I walked around my neighborhood early this morning before catching the bus that brings me here and I’m still thinking about the Halloween things I saw. Chunky things they seemed to me. Ugly, fake skeletons, coffins, and graveyards dug into charming little gardens alongside the sidewalks in front of some beautiful apartment buildings and private homes. And, here and there, some beautiful children seeming to me not only puzzled, but frightened by the scenes of death. So, here I go again, booing Halloween, and what’s in store for us tonight, and why I’m concerned. Here’s why. Those children will be in the dark tonight, buried in costumes. Their eyesights partially blocked by their masks, dashing into streets in search of bad things to eat, bad for their teeth and their health. Ringing doorbells to make demands. Trick or treat! Trick or treat! Treat us with some candy, some sugar, or we’ll treat you to some tricks. I believe I’m neither a Scrooge nor a party pooper, but a parent being protective of children singing my same old, same old song. Skip those antics of Halloween. Now I do know that many parents, probably most parents, are paying me no attention or are passionately disagreeing with me. So then, this morning, with some sadness and frustration, I’m not singing another word. Bye.

Walter Jacobson gives his Perspective: