[LiberalSlayer99]

Nice outcome. Isn't it great that the state wants to prevent parents from disciplining their children, by charging a parent when he does? Ironic how the state will defend the parental rights of so many BAD parents (i.e. drug addicts, real abusers), while going after someone that disciplines their child.

I was spanked a few times with the belt when I was a kid...and I turned out ok. It definitely kept me in line. I've never bought into the time-out only theory. Some times you need the stick as well as the carrot.

I think I've spanked my son (bare-handed), 3-4 times in his life (he's 9 and it's been 2 years since the last time I had to spank him)...all I have to do now is give him a look. A lotta love and a little fear of being disciplined does wonders.

[LiteKeeper]

"Spare the rod, spoil the child."

I read that somewhere.

[steplock]

BRAVO to the FATHER!

The dayghter now deserves another SPANKING!

The school needs to be sued out of existance so everyone can properly HOME-school their own children.

The prosecutor need to be FIRED

etc etc etc

[moyden2000]

Gestapo thugs.

[ctlpdad]

[tbpiper]

Although prosecutors offered to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor

Here in Florida we have a 'justice industry' instead of a 'justice system' wherein the chief goal seems not to be justice, but career enhancing conviction rates. Of course the prostituter offered to reduce the charge, a conviction is a conviction and a little one is as good as a big one when you're counting beans for a resume.

Assistant State Attorney Steve Maresca...also stood by the charge.

Naturally. He didn't want to make the obvious 'I was a damn fool' admission.

"Should you be able to leave a mark on a child that lasts a week?" he asked.

Hell yes, if that's what it takes. I don't think the prosecuter has ever had the 'joy' of raising a rebellious daughter. I never believed in child abuse...until I had kids (just joking).

[Orangedog]

I've never bought into the time-out only theory.

We didn't have "time-out" when I was a kid...we had "knock-out." Throwing a tantrum at the grocery store or mall was NOT an option.

[lilylangtree]

I was spanked by my parents to keep me in line. I spanked my son either with my hand or the wooden "spanking spoon." We're both doing fine. BTW, the phrase "spare the rod and spoil the child" is biblical. Remember reading it there possibly in Proverbs.

[Lucas McCain]

Bill O'Brien is a friend of mine. We discussed the case last night at church. He told me that the prosecutor offered five separate deals to get Bill to plea guilty. Bill said "no way" against the advice of his own attorney. Bill believed strongly that he was fighting for a principle, and for the right of every parent to disciple their children.

By the way, his daughter, who is now fifteen was in the high school Bible class I taught last night. She happily announced to the class that her Dad was "not guilty."

[vin-one]

"Should you be able to leave a mark on a child that lasts a week?" he asked.

this made me laugh, my dad left a huge mark on my rear/hip.
and he said you must have moved, that is what caused the mark......

[Paradox]

I hate spanking and other forms of physical punishment. But I also realize that sometimes, it may be neccessary. My mother (bless her heart, she had 7 children and stuggled as a parent), at times, smacked me real good and chased me around the house with a shoe in hand. And I well deserved it, each and every time. She at times, spanked ALL of us kids, and today, every single one of us is a law abiding, moral citizen (well, even though they ARE democrats, but I digress).

On the other hand, shouldn't there be some kind of limit, and if so, where do we draw the line?

[steplock]

[MattAMiller]

I'm not opposed to spanking, but I don't think it's the best option for most kids in most situations. My parents usually just used lectures, which worked just fine for me.

Kids are different but most of the time most kids want to keep their parents happy.

[MississippiMan]

Lack of discipline is directly behind much of today's societal ill. When I was in school, we didn't have ISS (In School Suspension)-- we went to the principal for licks. And here's the key point: WE DIDN'T WANT TO GO BACK. Likewise at home, my father wore my butt out with a belt when I did wrong. Today's children fear nothing, and a fear component is essential for most children. Not all, but most. And if you think it's bad now, just wait until THIS generation grows up and has kids. By then, even mild spanking will likely have been criminalized.

Spanking is not just biblically authorized -- it's biblically commanded. Why? BECAUSE IT WORKS. It teaches children that there are painful consequences when they veer outside the lines of acceptable behavior. And doing away with it is simply one more manifestation of Satan leading this world around by the nose.

MM