Whatever happened to the good old days when the worst things we had to fear on the Fourth of July were traffic jams and wayward fireworks? According to the government's Meat & Poultry Hotline, this year's top fear is food poisoning from inadequately grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.

They don't mention that high-temperature grilling forms cancer -causing compounds.

Enterprising food manufacturers have met this challenge head-on by developing a great variety of healthful, delicious, convenient, veggie burgers and soy dogs.

They are available in every supermarket, and they don't harbor nasty pathogens or cancer-causing compounds.

Let's stay safe and healthy on the Fourth of July.

Let's declare our independence from the meat industry and enjoy wholesome veggie burgers and soy dogs at our holiday feast.

Abram Cowald

Auburn