THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 28, 1996 TAG: 9607260028
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 35 lines
I am outraged by the plight of Ashley Holley Jr., the father who fell into the clutches of ``Child Protective Services'' for spanking a rebellious daughter (Metro-News, July 19).
Never mind that the daughter told her ``saviors'' at Landstown Middle School she fell on the pavement.
Never mind that she didn't want to be yanked out of her home.
Never mind that she wants to go back with her family.
Our socialist public-school/social-service/court system is determined to save her from her terrible, old-fashioned parents, whether she likes it or not.
I'll bet no one from Landstown Middle School bothered to call her parents. This sad episode proves that families of public-school children are also ``at risk,'' not just the children.
I wonder how much money this is costing taxpayers. Liberals, of course, have the right to believe what they like. But what right have they to interfere with the child-rearing decisions of law-abiding parents like the Holleys?
I cannot remember spanking a teenage child of mine, largely because we spanked the three of them when they were younger, when other measures failed.
Sometimes teenagers need strong discipline. Our prison systems are full of the undisciplined; some on death row.
Not to worry. The same stupid liberals who yank the Carmen Holleys of this world from caring families and haul their parents into court will be there to burn candles and decry their punishment when they are executed.
JOSEPH L. GWYNN
Virginia Beach, July 19, 1996 by CNB