I HATE FIREWORKS!

Well, maybe hate might be a bit strong.  I guess I should also be a bit more specific.  I have a strong dislike for back yard fireworks.  Like many others, I love to watch a good fireworks display, and there are certainly many very good ones to be seen.  Most towns have a display.  So why do people feel the need to purchase their own fireworks.  Imagine, if everyone donated the money they would spend on fireworks to their municipality, there could be an even bigger show for all to watch.  And, for those who do not wish to partake, it would not be forced upon them.  Last year the neighbors in my area put on quite a show.  Constant fireworks, really big, commercial quality jobs, for over an hour nonstop.  My horses totally freaked out.  My wife and I had to stand there with them trying to calm them down, sweat forming a puddle under my wife's little Arabian mare.  Definitely not a fun experience for them, nor us.  And I try not to think about the number of cats and dogs that are traumatized during our "celebrations".  How many pets are so frightened they run away, often lost forever to their grieving families.  Fun stuff.  And worst of all, how many of our war weary vets suffering from PTSD relive traumatic battle field experiences being subjected to the explosive concussions and flashing lights of fireworks exploding expectantly around them.  Fireworks are definitely cool to me, but maybe we should let the pros handle them.  I'm just sayin'.