The 4th Is A Trashy Event

July 5th, 2010 8:32 am CT

and the trash receptacles were barely half-full
Photo: JM Stygles

I decided at 4:45 this morning, since my neighbors felt it was appropriate to light off fireworks, that I might as well get up and go walking along the River.
It was a beautiful, cool July morning. It was also so early that the street lights were still on, but light enough to be considered an Early Bird vs. a Night Owl.
I pulled into the parking lot at the Riverwalk and it was obvious that many people had celebrated the forth along the Mississippi. The Parks cleaning crew had not started working so trash was everywhere. Now, I understand crowds and group behavior, but the trash receptacles put out by the city to collect your fireworks, bottles, paper cups and other junk, were barely half-full.
I don’t quite understand this? I know we are celebrating Independence Day but that doesn’t me you have an independent right to be a slob. The Independence we celebrate comes with a responsibility to one another to be good citizens. And, in case some folks just don’t know, cleaning up after oneself can be an act of good citizenship.
On this “official” bank holiday, the 5th of July, let’s remember what our role is in society. We became Independent from England and formed a constitution where the Rights and Privileges are to be afforded to all people. Those Rights and Privileges are not for a select few, just as one’s celebrating the 4th at the Riverwalk is not just for their pleasure. Respect your rights and Respect the rights of others.
And PICK UP YOUR TRASH!