No Firecrackers For The Year Of The Horse
From
World Journal
February 12, 2002
Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced on February 11 that firecrackers, an
important Chinese tradition used to celebrate New Year, would not be allowed
this year. John Liu, the first Chinese city council member from Flushing,
had been lobbying for the rebirth of this tradition.
Bloomberg said that after September 11, New Yorkers are still trying
to recover from the trauma; therefore, it was not appropriate to allow
the loud noises to be spread in the city. People in the Chinese community
were disappointed by this decision, but understand the mayor's concern.
They hope that firecrackers can be used next year. During former Mayor
Rudy Giulianis era, it was illegal for safety concerns. However,
John Liu became a spokesperson for the Chinese community in New York City.
Liu said that after September 11, business in Chinatown had been suffering
and firecrackers would be a symbol of good luck for the Chinese New Year.
The mayor added that it had been illegal to use firecrackers for years
and the ban prevents some injuries.
Bloomberg said that it was the right decision. However, the mayor also
said that, with permits, firecrackers might be allowed in certain areas
in the next Lunar New Year.
Translated from Chinese by Pei Chi Lin
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