The Texas House of Representatives says, "Let's be clear: Yes, you can spank your kid." From the Austin American-Statesman (free reg. req.).

A bill approved Monday in the Texas House would clarify the law giving parents or other guardians the right to use corporal punishment to discipline a child. Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, the author of the bill, says parents are confused about whether corporal punishment is legal. Corporal punishment already is addressed in the penal code, but only as a defense to prosecution for child abuse.

Personally, and as a parent, I'm fine with spanking. I haven't had to do it often. In fact not in some time. But there are times when a kid needs a good rump-smacking. I recall getting a few myself. I'd never use anything but my hand, and never anywhere else but on my kid's clothed bottom. I think worrying about this sort of spanking is just plain silly. According to a 2002 ABC News poll, most Americans are OK with spanking.

Russian scientists are claiming spanking is good for some grown-ups, too, and not in a kinky way. However, April 30 is National SpankOut Day in the U.S. We are supposed to consider the reasons for emulating 11 European nations which have outlawed spanking.

Case closed.

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at April 20, 2005 12:53 PM