Monstrosity of the Pokemon Promo

Let me begin by acknowledging that the loss of any life under needless circumstances is most tragic [“Burger King Is Recalling Pokemon Balls,” Dec. 28]. That said, parents, what are we thinking? Why on Earth does a toddler need a Pokemon toy in the first place? Not to mention the ridiculous balls the things are packaged in.

The translation of the name (pocket monster) was enough for my husband and me to long-ago deter our kindergarten-age son from the useless toy--store-bought or giveaway. Oh, don’t get me wrong: There are a few of the Burger King freebies floating around on the bottom of a toy bin or the floorboards of my car.

Have we as parents become so pressured by our children’s desires that we have forgotten what “no” means? We have allowed them to make this Pokemon craze the be-all and end-all by offering money to purchase the things or tote them from store to store to find the most precious of trading cards.

We need to say “no” to these money-generating marketing spectaculars more often than not.

LISA SILAGY

Long Beach