I am a Global War on Terror (GWOT) Veteran living with the aftershocks of war, primarily in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In general, I can manage the loud pops of holiday fireworks. I continuously remind myself that I am safe, not in a combat zone, and the noise is simply celebratory. However, the impact Tannerite, a legal binary explosive, has on me is substantial and devastating.

The explosions generated by Tannerite and similar substances resonate far more powerfully than ordinary fireworks. Their effects can mirror those of mortar attacks or IED explosions, triggering intense psychological reactions in those of us who have survived these traumas firsthand.

In Michigan, our veterans deserve peace and tranquility, particularly in the safety of their own homes. However, legal binary explosives like Tannerite pose a significant threat to this peace. To put the danger into perspective, One pound of Tannerite generates an explosion equal in force to a quarter stick of dynamite. While a M80 is illegal nationwide which is equivalent to ten percent of a stick of dynamite. The legal hypocrisy is clear. Their availability and use in our communities can cause significant distress to those with PTSD.

Banning Tannerite and similar substances is not merely a legal issue, but a compassionate response to the struggles of our returning heroes. It is our duty to protect those who have protected us, to support their transition back into civilian life, and to promote their mental well-being.

Join us in this cause. Call for a ban on Tannerite and similar binary explosives in Michigan. Honor our veterans. Support our communities. Sign this petition today.