Why aren't colons optional?

[Stefan Schwarzer]

Grant Edwards wrote:
> IIRC, there were actual studies conducted with one of the
> precursor languages (ABC?) which determined that the colon
> increased readability -- at least for new programmers.

After forgetting them sometimes when I began with Python, I now
really like them even if I have a bit more to write. I agree with
Hans in that they improve readability.

Stefan