First of all the definition of rich is subjective. A high school student earning minimum wage (15% tax bracket) would consider almost anybody earning more than them rich. Second, most of the people who are considered rich have worked very hard to become so and deserve every penny they earn. I personally started working at age fourteen as a dishwasher earning minimum wage. I quickly realized that if I wanted to be able to afford the things in life that I desired I would have to do well in school and get a good job. I worked all through high scool to be able to buy a car and just have money in general. I researched the job market and decided that being a pharmacist paid well and was something I would enjoy doing. I went to URI, worked full time and borrowed all of the money for tuition. I now earn over $100,000 per year. Sounds great right? We'll I am now am in the 28% tax bracket, my wife is the same. So combined we pay $56,000 in federal tax, not counting state taxes. Our employer takes $450 per month for health insurance ($5,400/year). We still have to contribute $4,000/year to our flexible spending acount to cover medical expenses that are not covered. We also contribute $30,000 to our 401k because we all know that relying on social security in retirement is like waiting for Santa Claus to show up. There are also various other deductions. In the end I get 45% of my hourly wage in my check. The point is we worked our ass of in college for 6 years, accumulated $100,000 in debt, and are now considered rich. We do not qualify for any tax deductions because we make too much money. I am grateful that I have a job, but even people who are considered rich at first glance are truely not. Every day I fill prescriptions for lazy bastards on medicaid who don't work and fake a disability. Many of them get obscene amounts of narcotics free then sell them for a couple grand every month. These people drive nicer cars than me. In this country it doesn't pay to to do the right thing. The harder you work to increase your income the more the government takes from you to give to the lazy bastards who do nothing.

And Amen to you Joseph. It's nice to see someone answer the question asked instead hearing everyone fight over who should pay for firework shows. My small town here in PA just put on one of the best displays I have ever seen. And right on time to let the world know that that the American Spirit is indeed Alive and Well. I don't want a dime from any rich person that doesn't want to give it. God will take care of those who do not share their blessings, in His own time and in what ever way He so chooses. And He will continue to bless those who do share their blessings. Of course, if you don't believe in God, then I guess I can understand why you want to force people to behave in a manner that you think is best.

Where I live in California, the local Lion's Club sells legal "safe and sane" fireworks to the public, which they are allowed to use in the city limits - the fire danger is too high out in the rural areas. The profits from the fireworks sales (the markup is high) pays for the public fireworks display, which is not very big, but still enjoyable. Those that want to sit on the football field and watch, can do so, and they get to be very close to the action - something every kid loves. But lots of people watch from a short distance away, and no one has to worry about charging for cars to come in. I helped shoot it off, and I didn't get any pay for it - I'm a long-time professional, and I know the guy in charge, so I pitched in - after all - it's my town. I've seen donation cans from Mason City, Iowa to Mt. Rushmore, and it will probably become a more common sight. People should just pitch in. Now, if the federal government hadn't made it almost impossible for Americans to profitably manufacture our own fireworks, like we used to, instead of getting almost all of them from China, I could make a bunch of things, like the good ol' days, and donate that too - but the shipping regulations and liability are unsurmountable. All due to regulations intended to prevent any possible mishap, no matter how stupid the blunder that leads to it. I've been dealing with these issues since 1970 - 39 years - and the cheaper the fireworks get, the more expensive the insurance and security costs become - go figure!

We the people ARE part of a very small solution. The government is part of the BIG problem. Our voices are not being heard!!! We are reduced to commenting on venues like this one. Who is listening? NOT the government. EVERYONE is footing the bill for cities & states that used to be able to do without help from the residents. Who's fault is that? The people? I say hogwash! Many Americans know better than to live beyond their means. I agree with the person who has some great wisdom here: "remember they are the ones with the higher brackets and best accountants that will find any available loop to pay less taxes." If many mid income families could do that they would not be having trouble affording things that are necessary. Our government really doesn't care. Look up information on the Climate Bill. Corporations get tax breaks and loopholes for pollution. Who is going to pay for that? The American people of course. And how is Obama care going to be funded? nofoodtaxdot.com. So go out and do some binary part of the solution crap..... see how how far you get~~~what exactly have you done to help anything?

Well it did say that they cut it from $10,000 to $8,000 and they did charge to park, I was there and I would estimate that they had 500 cars or more. So there is $2,500 paid for, and if there was some concession income, let’s say $1,500. And just for good measure any donation and vender fees another $1000. That would be roughly $5,000. So it only cost them less than half of what they paid. Not bad for what people got to see, as part of their freedoms.

Good job Karin and your staff!

Why is Elkhart the only town ever to be mentioned as being in hardship because of the economy. Oh wait. That's right. This unionized blue-collar town voted overwhemlingly for obama. And now the residents can't afford prom gowns or support for their Little League teams. That is a Change they Hoped for, isn't it? And furthermore, when is it the responsibility of wealtheir people to foot the bill so others can watch fireworks? I don't give a hoot about the 4th of July. This isn't even America anymore. The country is full of whiners who think they're entitled to everything just because they don't or won't work. We have a Hispanic bloc that despises the American culture and is doing everything in power to integrate their culture. We have the blacks that insist on not working but want Workforce housing, Welfare, Medicare, Food Stamps, etc. We have become a nation of "What gan I get for not working." Any nation that televises the funeral of a pedophile and revers him to no end will soon fall.

I for one are sick of the interminable explosion of fireworks. Most of the people that are doing them don't give a thouht or care about patriotism; they just want to make noise and the soldiers that were exposed to the horrors of war probabley don't care to relive them. AND ENOUGH OF ELKHART ALTREADY! This entire country is in dire straights because of the previous administrations......