Anti-abortion pamphlets with Halloween candy.

[laurcunningham]

This story comes from an obviously biased news source (Americans Against the Tea Party) but I saw it through Facebook initially and I was actually pretty surprised at some of the comments I was seeing. This question is for everyone, not just pro-choice people. How would you handle someone else handing these brochures out to your children on Halloween?

" . . . Rather than exercising their right not to participate in Halloween traditions, they much prefer exorcising other people’s good spirits. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, some local anti-choice zealots decided that children deserved something more colorful than candy corn in their treat bags: Pamphlets with pictures of fetuses were just the trick. . . "

See the whole article here.

 

[Carjosse]

Personally I don't think you should be handing out anything besides candy on Halloween, the most political thing that was handed out here was Orange Crush soda by the NDP (the opposition and their colour is orange) leader.

 

[Fiddytree]

My viewpoint: I did send my children to that person's doorstep, and they gave away, voluntarily, their possessions to my child. I can just throw it out later. No big deal. Just learn for the next year.

 

[laurcunningham]

Personally I don't think you should be handing out anything besides candy on Halloween, the most political thing that was handed out here was Orange Crush soda by the NDP (the opposition and their colour is orange) leader.

Oh sure, but how would you react? I mean I obviously agree that it isn't fair to hand out anything aside from candy either (from either side of any argument - no political leanings, no social issue leanings, no religious leanings, etc), but what would your response to that person be? My response was that I would be totally fine with it. Why? Because then I could sit my children down and explain to them why people like this are greedy, selfish, and filled with hatred for people who want this world to be a healthier and happier place. When my children ask questions about it I would be able to explain to them exactly why I feel that it is as important as it is to support women and their ability to choose what's best for themselves, their bodies, their lives, and their future children. Without the ability for women to choose to have abortions when they need to... I would not be here. If my mother had not been in a position to need to make the terrible decision she had to make to terminate her pregnancy before me, she wouldn't have ended up where she needed to be to meet my father and have me. So how would I react? I would be just fine with it and I would use it as a way to teach my children why there are evil people in this world and why it is extremely important to never be like them.

I was really shocked to see how many people were responding with, "I would wind up in prison because I would have to beat someone's ass." As pro-choice as I am I couldn't really understand how that reaction would seem appropriate in that situation? :shrug:

 

[laurcunningham]

My viewpoint: I did send my children to that person's doorstep, and they gave away, voluntarily, their possessions to my child. I can just throw it out later. No big deal. Just learn for the next year.

That seems logical to me. I was talking to my mom on the phone about it and we were both talking about how almost all of these children aren't going to be paying attention to paper that is handed to them and if they did it only seems logical to talk to them about it, otherwise just throw it away. I didn't really think that violence was the answer even if I deeply disrespected the choice to hand out something like that.

 

[CanadaJohn]

This story comes from an obviously biased news source (Americans Against the Tea Party) but I saw it through Facebook initially and I was actually pretty surprised at some of the comments I was seeing. This question is for everyone, not just pro-choice people. How would you handle someone else handing these brochures out to your children on Halloween?

" . . . Rather than exercising their right not to participate in Halloween traditions, they much prefer exorcising other people’s good spirits. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, some local anti-choice zealots decided that children deserved something more colorful than candy corn in their treat bags: Pamphlets with pictures of fetuses were just the trick. . . "

See the whole article here.

I don't have much time for zealots on either end of issues but I have to say that nobody forces any parent to send their child out begging for "treats" on Halloween and many people, particularly religious people, are offended by the whole connection of celebrating "evil" the day before all saints day.

It's probably a good lesson for children to understand that not everyone in the world is going to hand them things they want - probably a good lesson for the parents too. For me, if I or my child is given something we don't want or can't use, I don't take offense, I just pitch it.

 

[laurcunningham]

I don't have much time for zealots on either end of issues but I have to say that nobody forces any parent to send their child out begging for "treats" on Halloween and many people, particularly religious people, are offended by the whole connection of celebrating "evil" the day before all saints day.

It's probably a good lesson for children to understand that not everyone in the world is going to hand them things they want - probably a good lesson for the parents too. For me, if I or my child is given something we don't want or can't use, I don't take offense, I just pitch it.

I wonder what would have been wrong with keeping your porch light off then? Doing that is the universal sign that you're not interested in participating in the event. I mean I definitely agree with just throwing it out, god knows I do it with every piece of religious material that is ever handed to me, but I just feel like it would have been much easier for these people, who apparently were disgusted with "parents sending their children out begging for treats," to just turn their porch lights off and go about their evening?

 

[CanadaJohn]

I wonder what would have been wrong with keeping your porch light off then? Doing that is the universal sign that you're not interested in participating in the event. I mean I definitely agree with just throwing it out, god knows I do it with every piece of religious material that is ever handed to me, but I just feel like it would have been much easier for these people, who apparently were disgusted with "parents sending their children out begging for treats," to just turn their porch lights off and go about their evening?

Hate to break it to you, but some "young" people take the lights out, not home stance as license to vandalize the home and/or property belonging to that person. Scratched or egged cars, egged windows, busted yard ornaments, etc. You'd be surprised how "entitled" some people believe they are and how offended they can be if they don't get their "treat".

 

[laurcunningham]

Hate to break it to you, but some "young" people take the lights out, not home stance as license to vandalize the home and/or property belonging to that person. Scratched or egged cars, egged windows, busted yard ornaments, etc. You'd be surprised how "entitled" some people believe they are and how offended they can be if they don't get their "treat".

Wow I guess you must live in a fairly hateful area? I live in a state that is pretty hateful of pretty much everything that you could hate. In addition to that I live in a neighborhood where the houses are valued at anywhere between $50,000 to $95,000 and it's in a mildly run down area across the street from apartments that frequently have the police and ambulance called on them. As "undesirable" as my location is, this was the first year that we handed out candy to the neighborhood kids and not once before that have we ever had our property vandalized because of not participating, nor have any of our neighbors. As a matter of fact I have never heard of any reports from any of my friends or coworkers of ever knowing anyone that has been vandalized because of not handing out of candy. I have also run into a small percentage of kids who feel "entitled" to receive candy. As a matter of fact we got a lot of thanks yous, smiles, and laughs at the fake spiders that we hung on the patio to scare people.

 

[Fiddytree]

That seems logical to me. I was talking to my mom on the phone about it and we were both talking about how almost all of these children aren't going to be paying attention to paper that is handed to them and if they did it only seems logical to talk to them about it, otherwise just throw it away. I didn't really think that violence was the answer even if I deeply disrespected the choice to hand out something like that.

I think of it in terms of both manners and in terms of community.

With the former, whenever a Christian evangelist wants to give me a pamphlet while walking the street, I accept it with a smile and well-wishes. I then put my little handy pocket Bible in my pocket, and go about my business. I also actually think they provide a service to those that enthusiastically believe, or could in fact believe. I enjoy their presence in the community, even if I cannot join their flock. I'm a bit of a utilitarian social conservative in that regard.

With community, I think of it in terms of whether or not I value visiting that person. When you're going on your Halloween runs, it turns into a neighborhood and community social event. I could take children with me to socialize with the members of the neighborhood and anyone nearby. Regardless of whether or not we like the choice of candy, fruit, pencils, whatever, it is always nice to see some folks. This is also where I, and millions of Americans, received plenty of pocket Bibles. It's worth it though, because adults got to see the community children dressed up and having fun, and even got to socialize with kids and parents.

 

[mak2]

war on Halloween = war on Christmas. Silly.

 

[specklebang]

Hate to break it to you, but some "young" people take the lights out, not home stance as license to vandalize the home and/or property belonging to that person. Scratched or egged cars, egged windows, busted yard ornaments, etc. You'd be surprised how "entitled" some people believe they are and how offended they can be if they don't get their "treat".

This still happens much? I remember when I was a kid (60 years ago) it was a problem.

I put my lights on and give kids change from my coin jar but I almost never get a "customer".

Fetus pictures are a bit much and I think it's kind of a sick approach. For little kids anyway.

 

[laurcunningham]

I think of it in terms of both manners and in terms of community.

With the former, whenever a Christian evangelist wants to give me a pamphlet while walking the street, I accept it with a smile and well-wishes. I then put my little handy pocket Bible in my pocket, and go about my business. I also actually think they provide a service to those that enthusiastically believe, or could in fact believe. I enjoy their presence in the community, even if I cannot join their flock. I'm a bit of a utilitarian social conservative in that regard.

With community, I think of it in terms of whether or not I value visiting that person. When you're going on your Halloween runs, it turns into a neighborhood and community social event. I could take children with me to socialize with the members of the neighborhood and anyone nearby. Regardless of whether or not we like the choice of candy, fruit, pencils, whatever, it is always nice to see some folks. This is also where I, and millions of Americans, received plenty of pocket Bibles. It's worth it though, because adults got to see the community children dressed up and having fun, and even got to socialize with kids and parents.

It is hard for me, as someone who has never believed in a god, to appreciate being handed religious material, but I have also never been mean to someone who has felt as though they should hand it to me. I usually, from my demeanor in general, get a lot of compliments that "I must be a good Christian, church going girl" because I'm "so nice and sweet to people." Rarely have I ever told anyone that I don't believe in god during those conversations, nor do I ever really tell anyone that it actually offends me that people feel as though the only way someone can be nice to another person is if they are a "good church going, Christian girl." People are people and they have their beliefs, and as much as I disagree with handing out anti-abortion pamphlets with candy, I also think that as a parent it would be more beneficial to your children to not make a scene and then honestly answer questions later... if any are asked. I think it was rude and inappropriate of these people do to that but I would use it as a way to teach my children that those beliefs and those behaviors are unacceptable. We all move on.

 

[Arcana XV]

I'd take the opportunity to have an age-appropriate discussion about the issues of free speech and abortion with my kid. I've always made it a priority to discuss both sides of everything with her. Regardless of my own opinions and stances, I've encouraged her to think about things and come up with her own ideas. I'm not a fan of handing out political material to other people's kids, but if faced with the situation, I'd make the best of it.

 

[CanadaJohn]

Wow I guess you must live in a fairly hateful area? I live in a state that is pretty hateful of pretty much everything that you could hate. In addition to that I live in a neighborhood where the houses are valued at anywhere between $50,000 to $95,000 and it's in a mildly run down area across the street from apartments that frequently have the police and ambulance called on them. As "undesirable" as my location is, this was the first year that we handed out candy to the neighborhood kids and not once before that have we ever had our property vandalized because of not participating, nor have any of our neighbors. As a matter of fact I have never heard of any reports from any of my friends or coworkers of ever knowing anyone that has been vandalized because of not handing out of candy. I have also run into a small percentage of kids who feel "entitled" to receive candy. As a matter of fact we got a lot of thanks yous, smiles, and laughs at the fake spiders that we hung on the patio to scare people.

I've not personally had the problem - actually, I'm the house the kids like because I give out the full size chocolate bars, chips and boxed Mike and Ike's etc., and the kids are very nice and thankful, and the parents get to choose too if they'd like. That said, it's just ignoring reality to deny that not all kids are polite, good natured angels. It has nothing to do with the "wealth" of the neighborhood, but the "wealth" of parenting.

 

[AGENT J]

pretty simply really, depending on what was in the pamphlet and the age of my child, if i could i press charges for corruption of minors. :shrug:

if the it had intercourse details, safe sex details and or depending how graphic the pics are that stuff has an age rating. So exposing minors or people or are not of an appropriate age that type of information I press charges if my state, county or municipality has any laws i can use to show a violation.

 

[choiceone]

This story comes from an obviously biased news source (Americans Against the Tea Party) but I saw it through Facebook initially and I was actually pretty surprised at some of the comments I was seeing. This question is for everyone, not just pro-choice people. How would you handle someone else handing these brochures out to your children on Halloween?

" . . . Rather than exercising their right not to participate in Halloween traditions, they much prefer exorcising other people’s good spirits. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, some local anti-choice zealots decided that children deserved something more colorful than candy corn in their treat bags: Pamphlets with pictures of fetuses were just the trick. . . "

See the whole article here.

That's the trick part of trick or treat. On Halloween, anti-abortioners can just dress as themselves and still be the equivalent of ghouls and demons and play tricks on decent parents.

Parents should equip their kids with hidden cameras next year and get photographs of these ghouls and then take the ghouls to court and sue, sue, sue. Any graphic photo of anything with blood on it handed out to a 4 or 5 year old? I'm sure that the pamphlets have something in them that could be construed as breaking the law because more than political speech is probably involved.

 

[joko104]

Personally I don't think you should be handing out anything besides candy on Halloween, the most political thing that was handed out here was Orange Crush soda by the NDP (the opposition and their colour is orange) leader.

Maybe people should follow the pattern of some elementary schools now and give the kids condoms for Halloween. :roll:

 

[mak2]

What elementary schools hand out condoms?

Maybe people should follow the pattern of some elementary schools now and give the kids condoms for Halloween. :roll:

 

[Scrabaholic]

Maybe people should follow the pattern of some elementary schools now and give the kids condoms for Halloween. :roll:

it's already happened.

Were Condoms Passed Out to Trick-or-Treating Kids on Halloween Night? [PHOTO, AUDIO]

 

[minnie616]

Hate to break it to you, but some "young" people take the lights out, not home stance as license to vandalize the home and/or property belonging to that person. Scratched or egged cars, egged windows, busted yard ornaments, etc. You'd be surprised how "entitled" some people believe they are and how offended they can be if they don't get their "treat".

Years ago the night before Halloween was called " devils night " and that was when neighborhoods had to watch for kids... mostly teens soaping windows and tossing eggs but it seems that is pretty much a thing of past.


As for porch lights not on on Halloween night the treat or treaters know that no candy is there and they are in hurry to collect all the candy they can , so they would not want to take the time to toss an egg or soap a window.

 

[Fisher]

This story comes from an obviously biased news source (Americans Against the Tea Party) but I saw it through Facebook initially and I was actually pretty surprised at some of the comments I was seeing. This question is for everyone, not just pro-choice people. How would you handle someone else handing these brochures out to your children on Halloween?

" . . . Rather than exercising their right not to participate in Halloween traditions, they much prefer exorcising other people’s good spirits. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, some local anti-choice zealots decided that children deserved something more colorful than candy corn in their treat bags: Pamphlets with pictures of fetuses were just the trick. . . "

See the whole article here.

Wouldn't bother me in the least. When I worked in DC I became pretty immune to those things. If there was a photo of an aborted baby, I probably saw it. It was an every day thing. In addition someone went around my town putting them on telephone poles. From a distance they were designed to look like Lost Dog posters but the reward was you get to go to heaven by stopping this hideous practice, or something along those lines. They were crappy photocopies of the picture of the aborted baby though.

 

[joko104]

What elementary schools hand out condoms?

This is not an isolated example:

Massachusetts school district under fire over condom policy - CNN.com

 

[VanceMack]

1-I completely agree that children should not be indoctrinated and this act at Halloween was just stupid.
2-Sucks when the other side attempts to indoctrinate children. Thats the purview of the fed and public schools, right?

 

[molten_dragon]

I'd just throw it away and not go back to that house the next year. If the kid saw it and asked questions, I'd explain in an age-appropriate way.