Posted on: Tuesday, October 30, 2001

Editorial
Let Halloween go on, but hold off on pranks

Some parents and community organizations are wrestling with the notion of Halloween this year. It's a festivity in which the sinister and macabre are emphasized, all in the name of fun.

But everything we do and celebrate this year takes on a different meaning as a result of the attacks of Sept. 11.

In our current national angst, it doesn't take much to further worry people.

We should use common sense about safety, but we also can't succumb to fear. And, for the sake of our children, we have to let them be children and let them still have fun.

By all means, let them enjoy Halloween. The same common-sense rules apply.

But one thing is different this year. Pranks are a time-honored part of the Halloween tradition. But even pranks in good fun this year take on an extra nasty connotation. There won't be much tolerance in law enforcement.

Let's emphasize the treat part of trick-or-treating this Halloween and leave the tricks to a gentler time. There is nothing amusing about playing on people's fears and wreaking havoc when the stakes are so high. Talk to your kids.