The Classic Halloween Debate

In homeroom a couple of days ago one of my friends informed me that a town in Illinois was trying to pass some Halloween legislation that allows any trick or treaters over the age of 12 to be fined 100-1000 dollars.

I think that's ridiculous. I still trick or treat, and I KNOW it was definitely okay to trick or treat in 7th grade. I fully plan to trick or treat this year and next year. After that is college, so it's a good time to call it quits

I understand the basis of the law. They don't want older kids scaring the younger ones, or dressing up in a costume that shows absolutely no effort and going around asking for candy that the younger kids could be getting. I do get that. But I personally think that as long as you put a legitimate amount of effort into your costume, you should be able to trick or treat. That's all in the spirit of the holiday, isn't it?

Maybe what they're objecting to is large groups of high schoolers roaming around together at night. If that was really an issue, why couldn't the town just encourage parents to make sure their kids didn't go in a large group? That's always been something I've considered, because it's kind of intense to have like 10 people show up at your door at once. Ever since, oh maybe 8th grade, my friends and I have always been careful about splitting up into small groups.

Anyway, I think this law is ridiculous. You should be allowed to trick or treat as long as you do it right, and don't steal candy, or kick pumpkins, or whatever else this town seems to be afraid of. Split up in small groups, put effort into your costumes, don't be obnoxious, and don't scare little kids. That's all there is to it.

Happy Halloween!