Freedom comes with responsibility

In the July 10 edition of Fence Post, I read a letter that presented an opinion that was illogical and quite scary.

Julie Bohannon's letter brushes off property damage caused by illegal fireworks by writing, "The Fourth of July is what it is. Sometimes people get hurt and property gets damaged. It is a risk we all take in celebration of our freedom!"

Huh? Somebody's property is destroyed by an illegal item and we're supposed to chalk it up to the risk we take by living in America?

What if had been her property that was damaged, or her child who was hurt? Would that OK since people were just celebrating their freedoms?

I think I'll celebrate my freedom of speech this fall by going to a Bears game and yell at the top of my lungs, "There's a bomb in the stadium!" The resulting stampede may injure or kill someone, but that's the risk the fans took by attending the game.

I also have the right to bear arms and I'd like to thank the soldiers by taking a gun and firing it randomly in my neighborhood.

By her logic, since I would be celebrating my rights, that would be OK. Who cares if a stray bullet hits a child? That's the risk the child took by being outside when I was celebrating my freedom.

Julie, you are right. Living in America involves risk. However, the risks I take by living in America don't involve putting my safety or property in jeopardy because some yahoo decides to shoot off illegal fireworks.

People need to recognize that the freedoms we enjoy and celebrate also come with responsibility.

Kevin Hogendorp

Buffalo Grove