Once again we take pen to paper to ask people to do something we never thought we’d have to ask. Then again, almost like clockwork, we ask the same favor — the same question — each Fourth of July and New Years.

Please, for the love of God, please do not shoot your gun into the air to celebrate the Fourth of July.

There, we asked it, and now we will see what happens. Then again, if the past years are any indication, Selma residents would do well to step outside with caution Wednesday evening.

The Second Amendment is one of the most precious components of our Constitution. It provides for the right to bear arms, but, it does not provide the right to be reckless — better yet— it does not provide the right to be stupid when bearing those arms.

Anyone who would think it’s a good idea to take a loaded weapon, point it up in the air and then pull the trigger needs to not only have their gun-owning privileges revoked, they need to experience some time behind bars thinking about the idiotic thing they’ve done.

Please, be careful, be smart and enjoy your friends and family safely this Fourth of July.