New Year's Fireworks

[valiha]

So I hear some towns will spend up to $100 million for fireworks. I have this feeling that money could have been put to much better use, dontcha think?

Motherfuckers.

Comments

[pezgirl7.livejournal.com]

They probably think it will bring in tourists, and hence, money. At least that's how citys here always justify things. Like when Chicago was petitioning to get the Summer Olympics, citizens were angry at how much it would cost, but the head honchos kept saying it would be worth it in the long run, because it would bring in a lot of revenue.

Um, Happy New Year? :)

[dj-aida.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, I'm just not having a good time. The fireworks are triggering for me, since they sound and flash a lot like the shellings we experienced during the war. The fact that my uncle and my mom both passed away in January isn't helping either.

Yes, but how effective is that really, in this economy? OK, I can understand major world cities justifying it that way, but more and more smaller cities all over the world are following that example. It just made me so angry today as I was coming home from work seeing people beg on the street and five meters away a stage is being set up for fireworks and a concert. Ugh!

[dj-aida.livejournal.com]

And I forgot to ask, was it worth it? Did it bring in a lot of revenue? And what *is* a lot of revenue, or enough, or just about? Where is the level at which you can say, OK, we invested all this money, but we earned even more, so it's fine?

[pezgirl7.livejournal.com]

Well we didn't win the bid, Rio De Janeiro got it instead. This is for 2016. It was suppose to cost around 5 billion dollars, but the mayor said the private sector was to pay for most of it, with sponsorships and what not. A lot of citizens didn't believe him, hence the outcry. I don't know how much revenue it would have brought in, but I'm sure in a city like Chicago, it would have been a lot. It would have also created jobs, which are really needed. A lot of people were overly confident that we would get it, considering the president is from Chicago, and supported it. I guess it's like any investment, if you can make your money back, plus half, it's good? I don't really know. But I know what you're saying. I see money going to stupid things too, and I think, why? And how do you choose to what funds to a museum, or a homeless shelter, or a festival? Who decides?

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

I have no idea what the Sydney ones cost every year, but they all seem to think they're worth it...

Of course, we're in a different financial situation.

[dj-aida.livejournal.com]

I just thought that they would be toned down, you know, now that the *whole world* is in a tight spot financially. And I thought that money could have been used to do something about the floods, to help people who lost their homes and jobs.

I'm sorry, a lot of things have come together to make this a miserable time, and it doesn't help that the sound of fireworks is triggering for me.

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

Oh, I understand - and while I'm sure a lot of people would argue that the joy they bring was worth it, I tend to wonder why joy can't be a bit cheaper...

[tpena19.livejournal.com]

I agree with you. I mean it's great to put on a show and have a nice spirit of peace and stuff, but not when your budget can't afford it! So many towns here are already in the red, yet they borrow more for unneeded stuff like this. Politicians are morons.

[dj-aida.livejournal.com]

Yeah, definitely. I'm not arguing for canceling the celebrations, just for maybe spending that money in a different way. ("Have some street lights, organize some concerts around town and provide people there with free food and drinks, give some of that money to the town's needy, equip homeless shelters better" was what I said in a reply to the comment below.)

It makes me so angry when I keep hearing our politicians constantly screech, We have no money! for pensions, or social programs etc. while simultaneously raising their own paychecks month after month, then planning extravagant celebrations and paying a massive amount of money to local stars to perform on New Year's Eve. \(>_<)

[boogieshoes.livejournal.com]

i'm sorry you're having a tough time right now. i certainly understand bad reactions to fireworks because they remind you of bad things - i have a tendency to jump and grumble over the loud noises myself.

on the other hand... i'm going to disagree with you about whether or not it's worth it, or the money could be spent better. while no city or government should go overboard with the bread and circuses, i also think that having city-funded celebrations every so often helps the local social psychology. especially in tough times, a celebration gives people something to look forward to, a rest and a relief from the never-ending worry about money and bills and a roof over your head. no, it doesn't work for everyone, but people are more prone to give during times of celebration, which is why (in America, anyways) you see all those Salvation Army buckets during Christmas-tide. the SA accepts donations all the time, but they get a real boost during Christmas. it's the same during other seasonal celebrations.

in short, secular seasonal celebrations tend to provide a fillup of hope, and that's never a bad thing.

now, you can argue till the cows come home about *how* the celebrations should take place, and with what. but the general idea is sound, i think.

just my 2c USD

-bs

[dj-aida.livejournal.com]

No, yeah I agree completely with what you say about celebrations, it's just that I wish there was more restraint with the flashy displays. Isn't there some other way to celebrate than to have all that money basically burn? Have some street lights, organize some concerts around town and provide people there with free food and drinks, give some of that money to the town's needy, equip homeless shelters better, you know? Such massive fireworks seem like such a waste.

[boogieshoes.livejournal.com]

and it's much worse if you hate fireworks. ;)

i do understand how you feel re fireworks and the excessiveness specifically. some years, i'm waving that flag with you. but i also feel somewhat like a complete hypocrite when i do, because i really enjoy things like the Rose Parade, which is a waste of resources if there ever was one.

i'm not sure what the proper compromise between gaudy celebrations (which i admit, i love, because i have *no* taste...) and the appropriate use of those resources. :(

-bs

[dj-aida.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, fireworks and firecrackers are triggering for me. I flinch every time I hear them, and if it's really bad, I'll start shaking. To say I'm not a fan of fireworks would be an understatement.

Yeah, how to agree on a compromise... :sigh: