The Candy Man

What is more dangerous? Tossing candy from a firetruck
or believing in some 6 foot rodent with a basket of sweets?

I am posting this column (below) that appeared in our local newspaper this past week. I do so in that we have obviously elected some folks who have far too much time on their hands and too little in the way of priorities.

No one discounts the need for parents to watch over their kids at a parade. No one discounts a scratched cornea (a very common and easily treated though painful thing).  What is appalling though is that this is government legislating common sense. We have the chance of creating a generation of bubble-boy children, protected from every gust of wind and falling leaf. Then, in the breeze that leads us to such ordinances, we tell the folks that "if you do it (throw candy) then we might not let you have a parade next time (by golly - that will teach ya').   So now we are going to have cops who watch for such things although most are marching in those parades and they, like the firemen, are generally the ones tossing candy.  The entire thing is absurd.

The Southold Town Board amended its special event legislation Tuesday to prohibit candy, beads and all other objects from being tossed to spectators along parade routes. 

Residents who want to host parades will be reminded of the policy when they apply for road-use permits.

The amendment was a response to concerned parents who said they feared their children could be hurt while running into the street to grab treats. In addition, board members said they were concerned for the safety of volunteers who monitor the parade from the sidelines, noting that during a past event, flying candy gave one person an eye injury.

Before the vote at their Tuesday work session, board members said fire and police officials should enforce the policy strictly during all parades.

Applicants found in violation would risk having future permit requests denied, according to Southold Town Board.