EDITOR – Affirmative, big bangs are a nuisance as it affects our dogs ,cats and other creatures we don’t know about. The sound dogs hear is magnified 20 times than the sound a human hears hence the devastating trauma they experience.
Basically the crux of the fireworks debate is that the big bangs are too loud which has a detrimental affect on our animals. How true, we are residents in a country where people love their animals. In the same token let’s cut down on the number of chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs, cows and other animals that are slaughtered and killed for human consumption.
With the festive season on our doorstep let’s commit ourselves to eat more vegetables and reduce the demand for meat products so that fewer of our animals can be butchered. And while we are so vocal and vociferous about banning fireworks and then reaching a compromise with regard to the big bangs let’s use the same vigour and energy also to lobby our major, James Nxumalo, about the level of crime which includes car hijackings, theft and murder.
Diwali is celebrated once a year, and long after the noise of the fireworks is a distant memory the high levels of crime will continue to plague our nation. So while we tackle the small issues like the banning of fireworks let’s not lose perspective and focus on more gigantic issues affecting our country.
Diwali symbolises light. The light that burns brightly in our hearts. It is the triumph of good over evil. Like other religions, Hinduism teaches tolerance.
Phoenix and Chatsworth has the highest concentration of Indian people in the world outside of India. If you manage to get hold of some big bangs and have an urge to set them off then your safest bet as Priyanka Chopra says is welcome to my city, Phoenix. Nobody interferes because everybody is on the same page and understand the different religious observances. Chatsworth exhibits the same religious tolerance.
Wishing all Hindus a spiritual Diwali. May the light of Diwali shine brightly in you forever.
Vijay Surujpal
Phoenix
