THE LAST WORD:Celebrating responsibly

Ah, a safe and sane Fourth of July.

Well, mostly.

While Newport Beach reported few problems, Costa Mesa reported dozens — minor ones, to be fair.

Isn’t it strange that the celebration of our country’s independence, won by revolting against an oppressive government, has, at times, turned into violent revolution against … what?

For an answer to that one, you’d have to ask the people who burn sofas, toss cherry bombs and cheer at bonfires.

But not this year, and, hopefully, not in future years.

The Fourth of July celebration should recognize our founders’ vision and commitment by symbolic flurries in the sky, not by hurtful skirmishes among our people.

So congratulations to all of you who honored our independence in the most honorable way: peacefully.