"But I simply could not ever imagine raising a hand to her in anger. I just don't understand how parents can do it."
Anger? Do you believe that those who spank their kids do it because they're angry? Love has more to do with it than anger.
Yes, I have heard that said before. Perhaps it is true.
I am not judging what decisions other loving parents make when it comes to disciplining their children. Well, I am actually, but I would never presume to tell another parent what they should or shouldn't do.
But apart from the fact that I believe spanking to be counter-productive, I simply don't have it in me to hit my daughter with such force as would be required in order for it to act as a deterrent to future misbehavior.