Were the parents of the ram-raiders intimidated by the anti-smacking legislation of the Helen Clark government’s Green MP, Sue Bradford? This was rejected by 85 per cent of the public.
Have the raiders not known punishment for misdemeanours, but have been allowed to get away with bad behaviour? Are they aware that up to a certain age, they will only get a slap on the hand with a damp, expired bus ticket?
Corporal punishment in schools has been abolished; borstals have been closed; industrial schools no longer exist; prison is not considered to be an option; the shopkeepers are forbidden to arm themselves to protect their property.
No doubt the Government will employ a number of hand wringers at the cost of millions of dollars when a good belt on the backside would be far more effective.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.
Arthur Moore, Pakuranga
