In the past, the biggest concerns this time of year were that people would be careless with fireworks or drink too much and drive.
Nowadays there is a new worry associated with New Year’s revelry: namely, that someone will be killed by a stray bullet from those who think firing guns into the air is a good way to celebrate the annual changing of the calendar.
This problem has been going on for some time, but last year it seemed to reach a new level in Greenwood. Residents reported that the gunfire was so plentiful on New Year’s Eve in 2020 that it sounded as if the city was in a war zone.
Not only is it illegal for a citizen to discharge a weapon within the city limits other than in self-defense, it is dangerous.
What goes up must come down. That’s a basic law of gravity. When people shoot bullets into the air, those projectiles are going to hit something as they plummet back down to earth. If they hit a car or the roof of a house or building, they are going to do damage. If they hit a person, they will probably prove fatal.
The Greenwood police say they will be out in force on New Year’s Eve trying to catch those engaging in these dangerous celebrations as well as keeping watch for other lawbreakers. Although that’s good, there aren’t enough police to be everywhere in the city. Citizens need to also do their part to reduce the risk.
They should try to dissuade their friends and family members from firing guns into the air. If the shooters refuse to listen, think about reporting them to the police, or at least leave the area and don’t give them an audience.
People do stuff like this because they think it’s entertaining. Being ostracized might be enough to get them to understand that gunfire is a dumb substitute for fireworks.
Shooting fireworks, by the way, is also against the law within the city limits. But if people in Greenwood feel compelled to make some New Year’s noise, better that they do it with firecrackers than with bullets.
