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Wednesday's letters: Corporal punishment doesn't work

 
Published Sept. 23, 2014

Punishments mired in the Middle Ages | Sept. 18, Daniel Ruth column

Corporal punishment doesn't work

I appreciated (as always) Daniel Ruth's column on the Adrian Peterson controversy and the issue of corporal punishment. While Peterson and others have argued that this form of "discipline" has made them a "better person," the psychological and behavioral research in this area argues overwhelmingly against this method of modifying the behavior of children. Why?

• Corporal punishment usually does not eliminate but rather suppresses the behavior.

• In suppressing the behavior, corporal punishment does not reinforce long-term behavioral change.

• Corporal punishment tends to create harmful emotional consequences: fear, tension and withdrawal, for example.

• Therefore, corporal punishment tends to produce the kind of frustration that can lead to further deviance.

• Corporal punishment tends to be associated more with the punisher rather than the behavior.

• Finally, corporal punishment provides an unacceptable model for problem-solving.

This same research also suggests that a behavioral program consisting of both positive reinforcement and appropriate consequences (removal of privileges, timeout, etc.) that is clearly presented (and posted), firmly enforced and consistently executed is by far the best type of program to modify and shape children's behavior.

It is also instructive to note that the research on domestic violence and abuse indicates that approximately 80 percent of both victims and perpetrators were from homes where physical violence was used in lieu of the above strategies.

I would caution your readers to keep in mind, when considering raising a hand to their children, these words: "Hurt people hurt people."

Joseph J. Ferrandino, Ph.D., Lutz

Greenlight foes stoop to smears Sept. 23, editorial

Parody is time-honored way to take down powerful

The Times attacked me for posting a harmless parody on my blog — without even seeing it (its creator deleted it within minutes as he meant it to be "private")! The parody was one of hundreds on the Internet from the movie Downfall of Hitler reacting angrily to losing the war. In the parody, Hitler complains about losing the Greenlight battle by not proposing a half-cent tax dedicated solely to buses.

The Times' tactic is typical of the political class who seek victory at any cost — even by chilling free speech. Enough! This is America, not Nazi Germany, and I will not be cowed by contemptible politicos seeking to silence opposition through intimidation. I will proudly take the mudslinging to preserve free speech and will take up the sword of truth on the battlefield of ideas and fight. Parody is a time-honored way of taking down the powerful and corrupt. I reject cowardly attacks designed to bully Americans into silence with the race card or through phony outrage of the arrogant elite. Greenlight desperation alone motivates this attack, as voters are rejecting the state's highest sales tax and $2.4 billion corporate crony slush fund for a train that doesn't go to Tampa.

I am proud of the many parodies and deep analysis I create for SunBeamTimes.com. I did not create the Downfall parody of Greenlight, but published it to expose the political class and their Greenlight boondoggle. Americans have had it with attacks on free speech and are looking for someone to punch the bullies back in the nose. This American is proud to do it.

Dr. David McKalip, St. Petersburg

Go to the people | Sept. 21

Front-page flattery

I have watched with increasing amazement your coverage of the Rick Scott/Charlie Crist campaign for governor. It has become more and more biased as Election Day grows closer. For me, Sunday's huge, flattering photo of Crist on the front page has proved to be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. In my 70 years, I have never seen such blatant attempts to sway public opinion.

Karen E. Simpson, St. Petersburg

Church's guide fails to inform the voters Sept. 20, Sue Carlton column

Churches and politics

Here is a suggestion to churches that issue voter guides. If you feel the need to engage in politics, go all-in: Drop your tax-exempt status. Endorse those running who you feel have earned your support. I am not put off by church involvement in the political process, but using an allegedly neutral voter guide is a loophole to preserve tax-exempt status.

Fear of losing the tax exemption indicates the church has not completely committed to the Lord's ability to provide for its needs. Worse yet, the church has subjected itself to voluntary government censorship by agreeing to certain behavior in exchange for keeping more of its money.

Andrew Nappi, Hudson

Fate of airport could change | Sept. 21

Airport is a treasure

Albert Whitted Airport should stay as is — maybe even with upgrades — but certainly should not be closed. If the city wants to develop the waterfront, more thought should be put into the Pier. So far, those with money have tried to make St. Petersburg into a Miami West. But it's not now and it will never be Miami. That's why we live here.

Saying that those who voted for the airport back in 2003 are not the same as those who live here today is right. But that doesn't mean that we have all gone away. We are still here and we still want the best for St. Petersburg, and that includes keeping the "treasure" of Albert Whitted Airport intact.

Daryl L. Bortel, St. Petersburg

Assault rifles for schools a bad idea | Sept. 19

The wrong lessons

Please keep addressing the serious issue of the purchase of assault rifles intended for use by the Pinellas County school police. Misguided perceptions of safety and security have the potential for creating more dangers than we might think possible.

In addition to providing opportunities for an M-16 to be misused, what are we demonstrating to our children when we allow instruments of a police state in our schools? Are we teaching fear and paranoia instead of the determination that governs a confident, productive and peaceable citizen?

Barbara Finkelstein, Safety Harbor