Should trick or treating be banned? :

Many people are annoyed by little ghosts and goblins trouncing through their lawns, thumping on their doors in the dark. Elderly people say they are frightened by knocks in the night, or they just can’t afford to provide a seemingly endless supply of treats to the youngsters. Others complain the children trick or treating are just too old and ruining it for the younger ones. The treats are gone much sooner, and everyone does not get some. Yet many say they look forward to it even after all these years. They loved it as a child and want to return the fun and joy of it for generations to come.

However, there are some different concerns today than there was in the past. Lindy Raymond, 44, recalls the most one had to worry about back then was a tummy ache from sampling the goodies all night long. Darel Lemmin, 32, says all he had to worry about was the avid neighbor who really got into it each year with the evil vampire in the coffin, which he added, always sat up as he happened by, making the hair on my head stand on end.

Today the evil is lurking in some of the people offering the treats. Unsuspecting youngsters have been given tainted treats. Then we have those who ask if children really need all that candy to rot their teeth or to fatten them up? Can it be good for them to teach them to beg? Lets not forget the church-goers. Are we not teaching the children today to worship the devil by encouraging this behavior? Oh yes, and who’s brilliant idea was it to change the day of trick or treating to days? Yes days. Some people decided to see if they could break up the crowds so as there are not as many kids out. Guess what? There are just as many kids out, they are just tricking you. They are out all of those nights designated now, instead of just one. The candy goes just as fast if not faster now. Do you recognize any of those faces? They were at your door last week. Well, if parents go with the children to the local hospitals that offer free scanning of the goodies, it takes much risk out of the tainting. Naturally if they accompany these tots trick or treating that also diminishes hazard or harm.

Finally, maybe they do not need all that candy. The sugar high they obviously get is not a favorite of mine either. Hey, but when else can you dress up like a werewolf, go around howling at night and be rewarded for it? Besides, I think dressing ridiculously, grunting and groaning and embarrassing my children for once as I escort them along on the weirdest night of the year works well for me.

©1997Nancy Lee Destiny