker. While some called to complain about the noise and potential fire hazards, others simply sat back and enjoyed the fireworks—embracing a hearty, if not ironic, demonstration of community spirit. It appears that when it comes to tradition, Californians refuse to let a little thing like a ban come between them and their independence.
And yet, while some on social media decried the decision by citizens to go all-out fireworks rogue, many others applauded it. After all, what could be more American than using one’s constitutional rights to defy a government’s rather dampening decree? The audacity of launching skywards in a state trying so hard to dim its national holiday highlights an interesting point: perhaps political color isn’t as permanent as it seems.
Alas, today’s California stands as a reminder that states, much like loyalties, can flip when citizens decide enough is enough. If a little skyward rebellion is indicative of California’s broader ambitions, then perhaps there’s hope yet for a return to those ’80s Reagan-era glory days. After all, when fireworks crackle with the same fever pitch of a frustrated electorate, it’s a clear sign that where there’s smoke, there’s always a chance for a new flame.
