Greetings All,

There is not doubt that a multitude of social policy evolutions have contributed to the lack of respect that permeates our society, at least here on this side of the pond, these days. That said, the lack of consistent and swiftly administered consequences for abhorrent behavior, both in the home and school, will perpetuate the current scenario.

I see it every day where I live. The secondary school is a block down the street. Every day I watch youngsters toss their trash on the walkway around my home. When I ask them to use the bin, as this is where I live, they laugh and walk away. I was once able to gain the compliance of one youngster when I picked up the trash he tossed and followed him. When he enquired as to why I was following him, as he promptly threatened to call the police, I told him I was following him home so that I may toss his trash in his yard. He immediately told me that if I did this his father would beat the P**S out of him so he grabbed the trash from my hand and tossed it in the nearest bin.

When my parents found out that I stepped out of line as a youngster and was paddled by a teacher or one of my mates folks I was then paddled at home. I have not been scarred for life by these disciplinary techniques, as a matter of fact I believe I am a more tolerant and respectful person because of them. I have four children and I can count on one hand the amount of times I have used any means of physical behavioral correction on them collectively. So I am also of the mind that I was not coerced into being a physically violent person as a result of the paddling that I received as a youngster. My folks are both still alive, thankfully and we share a wonderful relationship.

Peace,
Ed