Kansas City Playlist: Season Of Blasts Ahead

The top photo was taken a couple of years ago when mostly white, middle-class protesters from JoCo battled with KCPD and exchanged insults & flash bangs.

Years later the quarrel seems apropos to kick-off this July 4th weekend wherein we all casually accept that illegal fireworks are simply a part of life in KCMO . . . Take a peek . . .

Fourth of July 2022 celebrations in Kansas City area
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With the Fourth of July just around the corner on Monday, community members in the Kansas City area have organized a number of events to brighten your Independence Day weekend. From fireworks displays to parades, KSHB 41 News has charted the Fourth of July celebrations taking place in the area on our interactive map.

'Good time to be alive': Kansas Citians enjoy Stars & Stripes picnic at National World War I Museum and Memorial
Hundreds of people made their way here to the south grounds for this year's Stars and Stripes picnic that started at 3:00 p.m. They listened to live music, checked out local vendors, and braved the summer humidity and a few minutes of rain to see the largest fireworks display in Kansas City.

Slow business at KC-area fireworks stand also hurting youth athlete program
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - For one fireworks stand in Independence near Noland Road, sales mean a little more than most. There's concern among volunteers because fireworks stands are not as "poppin'" as previous years Jason Kelley said the money they earn supports Independence Pop Warne r cheerleaders and football players.

KC Pet Project making sure animals remain safe, calm this holiday weekend
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fourth of July celebrations are already underway with many preparing grills or setting off fireworks. But for those who have pets, it's important to prepare them, too. "If your animals are scared of thunderstorms, chances are they are going to be scared of fireworks as well," said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer at KC Pet Project.

And all of this brings us to a simple point for the holiday weekend . . .

In a world where we can't really enforce the regulation of firecrackers . . . Laws to limit guns & women's bodies might be a stretch.

Tragically, only couch potatoes, keyboard warriors & shut-ins think that something as ethereal as "the law" ever stopped anyone from doing what they want.

A hopeful consideration as the 4th approaches . . .

The people are only as "governed" as they want to be . . .

If the laws which inspires so much political chatter were really so powerful, then they might be more effective at stopping deadly rising violence in Kansas City & across the nation.

Sadly . . . Over the years we've noticed that politics is a lot of sound & fury and then nothing more than an anticlimactic fizzle.

And all of this inspires our playlist on the topic of fireworks tonight . . .

This tune might be a bit on the nose but it works . . .