by Noah
My youth was filled with dangerous games and toys but none of them were like the military grade war weapons of mass destruction that are so easily purchased now. In 1970, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a decree that designated Lawn Darts as a "mechanical hazard" that must be packaged and labeled as such with a warning that pointed out the potential for serious injury, and yes, we stupid humans had to be actually told that, even after there had been some serious injuries and even a few deaths (compared to thousands) due to skull punctures.
Finally, in an example of how slowly our government moves to do the right thing, Lawn Darts were banned in 1988. I'm surprised the companies that made them didn't immediately shift to manufacturing Lawn Knives, complete with 7 foot rotating wheels that kids could strap their siblings to. Maybe they just make guns and ammo now.
So here we are in 2023. You'd be lucky, maybe, to find some Lawn Darts at a local garage sale, but guns, including AR-15s are as easy to find in our stores as a nice, healthy carton of orange juice. It's a deathwish. What a country!!!
the problem with lawn darts and fireworks is the same problem that the nation can't make it past... stupidity.
That extends to the boeing lawn darts (737 max) which crashed a few times but still hasn't killed as many people as guns. boeing might have fixed their lawn darts... but only because they'd be ruined if nobody ever bought another plane from them.
same reason ford doesn't make depth charges (pintos) any more. There are more examples from american vehicle manufacturers, tire manufacturers and so on.
the problem with guns is multifaceted -- hate, stupidity, greed and evil. nothing sums up america better.
i miss being able to have firecrackers on the 4th of july too. may the 4th be with you and Happy