White House cancels annual Halloween celebration

[bluedigger]

Source: Associated Press

There's no trick-or-treating at the White House this Halloween.

After three straight years of passing out goodies to area students and military children in the White House driveway rain or shine, President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, broke their Halloween tradition this year because of superstorm Sandy that walloped the East Coast earlier this week.

The White House says hundreds of treat bags each containing White House M&Ms, an orange-frosted, pumpkin-shaped sugar cookie, jelly beans and some dried fruit will be delivered to the White House Military Office and to school districts in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia that would have participated in the celebration.

Pumpkins used to decorate the White House for the fright fest will be donated to area shelters.

Read more: http://www.cortezjournal.com/article/20121031/APW/1210310965/White-House-cancels-annual-Halloween-celebration

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No need to follow link - that's it.

[HankyDub]

1. The War on Halloween begins!

I knew he wuzza muzlum.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

2. Did you see what he did to the god-fearing American pumpkins?

He cut their eyes right out! I'm pretty sure the Ko-Ran tells the mooslims to do that.

[PABigDaddyDemocrat]

3. rofl

[maxsolomon]

5. He'll be joining Xtians

In the war on Samhain.

[whistler162]

4. Okay who wants to join me in TP'ng

the White House?

[sakabatou]

7. I putting you down on Skittle's ass-kicking list

[Liberalynn]

6. It was the right thing to do

[diabeticman]

8. I can see why. My wife however kind of wishes they had just postponed the event instead of

canceling the event. It would help kids to do something as "Normal" as trick or treat after such a bad situation to kind of help them over the frightening event. It does boast spirits and the like.

[Uncle Joe]

9. I believe this was a good idea.

Thanks for the thread, bluedigger.

[LynneSin]

10. FAUX NEWS BREAKING STORY: Obama denies assistance to needy children

Story at 11

[davidthegnome]

11. I don't know if this was a wise decision

In times of crisis, it helps to know that those in charge - our leaders, are strong. That they are confident, full of hope and courage and not discouraged or terribly beaten down by traumatic events. Whether everything is okay and going to be okay or not... you want people to believe that you believe it is.

Something light hearted, like a Halloween celebration, I think would ease peoples hearts and minds just a little. I hate it that a three year tradition is being broken when it doesn't have to be. I realize that the President, his family, and the white house staff are all very busy... but I feel that it is during times of hardship that we most need our little celebrations, our little events... just some fun to remind us that life goes on and that we can always find a reason to smile.

It's cool that they're still giving out candy and that they're donating pumpkins to the area shelters... but this could have been done in any event.

Perhaps I am wrong, but I do not think this was wise or necessary. Of course, I don't know the schedules of those who would have worked the event, so I can't say with any certainty.