Somewhere in a Detroit, Michigan suburb, residents of one little town stand poised to defy (spatula in hand) a local ordinance restricting them from their forefathers-endowed right to barbecue.  These patriots are willing to risk their own incarceration simply by celebrating their Independence Day holiday the way it always has been, and the way it should be… with a 4^th of July barbecue!

According to the city ordinance, which took effect just this week, barbecuers are not permitted to place any barbecue or grill in front of their home or dwelling, on their porch or alongside any dwelling.  The barbecue grill must also be set up a minimum of 12 feet away from any public right of way (i.e. a sidewalk).  Nor can a barbecue be used, even within a fenced yard, if it’s within 20 feet of a sidewalk.

The punishment for failure to abide by this city ordinance?  A $500 fine and/or a 90 day prison sentence.

Residents have responded with amazement and anger, and the majority of barbecuers polled have indicated they’d rather go to jail than be denied their right to celebrate their freedom with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.