The Fourth of July is celebrated in many ways across America. Down here in the South, commonly referred to as "The Real Americah", we use dynamite. Two good reasons: bigger bang for the buck and keeps the population down. It weeds out the "lesser ones".

"Yea, Purdy, that were a big un. Purdy? Where'd he git too? He were just here."

It's a little unnerving to stop at a fireworks shop, a used trailer, and see the owner smoking a cigarette. Smoking anything for that matter.

"Ain't you afraid of settin' this place off?", you ask.

"Heck, iffen I do, I'd never know it no way", he answers.

Reckon not.

There a game of chicken here that has you put a firecracker in your mouth, light it, and see who tosses it first. That explains all the missing teeth and some of the ugly guys. One cute trick is to short fuse a guy. Always gets a laugh. You also need to remember which hand has the firecracker and which has the cigarette. Get confused on that one and you're all over the place.

Understand that fireworks aren't illegal down here. Not only are they legal but encouraged and expected. If you don't set off fireworks you're considered one of those "durn librals". Then your neighbors shoot out the windshield of your car, owning one as further proof you're a "durn libral".

One of the biggest displays is at Bobby Ray "Doc" Wills house. He's called "Doc" after being called "M.D" for a while. The M.D. didn't stand for medical doctor but missing digit. All his are gone now. He's careless and , as his wife says, stupid.

"Durn, it's hard litin' these here things what with no fingers".

Dueling with Roman candles is a big thing here. Guys play this for hours and hours or death, whichever comes first.