Keep off firecrackers

Keep off firecrackers

From Suara Karya

Although massive raids on firecrackers have been carried out several times, the sound of firecracker' explosions is still heard in many places. In the present holy fasting month of Ramadhan, the firecracker business (especially on the roadsides) has intensified so that the booming sound of firecrackers disturbs the solemnity of the observance of our religious duty of fasting.

I am one of the residents strongly against firecrackers. I do not want firecrackers to be around not only because the sound is very disturbing but also because they are a danger to those using them, who are mostly youngsters.

Toward Lebaran last year, for example, the 12-year-old son of one of my neighbors lost two of the fingers on his right hand because of a firecracker explosion. Now the boy, reserved and shy, has an inferiority complex and a deeply traumatic experience.

Since this accident, I have prohibited my children from playing with firecrackers. Before the accident, they liked to light firecrackers very much, believing that Lebaran would not be complete without any firecrackers.

So, all parents must keep their sons and daughters away from firecrackers. If your children get hurt because of a firecracker explosion, the most you can do is to regret. So, do not let firecrackers take away your children's future.

MRS. TETY SETYOWATI

Tangerang, West Java