So When Is Scituate, MA Going To Ban Radios?

Patriotism, fun and freedom—no wonder Scituate, MA has banned it!

So let me get this straight…

Back in March, a kitchen radio shorted out and sparked a house fire in Scituate, a fire that spread to three other houses.

And the response from Scituate politicians is to…ban bonfires on the beach?  Huh?

For around 100 years or so, people have flocked to Humarock and other nearby beaches for bonfires and celebrations of our nation’s independence. According to multiple media reports there has never been a problem at these celebrations, and the town officials imposing the ban don’t mention any incidents.

So the town is banning these bonfires…WHY? 

“I know a lot of people are upset about it, but public safety has to trump some people’s good time,” Scituate Fire Chief Richard Judge said.

What “public safety?”  Given that there have been zero house fires caused by the bonfires over the decades, what is Chief Judge talking about?  Wouldn’t it make more sense to ban radios? Kitchens? Something actually related to the problem?

Nope. In fact, the town of Scituate is going out of their way to look even more thuggish:

Graci, 74, said nine different officials – including the fire marshal, State Police and Scituate Police – have visited his Central Avenue home since Friday, asking for the pallets to be removed. Last week, Scituate officials banned beach bonfires during this week’s Fourth of July celebrations.

“They told him to remove the pallets from his house because they are a fire hazard,” said Rich Figueiredo, Graci’s son-in-law….

“When they came around again, we said, ‘Look, we’re not going to burn the pallets.’ They said, ‘No, they’re combustible.’ Well, everything’s combustible,” Graci said, laughing. “We’re not looking for trouble. I don’t know, something’s lost here. You can be restrictive, but don’t just say, ‘You can’t …’ Tell people how they can do it.

Uh…so it’s illegal to have wood on your property in Scituate now? That’s a problem given the number of homes in the area built out of, you know…WOOD?

Here’s the real problem: A handful of government goons have no respect for the tens of thousands of citizens who pay the taxes, pay their salaries and pay to maintain the beaches. Their attitude is “Your money—but OUR rules.”

It’s time for Scituate voters to remind them that’s not how democracy works. Particularly on July 4th.