What the Hell Happened to Halloween?
(Don't let terrorist scums kill autumn traditions)

Okay, I'm mad as hell and I just want to let you know about it.

I love Halloween and giving out candy to all those kids, especially those little ones dressed in "sweet" costumes, the Snow Whites, the Barneys, the Woodys from Toy Story.   I love those little kids.  And this year I missed them.  Parents kept them home.  I saw only one, count her, one small child this Halloween.  I had candy.  I had bags of it.  I counted on those kids coming.  And they didn't. 

On a blue moon--one that is extremely rare for Halloween--I had no children.  I sat on the patio chair by the pool and watched the clouds float by in the crisp So Cal evening while I enjoyed the moonlight and waited.   When I grew bored with that, I went inside and felt a bit better.  The World Series was on.  At least, that tradition was still happening, but the greater--treat or treat-- was not.

However, a deep sadness kept pouring into me.   True, my young sons were out there keeping the tradition alive.  They had a great time and brought back tons of candy.  But I missed all those other visitors.   I continued to sink into my sadness as the evening progressed.

Then I started thinking:

 

Not deep thoughts but serious ones:

How is it that we let ourselves get that terrified?   I live in a dull, child-friendly neighborhood.  No terrorist would even think about it as a target.  Still the children--actually the parents-- are hiding from imagined terrors.  I find it a sad lesson for children.  Did anyone suffer from a terrorist attack?  What about those razors in apples or poison candy?  All are irrational.  They are all unlikely rumors.  All keep us from living fully.   Why are we so scared when there is really nothing to worry about in our neighborhoods?

Clearly people are spooked, but we must be sensible.  I am the first to admit I won't be flying soon.  But that is very different from trick or treating.  That is rational.  When we see how lax security can be--today they found a fellow carrying seven knives and a stun gun nearly on a plane--I think my reluctance is logical.

Keeping the kids away from Halloween is not.  I certainly hope this year is an exception.  Don't let the fear--the terrorists' weapon--make our kids afraid of living full lives.  Halloween is only one example.  We need to carry forward with those memory building, happy times.

I will.  Next year, I'm buying more candy.   Call me an optimist, but when we grow used to this new world, perhaps Halloween and other traditions won't suffer.

When they solve security issues sufficiently, I'll   be flying as frequently as I used to.  Once every three years!  no real problem here.  We'll solve those problems, too.

Enjoy Thanksgiving.  Don't worry about anthrax.   Probably not a problem for the typical American.  Have great holidays.   Let the kids build positive memories.  Enjoy!

Now if I can win Super Bowl tickets, I'll go and support another fine tradition. 

Anyone for a leftover Butterfinger?