Exactly 232 years ago, a group of Colonial malcontents declared independence from the despotism of their motherland. After 13 years of revolutionary conflict and internal struggle, many of those same malcontents inaugurated a national government that embraced individual freedoms.

It is no wonder, then, that proponents of individual freedoms want to celebrate this day of independence, the way in which it was won and the rights it secured with an appropriate display. For many, it seems appropriate to display their love of freedom with fireworks.

As one of the original Colonies, one of the early adopters of the U.S. Constitution and home to the nation's first capitol, it would make sense if Pennsylvania was a leader in protecting individual freedoms. Instead, however, the state seems more determined to protect its citizens from themselves.

Fireworks are a prime and timely example. The commonwealth's fireworks laws are uncommonly weird. For instance, it is legal to sell consumer fireworks (small firecrackers, bottle rockets and the like) in the state -- but only to people who do not live in the state. Setting off a firecracker without a permit carries a misdemeanor offense and a fine -- hardly a hallmark of a free society.

Clearly, there is a state interest -- even in a freedom-loving nation -- in limiting the sale and use of large explosives. But the state's interest should decline rapidly with the size and potency of the firework.

Firecrackers are potentially dangerous in the wrong hands -- especially young ones. But they are not worthy of being illegal, anymore than steak knives or power tools are illegal.

Pennsylvania can protect citizens and freedoms at the same time by allowing consumer fireworks to be bought, sold and used in the state by adults -- just as they are in many other states in the union. Explosives are another matter, of course, but they already are covered by federal law.

In honor of this nation's birthday, Pennsylvania should help honor its founding principles, mainly that individuals themselves know best how to live free and pursue happiness. Easing up on fireworks laws and letting its citizens celebrate their freedoms with a little bit of a bang would be a good start.