Ever since their invention, fireworks have been a source of excitement, awe, and danger. A mistaken mixture of three common kitchen items, a Chinese cook some 2000 years ago is credited with the discovery of the main ingredient; gunpowder.

Most sources describe the progression from this fast-burning kitchen mixture to firecrackers (the same mixture compressed tightly into bamboo shoots and ignited) taking until the 9th century. Firecrackers were used to celebrate, ward off "bad" spirits and keep ghosts at bay. From their invention in the Liu Yang region of Hunan Province, firecrackers were the forefather of today's fireworks.

Brought here by New World settlers and incorporated into celebrations ever since, early fireworks were far less colorful than the pyrotechnic beauties we see today. Metals and salts produced the brilliant colors that draw the "ahhh's and ohhh's" from young and well-seasoned Americans alike.

Fireworks have long been used to celebrate important events and days. Six years before we actually achieved independence from England, Americans celebrated Independence Day using fireworks. Fireworks are deeply rooted in our country, its heritage and tradition, our psyches, and have been adopted as a symbol of our freedom. Ironically, America has a love-hate relationship with that same symbol.

Fireworks are the Jekyll and Hyde of celebrations. You know what I'm talking about. Fireworks are a lot like that third cousin who shows up at every family reunion. Early on all is well. The cousin hasn't had too much to drink, carries on a great conversation, and is actually fun to be around. But one too many drinks in his hand, and he turns into the party wrecker that everyone can't wait to see leave. The party actually breathes a sigh of relief when the door closes behind him.

We light fireworks on the Fourth. Kids and adults marvel in the beautiful colors and sparkle, and as soon as we're finished and trying to fall asleep, we're on edge hoping nothing bad happens while we slumber. For some Gilroyans, the dawn of the fifth of July is nearly a Christmas morn' with no damages to their homes.

Firework bans are nothing new. As early as 1731 in Rhode Island colony, a ban on the "mischievous use of fireworks" was put into effect. According to the New York Times, "New York's Fourth, if plans of the authorities so through, will be soundless, safe and sane. Confiscation of fireworks, begun yesterday, will be continued today. All patrolmen have been cautioned to be on the lookout for explosive celebrations in the streets." That was the lead story in July 4, 1923.

As Americans we are governed as we allow ourselves to be governed. Unfortunately, we seem bent on allowing our government to legislate "being an American" out of Americans. We sit idly by as vast sums of money are spent teaching Spanish to American school children to alleviate a language barrier easily eradicated by enforcing the "Welcome to America" sign at our southern borders, and not suggesting but requiring Mexican immigrants become fluent in English.

Now, Gilroyans seem willing to ban our national tradition of celebrating our Independence. Gilroy has stricken next year's city firework display from the budget. It appears Gilroy might follow other cities in jumping off the cliff with a freshly minted firework ban in hand.

Fireworks are a legal product. They do present a danger. What product doesn't these days? I will support a ban on fireworks because they might start a fire the moment Gilroy decides to ban cigarettes because they might kill people, cars because they might kill people, cell phones, and alcohol for the same reasons. If we succumb to one ban, we must, by acceptance, succumb to all. It's not about fireworks or fires; it's about being a free American.

Ben Anderson Columnist Ben Anderson is a long-time Gilroyan and father of two fantastic teens. You can reach him at heyben@bdkr.net. His column is published every Wednesday.