Halloween

Why would anyone either want to host a party or attend one in the CV? This weekend, 2 men shot/wounded in my west end community, shooters still on the loose, and 2 men killed at the east end, with all the guests fleeing the scene when they heard the shooting. No witnesses; no one willing to talk; everyone just thankful they were not the victims ... this time.

This is a common event at a party -- any party, including baptisms! I cannot fathom that any parent would consent to host an event and/or allow their children to attend an event.

It's trick-or-treat night, and Lord only knows what will happen as the excited children run through the neighborhoods gathering Halloween treats. We used to have to worry about unsafe drivers and poorly lighted streets, but it seems that this week, we need to worry more about gangsters carrying real weapons and firing live ammo.

What a sad commentary on our communities.

UPDATING: I had the fewest trick-or-treaters at my door since I moved to this small desert town. The majority of them were young children, accompanied by their parents. The large groups of older teens were absent this year, which was, in some ways, a relief. Guess the word is out that it is NOT safe on the streets!