Your right, Joe. It truly is sad, It used to be a real fun time for kids. I remember very well singing the "ditties" you referred to and I always made sure I sang them in such a way that I was guaranteed to get something to shut me up. Yes, indeed those were the days, but now it never goes over without crime of all sorts that night. Its getting so bad that there are concerned groups lobbying to ban "Halloween" over here. Parents go around now with their kids to try and keep them safe. I think myself, if its going down hill then it would be safer to phase it out altogether. Its just an opportune time now for weirdo's to commit crime.
Having said that Joe I hope,you and all your readers have a fun "Halloween"