Parents rights activists are weighing in on spanking. The language of rights is a sign of the times. We are an entitled, grasping, self-centered bunch, us parent types. And those interested in protecting the parental right to spank are no different than the rest of the lot. Well, they're a bit more asinine. The "Right to Spank" just doesn't have the same cache as other defended rights (say the right to vote, or speak freely), especially when one reads further into the matter.
Apparently, even though the proposed ban on spanking has faced serious challenges and the language has now been changed to read that it specifically bans the use of a stick, a rod, a switch, or a belt, groups such as Campaign for Children and Families still views it as an attack on parental rights.
I understand that there may be a continuum of acceptable discipline. But switches and belts? Has it really gotten that bad? If it has, a book on parenting would be far more useful than a big wide wooden spoon.
