Fireworks Prove Sound Ordinance Double Standard

Everyone wants to give something a pass when it suits their tastes, but when it's somebody else's tastes, it becomes a problem.

Let's take the patriotic element out of 4th of July. As a matter of fact, having fireworks two weeks after Fourth of July does just that. Nobody who went to Sunday's fireworks show went "I am proud to be an American," they just went "Ohhh, that was a good one." So, let's not wrap this issue up in an American flag.

Right across the street from the fireworks presentation sits the Lone Star Amphitheater. They have been great neighbors and have worked on various ways to reduce sound levels in order to not bother anyone, even though most of their events happen on a Friday or Saturday. Still, they get targeted, mostly by one particular family, anytime they book a show.

So which is more disruptive: faint music in the distance on a weekend, or explosions in the sky on a night when most people have to work the next day? You see, we tend to give fireworks a break because we classify them as "special," but to me, the eight -- yes eight -- events the Amp hosted last year were pretty special to us rock, dance and Texas Country fans.

It's time to recognize that Lubbock will not get another Amp. There just is not enough business to justify the expense. I don't see any way it will happen in our lifetime. It's time to recognize the Amp as a legally operating facility and good neighbor and not send police to potentially disrupt a show due to a few repeat complainers.