maybe next time he will vote to legalized fireworks

"DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" (Moe Green, THE GODFATHER)

Maybe NOW the legislature will finally repeal this absurdly STUPID law. Oh, wait, the state coffers are getting quite empty, guess they have to have some way to fill them.

This isn't a story about fireworks, but abuse of power, arrogance and stupidity. One of the first things reported out of his mouth was "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?". This guy has a long reputation for this type of behavior and it has finally caught up with him. Rep. Blanchard tried to hush this up with a call to Augusta on Sunday morning, but it didn't work. Me thinks they probably know what this guys all about down there! Apparently there are other, independent whitnesses that can verify what the Fire Marshall and Game Warden say occured at the camp. We will all be waiting for the release of the official report.

"i am a lawmaker so therefore I can break them". Pretty soon these lawmaker jerks will pass a law for themselves called immunity from prosecution.

Isn't there enough real criminal activity going on around to keep the oficers busy instead of botheing people celebrating the 4th?

Legalize Fireworks. It will help clear the gene pool. And the state will get more tax money.

Bang, Boom, oh oh fizzel!

Abuse of power is the greater CRIME here!

Another waste of our tax dollars. No wonder so many burglaries go unsolved; all the police are out babysitting the public and making sure nobody has any fun.

Pretty stupid that in N.H. fireworks are legal, when in Maine they are not. The reason is they are apparently a fire hazard, however, how many fires have started in N.H. as the result of fireworks? What is this country coming to. I see "United We Stand" on bumper stickers all over the country, however it is a crime to celebrate the victory of the nation with fireworks. Talk about pushing peoples buttons. I lit off 200 lbs. last night on Cathance Lake in Cooper, Me. with a good friend. It was quite a show, and with all of the rain we have had you couldn't set the woods on fire if you wanted to. It's called using common sense and knowing when it's too dry. The state should use their extra money that they apparently have to help better enforce illegal immigration on the Mexican Border than harass families who have made sacrafices for the nation.

Hope he went to confession to get his sins forgiven so that he can walk with his head high! Let the real Dick step forward!

Ever had to deal with the warden involved? If you have, you'll know that Blanchard's story is most likely the one closest to the truth.

legalize fireworks.

typical lawmaker ...pass laws they do not have to follow due to their title....we keep voting people like this in office...

This fool wasn't even present for a vote to legalize fireworks in Maine. The House narrowly passed the bill on June 1st, and the Senate killed it. Blanchard was AWOL for the vote. The voters should turn him out of office.

Another two bit politician who believes he is above the law, can you say loser?

Our founding fathers clearly wanted us to drink beer and blow things up on the 4th of July. The game warden should go find some old lady looking at deer in a field to harrass instead. Thats there job , right?

It doesn't matter, what he did was illegal but he thought he could get away with it because of "who he is". Dick we all know who you are, we just don't care.

Anne Jordan of the Dept of Public Safety says, "nobody gets favors, nobody gets special treatment, he will be treated like everyone else". What planet is she on? The past history of this Blanchard character sounds about right. This is what happens when a person gets their first taste of politics. They get some issue broomed under the table, and then move on to bigger and better things for them, their families and the their closest friends. Throw the bums out! Term limits, baby!

Re: 7:45 Kate123 You are darn right!

Its funny - they are accusing Rep Blanchard of abuse of power - but what about the wardens... as some one pointed out - if you have ever dealt with some of these wardens, they like to throw their weight around all the time - one of the "I am the law so respect me" types... please, so that family - that 15 year old boy - was the only ones with fireworks - give it a break. Everyone knows that it happens all the time - there was a huge one up to East Grand - I suppose they got permission to do it. We really don't have bigger fish to fry for ciminals in this state - how much are we paying these guys to work on a holiday weekend to stop a few fire crackers.... and the only reason this even hit the Bangor Daily is because it was a law makers' camp. Ridiculous!

A few good points about the wardens... I have yet to meet one that hasnt been "mightier than thou" so to speak.

If he had just shut his mouth and accepted the summons,it probably would not have even been mentioned in the newspaper. He brought on all this unwanted attention himself.

Typical Maine way, if it's fun, it needs to be against the law.

They may hit east grand another time. I know game wardens can be a little hard to take, one I have in mind is a real jerk. The point of this story is Dick Blanchard is the only one impressed with his credentials. He thinks he is above you and I. He missed the vote about legalizing fireworks and when people asked him if that meant he would not have his annual hour long display he said "they have to arrest the rest of the state before they can touch me" Well I guess they don't Dick do they? They did not harrass his grandson Dick was billigerent and thought he was above it all. He did poke the fire marshall in the chest and he did ask if they "know who I am". He got pinched, I hope he gets a hefty fine, and I hope he will learn that he is just like you and me. And if it wasn't for you and me he wouldn't have a job. By the way when you are a representative you get a set of plates for your car, Dick puts one plate on his car and one on his wife's . I hope they nail him for that too.

I travel I-95 every day. I set my cruise at 65 MPH and I cannot believe the number of our elected politicians that just zoom on past. They are so full of themselves and the power they have they do not even realize the example they are setting. If you are an elected lawmaker why can't you obey the laws? Oh yeah I forget, you live in a do as I say not as i do world.

You have to love the season around the 4th, what with all the heartwarming stories of kids losing eyes to bottle rockets and blowing fingers off, to elected officials with a sence of entitlement who think they are above the law. I wonder if alcohol played any factor in the 'heated' conversation.

i don't care who he is, legalize fireworks. fire hazard? so is gas and a match...

Well you would hope that if he was really such a bad representative that he would get voted out of office - why does he keep winning then? Just a question - I'm not from that district - I know who Mr. Blanchard is - I went to school in his hometown and with his children - I've never had any beef with him but I also don't have any dealing with him either. And yes, the story is about trying to use your "power" to get special treatment - and Mr. Blanchard is not the only one that does that. But as for the fireworks issue, you really think he was the only camp with fireworks that day? I doubt it - I still want to know if we are paying these guys double time to make sure those horrible firecrackers aren't being used on the 4th of July - really...

and its a PARENT responsiblilty to watch their kids for the "missing fingers, etc." comment.

Rep. Blanchard stated "he knew that shooting the fireworks was illegal, but considered it a minor offense"....what a foolish and irresponsible comment to be stated by an elected official and law maker....This is truly a sad example of who and what we have elected to represent us on a local, state and national level....All we heard from both political parties during election time was change and working for the betterment of the people....elected officials such as this need to go...shame on you Mr Blanchard and any and all elected officials like you....

"and its a PARENT responsiblilty to watch their kids for the "missing fingers, etc." comment."

Not in Maine where they are illegal.

True Confederate Yankee...

He should now step down from office, if he actually tried to use his position.

PabMainer - that is "heresay" that Mr. Blanchard said that - unless you actually heard him say it - it is not fact. He might have - but gossip is a funny thing - it does not always speak the truth.

Sorry PabMainer - it was in the article - I missed that part...

How many out here have been around or have actually shot fireworks themselves.... do you call the authorities when you see it? Just wondering....

Heresay??....I guess that did not occur to me since it is reported as being "said" by Blanchard followed by another quoted statement! We would never be subjected to gossip would we?

PGOME1, I have many times, I now live in a state where they are legal. I always love when I tell my friends in my home state of Maine I'll be driving up for a visit . I get shopping lists for truck loads of liquor,cigarettes and fireworks lol. I should charge them a sin tax.

I should have clarified I have lit fireworks many times, never dialed johnny law.

Pabmainer - if you will look, I did notice that after and said that!

Fireworks are dangerous and should only be handled by professional pyrotechnic companies. Why did the fire marshals only focus on the State Rep and not the other on the lake? Well, when fishing do you catch all the fish or only a few? Good job to the fire marshals for keeping those they can safe.

My point - there are two sides to this story - why exactly was that one camp singled out? NO ONE is above the law - yes, including Rep. Blanchard - but come on - something is a little strange there when I can guarantee you that most of us can say we was around some fireworks this summer and not all was "legal" - so are we going to start using Maine funds to start to pick up these "Law Breakers" - I'd prefer resources be used to get drugs off our streets but that's just me.

If they are really that dangerous - why can you do them in NH - are New Hampshire people more responsible.... ?

Or all professional firework handlers in NH

Maine Game Wardens have a reputation of 'FAT HEAD" Syndrome! They could be looking for something that is truely a risk to society, or perhaps enjoying the night with their own families. Too bad that the laws have to be so strict for stupid things like fire works. You can make explosives that are much more unstable and dangerous with household materials. I agree that fire works should be handled by responsible adults, but the same could be said with many things within our lives. I think the real problem here is the abuse of power by the Game Wardens. They appear to think they have the right to do anything they want. I've even witnessed one chase an ATV'er down the road when he was on road as well. STUPID!!! I've witnessed them fine individuals for unloading their canoe in an area that is NOT considered a boat landing by the STATE! This is the most uesless government agency within this state and believe me, there are lots of them! They're so bored they need to actively look for crime, when they could be protecting our natural resouces, {(trees, animals, woodland infrastructure) ...in case a warden is reading...} and leave innocent people alone. Stop harrasing the vacationers, and get a life!

Lt. Thomas is in the wrong here. Doesn't he know that laws don't apply to Democrats? Fireworks, Taxes, etc.

I have met a few game wardens and I agree - they all seem to think they are something else... one came to my door this winter to accuse my daughter of riding a snowmobile on the road way - he had no "proof" other than somebody had complained of a snowmobiler and we had snowmobiles in our yard. While he is there with his "cross examination" - the actual snowmobile went by on the road right by our house - well the look on his face was hilarious! Then he takes off and while his "partner" is chasing the snowmobiler on another snowmobile (also in the road) - he chases him in the truck - and this is not DANGEROUS - somebody could have gotten killed in a high speed chase for what - riding a snowmobile on the road up in the middle of NO WHERE? Give it a break - there are much more serious things in our society - not that its not against the law but catching them is not worth anyone's life.

First let me point out I have no affinity for legislators, so this comment is unbiased in any regard to this man's status as a lawmaker.

I think the fact this is front page fodder again points to my repeated assertion the media is a prostitute and will assume any position for profit.

Of all the joe blow schmuckatelli's who lit firecrackers against some ridiculous law; this guy is singled out not only by the media, but by law enforcement as well.

I have little doubt the allegations made by this individual referring to law enforcement are true. There does seem to be a tendency toward gestapoistic behavior these days by some.

What continues to elude me is the fact we have drug dealers, murderers, gang-bangers and a plethora of similar ilk running amok with impunity. At the same time we have law enforcement who make it a point to harass citizens who set off a few firecrackers once a year. I guess they must have been deemed easy, safe targets.

Just my two cents.

PGOME1, we don't know if that camp was the only one singled out. The paper only reports on what it going to most interesting for the readers to comment on. Also, as I mentioned before, when fishing do you catch all the fish?

Also, I don't think all of NH citizens are firework professionals. What you don't hear about are the stupid morons that lose a finger, hand, eye or other receive some other serious injury. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching fireworks but I have witnessed all to often fireworks, being used both by professional and non-professionals, and something bad happening. Typically a shell explodes too close to the ground or a shell going in the wrong direction.

Somthing similar happend on a barge off Portland several years ago. Check it out. Fireworks are enjoyable to watch but they need to be managed by those that are trained. Kudos to the fire marshals.

My opinion - give out some warnings. And you are right, we don't know if anyone else got a ticket - anyone know if there was anyone @ Cold Stream other than Mr. Blanchard that got tickets for fireworks?

As a bystander at this annual event I want to clarify some of your judgemental views.

Yes, things got heated and words were said BUT the warden DID in fact badger Mr. Blanchard's grandson to the point of ALL bystanders getting involved.

His grandson is a sensitve, wonderful boy and should never have been treated like a common criminal. Try not to judge so harshly unless you were there.

The point remains that the wardens should have taken the fireworks, given a ticket and got on their way. Instead, trying to "break down" a young kid was inappropriate!

Their wanna be investigators. Improperly trained and allowed to have overuse of government power. Wardens have proven themselve ineffective over and over again within this state however they continue to hire more and more of them! Maybe representative Blanchard can work on reducing this government entities work force. Maybe he knows someone, who knows someone, who can reduce the power these ill-trained so called professionals have. They seem to feel that they are the bottom line! Guess what! They're not! How about it Mr. Blanchard. I challenge you to make this a priority over the next few years you have as representative.

State Legislator's Got Love Em' "We've been doing for years" Yeah! ILLEGALLY As I keep mentioning AUGUSTA has NO ETHICS! Fire Marshall was doing his job. Give them credit for not being afraid of this per say State Legislator who thinks his power will get him freed. Loser!!

He was just using the Bush defense....Bush invaded a country and killed countless hundreds of thousands of Iraqis......and this guy gets fined for a couple of firecrackers.....Orwell would love it.

I thoughly agree about the warden service feeling all high and mighty with people in the field. The feeling they represent is that everyone is "guilty until throughly proven innocent.

So at a time when the state is battling one financial crisis after another, we have a Fire Marshall, an Investigator, and a Game Warden riding around Cold Stream Pond in a boat giving out tickets for violations of possession of less than $100. worth of bottle rockets, firecrackers, etc. While Representative Blanchard may be accused of abuse of his position, let's write the ticketers up for abuse of common sense, along with abuse of our tax dollars!!!

RevGerald you are off your rocker. What does your comment have to do with anything??? Roosevelt killed Germans too but that has nothing to do with fireworks at Cold Stream Pond..... Get a life.

There are few things better to read about than the old "do you know who I am?" trick backfiring. On the one hand, it's a stupid law (like so many here in Maine). On the other hand, it IS the law, and state reps aren't above it.

If you can't throw your weight around once in a while, then the only reason to run for Legislature is the graft.

Ya he knew it was illegal, but figres he would pay the fine if he got caught. Umm didn't he take an Oath when he got sworned in to the Sate House?

FINE HIM GOOD AND GET HIM OUT OF THE STATE HOUSE.

Real smart of you Blanchard...........wow, sure impressed everyone. No wonder this state has so many problems.

Glad someone brought up the game warden abuse of power.!!! We were moose hunting 2 or 3 years ago in zone 11. Doing everything legal. But can you believe my son got written up by warden Ben Drew for a couple of very serious offenses. We had quite a few witnesses, too. When we went to Houlton court, Mr. Drew sat smiling and looking over our way. We were talking with several people there and got the name of a lawyer right there on the spot. We talked with him and told him we had the video of the hunt. To make the story shorter., Drew changed his write ups quite severly. !! lol

We were told his Dad was a nice man and fine warden, but Ben is cocky and abuses his power. TThen the next day, Mr. hot shot was doing a power turn by a flooded ditch and in he went. We were passing by at the time, and guess who pulled him out, yup, my husband. I couldn't believe he didn' just drive by and wave and smile. Thank God I was taking video of this too. So hunters, take your cameras because even tho you are doing it all legal, if a "power abuser" wants to be an idiot, you can be his target. Get this jerk out of the field, State of Maine.

Fireworks for the 4th of July should not be against the law anyway. But they are for now. I wonder if Rep. Richard Blanchard used a lighter that looked like a toy to light them. Which are now against the law in Maine.

I see some agree with the Fire Marshall and Wardens. I also see that some disagree with the officers. I am just wondering why State Rep Blanchard would ever let something like this happen on his dock. He had to know that 15 year old boy had the fireworks and he knew it was illegal, but still let it happen. He was without a doubt totally out of line addressing the Officers with his title of State Rep. He was tossing his power in thier faces, thinking it would change the out come of the situation. I was not there so I do not know how this all unfolded, but I will say this. If I was in the officers shoes and stepped onto a dock where a CRIME was or is being comitted I would want to take quick control of the situation. Even if I was dealing with a 15 year old. They had no idea what they were about to face when they stepped on the dock. Now was this just a small gathering or a large one? My hat goes off to these officers for stepping up and writting the summons. They knew things were about to hit the fan when they issued the summons and still did it. Now before anyone replies that it was only fireworks lets look at it this way. If the officers walked away and did not issue a summons and then an accident happened and the boy was hurt or something else occured. What would High and Mighty MR STATE REP have done then. Do you think he might remember what he said then or how he acted. We need to stand behind these officers, because they were not intimidated by MR STATE REP. So Officers great job and thanks for being out there doing your job when everyone else is home enjoying a cookout with thier families. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT WORK AND KEEP IT UP.

Well Said Lovetofish!

Sounds like there was Two Dicks there that night ?

.

LMAO!

Naughty, naughty Dick Blanchard. Ilegal fireworks all over the State of Maine, especially on the lake fronts. Perhaps it is time to legalize fireworks, since the legislature sems so willing to legalize everything else. Oh, and Governor Baldacci could propose legalization and tax it big time. He's pretty good at that. But right now, let's throw Dick Blanchard in the hoosegow, he's such crimminal. .Larry T. Doughty, South Brewer.larrytdoughty@yahoo.com. www.ourstory.com/larrytdoughty/

I know who he is, Demoocrat or Republican, Wealth, Power and Influence Corrupts.

Oh and, just legalize fireworks and set some controls on it for who, what, where, when, why and how they can be possessed and/or used.

Oh, and yea, great item to tax very heavily and we sure could use the extra economic boost of it and the tax dollars.

There were actually more firework related injuries in Maine last year where they are illegal vs NH were they are legal. TIme to leaglize the firecrackers!!!

Lake polluter, global warming contributor! Your carbon credit fine should be in the tens of millions! B.O. just got done sucking up to the global 8 gay sisters and you go do a fool thing like this!? Someone needs to whack your limp willie hard!

Summer5, I think you, along with the boys mother, are mistaken. Your comment mentions more than one warden. There was only one warden there and he in fact did not even speak to the boy. The fire marshall was in a uniform and he is the officer who spoke with the boy. You had better re-check the names and faces of who you think is who, the warden or the fire marshall. How some of these comments turned into a warden bashing is beyond me. Was Mr. Blanchard or was he not breaking the law? It doesn't matter if you think fireworks should be legal, the fact is they are not legal. The article says Mr. Blanchard knew it was against the law, but considered it a minor offense. So I guess I was unaware that it is okay to break minor laws but not big ones. All of you law enforcement bashers need to take your licks if you break the law, whether a "minor offense" or not. I just don't understand why anyone would think that law enforcement of any kind should turn their head if someone is breaking the law. Sure it might be nice to get a break, but if you don't, oh well, you did break the law, right? If you feel you got a raw deal, that is what the court system is for.

This entire affair seems to illustrate the ongoing competition as to which group of individuals deserves the prize for being the most arrogant and self-righteous in situations such as this, our elected officials or our law enforcement officers. Both appear to be viable contenders for this distinction in circumstances such as the one reported in this news story.

Personally i don't give a darn about Mr. Blanchard. He got caught, like a small child with his hand in the cookie jar, and tried to weasel his way out of it. Not much of a man in my small view point. But i do want to tell you that in my 62 years i have met and have been checked by many game wardens. I have never had a problem with any of them. A harder working and a more dedicated group you will not find. Obey the law, be respectful, and do what they ask of you and you will be treated with the respect you deserve.

Don't blame the Game Wardens. They are just doing their job. The where patroling the lakes for drunk boaters and fireworks and saw a young kid lighting off them off. What where they to do? Just ignore the kid and keep going. God knows if they did that then they would be sued for not doing their jobs. People get a life! The Lawmaker was clearly in the wrong. He he should pay his ticket and then resign.

I think the wardens in this state do a great job. For all that matters the law enforcement in this state in general does a great job. If all you people think they need better things to do than what they get paid for, stop calling them with all of you bogus complaints

Don't forget... these guys buy their flags from Pennsylvania, too! Yeah, AUGUSTA!!!

Dunham is on a power trip to the 10th power. I don't know what happened, what was said or who said what, but I DO know, I have had a brush with Dunham and he is a text book example of a man on a long running power trip. If you should ever have to deal with this guy, you will see just what I, and others, are referring to. He WILL twist the truth, the laws and do anything to make the trumped up charge fit. Been there, done that. I saw it was him that was at the scene and I understood immediately why this became such a problem. Get outta my way...I are Sgt. Dunham and what I say goes!!!! Don't like it?? Here is a summons for something.. And then, it is guilty until you can prove yourself innocent. Not just my opinion, cold hard facts..

Dick Blanchard above the law????? Training as a Commissioner lead him astray.???? Good cop, bad cop theory backfire ? Excuse the pun!

Maybe just maybe we all need to play by the same rules and not try and use any political clout at any level, Impress me not.

Check role calls in Augusta not just for presence but for intelligence as well.

Break the law pay the consequence , every decision has them. We can not ask our legal authorities to " let off " those who think

they are above the rest , only God has that authority and He earned it!!!!

Rep. Blanchard .......Attitude running amuck?????

This is not about fireworks people...think about the real issue here!

I went to school with Dick Blanchard's kids. I always thought of the Blanchard's as GOOD people!!!

Hopefully, the next time the funding of the "fun police" (ie. gamewardens) come up, Dick will axe the budget

of these arrogant bleep-holes! 20 years ago this would have been laughable... as it should be now!

Isn't it funny how "gamewardens" are now anything but..... I stand with the Blanchard family!!!!! SC

Grandiosity for the Dickmeister. Drink,Drink, no think!

I wonder if they ever even considered using professional discretion! It was a choice simply made be the Gameing Warden to ticket this man and his family. There is definatly more training required for our Maine Law Enforcement Officers. By the way, before anyone bashes me for my level of training. Lets just say that you would be pleasantly suprised!

The dirt cops could have taken care of this in a civil, organized, fashion. They could have left the scene, proving their point to Mr. Blanchard, ensuring everyone was safe and move on to the next violation. The officers would have needed to get off thier egos and handle this matter in private without getting the whole family involved, the BDN involved, and all the emotion involved! This is simply a case of ill-trained officers. Based on the above report by the BDN I wouldn't want these officers to handle any hostage situation. They would probably shoot everyone in sight.

Mainefriend: Are you saying that the officers should have left them alone. Do you know, with your surpirsing level of training, what would have happened if the officer would have left, and then someone was hurt by said firework(s)? It would be thier @ss - the officer would be to blame, and all of you Monday morning quarterbacks would be saying "why didn't the officer put a stop to the situation...." Professional discretion is preforential treatment... are you saying that this person, because of his standing, should be treated differently than the average joe? Isn't that unfair? Don't you think that promotes dishonesty or a lack of integrity within the law enforcement community and thier relation with the public?

YES! LET'S MAKE THEM LEGAL, and distribute them to children, unresponsible, and uneducated people. Pull out the safety stops, overpopulation is a problem. It's because of helmets and those little plastic plugs that we put into wall sockets that the world is in the shape it's in. Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups. Drink a bunch of alcohol and play with explosives; burn down some house, or get some skin grafts... Let's do this!

Blanchard said he knew that shooting fireworks was illegal, but considered it a minor offense. “We have known it for years. There have been fireworks on this lake for years. There are fireworks everywhere,” he said.

I guess he should feel lucky that he hasn't been caught numerous times over all those "years" of committing the "minor offense" of lighting fireworks and "knowing they were illegal."

I myself battled a blaze in a field caused by fireworks, along with other bystanders and firefighters in 2004 that was caused by fireworks. There is a reason that when a town puts on a fireworks show that a tanker truck and crew stand-by. Crap happens - was this jerk prepared to control the situation if in fact it got out of hand? I doubt it.

Happykicker, No need for name calling! Discretion means that the officer would have utilized a prudent and tactful method of making his point to Mr. Blanchard. The minimal effective response was clearly not used in this case. It is common knowledge that every officer utilize his/her discretion when handling misdomeanor complaints or "minor" law violations.

Quoted by: HappyKicker

"Professional discretion is preforential treatment... are you saying that this person, because of his standing, should be treated differently than the average joe? Isn't that unfair? Don't you think that promotes dishonesty or a lack of integrity within the law enforcement community and thier relation with the public?"

This comment demonstrates your lack of willingness to rationally and objectively view this case. These are emotional statements are not reflective of the comments I have written. HappyKicker, please look at the statistics for firework and firecracker use. I believe more people have aquired injuries with knives, nail guns, pellet guns, boken glass, and paint ball guns than they do with fire works. Fact of the matter is; the Game Warden could have handled this situation in a peacefull, non-confrontational, professional manner if he wanted to. The minute the Game Warden shows up on your doorstep it is his job to control the situation. Not through force, or by intimidation, but by negotiations, tactfullness, respect of one another, conversation with each other, and fairness. If you have not been in this type of situation, you would not even remotely understand. Sorry if you misunderstood, however I cannot change your viewpoint of this situation.

FYI 4 other people were summoned at cold Stream on the 4th

Chevygirl2006, Game Warden? Fire Marshall? Sorry to get the wrong person doing the harassing BUT one of the men was harassing a 15 year old boy that night. That night could have been a great learning experience for all involved but instead turned a crowd of 30+ people against the law officials. YES, it was illegal, YES, there should have been a summons given, YES, the remainder of the fireworks should have been confiscated, BUT in all fairness it was not done this "lawful" way. The one FIRE MARSHALL, (not game warden, my mistake) decided to bully an innocent kid. Even when the adults stepped in volunteering their i.d's, and taking responsibility, this man would not leave the kid alone. They should have done their jobs and gotten out of there.

John Adams letter to Abigail: "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore." (The Declaration's specific wording wasn't accepted by Congress until July 4th.) http://townhall.com/columnists/MichaelMedved/2007/07/04/independence_day_messages_from_john_adams

Mainers--

Be VERY thankful that your state does not allow fireworks. We live in Indiana where everything is legal, Roman Candles, Big Boom, whatever they malke is legal here. They are shot off weeks before and weeks after the 4th in subdivisions that are extremely irritating and very dangerous. We find them on top of roof tops and, yes, several fires occur from them. They are beautiful to watch in controlled settings, but not in every housing neighborhoods.

It has reached the point where many people, including ourselves, will not go on vacation during this time of year for fear of fires.

So, be thankfull-

Dennis and Gloria Clark,

Evansville Indiana

Does anyone know who I really 'am? I'm the Governor! When I heard about Blanchard, I dropped my spaghetti dinner all over my lap. I had the maid clean it up!

IF YOU WONDER WHY THE STATE BUDGETT IS IN TROUBLE THEN WONDER NO MORE. A LT. AND A SGT. ON FIRE WORKS PATROL. THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REGULAR OFFICERS WORK. BUT IT WAS A HOLIDAY AND I BET THEY WERE PAID DOUBLE TIME AND A HALF. THE ARTICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN TITLED "HOW THE STATE WORKERS STICK IT TO THE PUBLIC THE PUBLIC.

We got a 80 million budget deficit, maybe it's time to legalize, regulate and tax fireworks.

I dont think we're in a position to be too picky on how we get our new tax revenues.

Perhaps people could be required to get permits before shooting em off.

Like fire permits.

And you'd have to be 21 to purchase it. It wouldnt be hard to regulate, put in some basic safeguards and common courtesy into the law.

Alot of new tax revenues could be generated.

As a poster stated earlier, that Blanchard missed the vote on making fireworks illegal.

So then Blanchard should be just the person to sponsor such a bill to reverse this policy.

For he knows first hand, how rediculous and unjust the current law is.

Let mainers celebrate the 4th of july how they see fit, and not be treated like criminals.

Let Mainers set off fireworks in celebration of our great country.

Illegal fireworks - $90.

Fine for having less than $100 worth of fireworks- $125

"DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?"- PRICELESS

Wouldn't it be refreshing if the State of Maine were to legalize fireworks, that it might be done for a reason other than to have another source of Tax Revenue?

Time to retire the fireworks and you're house seat!

I have seen a lot of fireworks going off in this state on or near the 4th of July for many years. Where are the officers and wardens? I guess if they are year round residents you could call it a peaceable assembly of people that do not support the law, especially, if no one has listened to them or appeared to have listened to them in the past. There is no fight, just light shows.

If no one listens to you, what are you going to do? Didn’t we Americans throw Britain’s tea into the ocean when Britain did not listen? Though there is no boat full of tea or people with signs picketing, there are still many people doing the same thing in unison. Two violins may be playing different parts, but together they play the same song in an ensemble.

On the other hand, this gentleman is part of the legislature and one of the many people that make up this country, he may help make laws but should not be above the law or exempt in my opinion, and I think he should at least attempt to remove a law he does not agree with, but if they do not listen, I can understand joining the ranks of the others with their fireworks in the peaceable assembly of light shows.

Now where is the redress for grievances?

Ho Hum, politics as usual, and politicians as usual. By the way, wardens and cops can be a bit "politician ' also. " how do you tell a politician is lieing ? ....his lips are moveing."