Will no one think of our marine mammal friends, who surely will be disappointed?
According to this story, the usual Independence Day fireworks show in a Southern California beach town was shut down because (you guessed it), the California Coastal Commission prefers (not so) environmentally-friendly drones:
The California Coastal Commission has denied the permit for the July 3 fireworks show over Alamitos Bay in Long Beach. The commission cited environmental reasons for denying the permit.
Restaurateur John Morris has organized the fireworks show since 2011. The California Coastal Commission warned him that last year’s show would be the last if he didn’t switch to drones. Morris claims that drones are more expensive than fireworks.
Ah yes, wasn’t it John Adams who noted that Independence Day (whichever day is most accurate) would be commemorated with a keen eye towards the environment:
The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
Can’t wait for the drone shew.