Actually not gunfire, but local folks who just can't seem to save all their black powder devices for the actual Fourth. Been hearing an occasional boom, or rapid-fire crackle, for more than a week, and it intensifies the closer to the day.

I think sale, posession and discharge of fireworks is the form of civil disobedience most common among those least likely to practice it. Makes sense, too - that's one of that class of laws enacted "for our own protection"; flaunting it is an act of Independence.

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It's tradition among some folks I know (including me) to screen the movie version of the musical 1776 sometime during this holiday. I recommend it to all who read this; much of the book and lyrics are based on the correspondence between John Adams and his Dearest Friend, his wife Abigail - including the finale, where John envisions the future celebrations of the anniversary, fireworks and all.

A happy and safe celebration to everyone!

[* Talking Heads, "Life During Wartime", lyrics by David Byrne]