Another factor is that one can't pass a law and expect instant results. The people now prohibited from hitting were very possibly hit themselves. They have to restrain themselves much more than someone who was never hit. But, a couple of generations from now the results will begin to tally up in favor of a more peaceful society, especially if parents are guided in the alternatives for what to instead of hitting. That takes education. Still, it's a major, major testimonial to their society that they are even attempting it and our leadership isn't. Regarding the money it would take, this country never seems to have money for social things, whether it's Social Security, education, health care, day care, whatever. "Entitlements" always seem to be a target in this country. Tax cuts for the wealthy have been passed three times, but there's never anything left over for the middle class. Lou Dobbs (I haven't seen him in ages) calls it a war on the middle class. I like to think we're advanced enough that we can set the example for the world. Far from it. In any case, nice talking to you on this issue. ----- Original Message ----- From: To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: 2/17/2006 5:50:51 PM Subject: [lit-ideas] Re: English Typo Schools To show that there was a difference between the two and that it did not necessarily follow that outlawing spanking would outlaw all child abuse. In fact, the Swedish study would support that. You seemed to think that if one outlawed ALL spanking, that child abuse would be also eliminated. That is not true. Here in this country, we have decided to focus on the child abuse/beating aspect of spanking. There are consequences for that--and they might be glad of that when I'm 95 years old and carrying one of LH's items in my knitting or scrapbooking bag <g> (just kidding...) There are severe consequences for drunk driving (you may not realize it as there are so many ads for getting people out of those consequences--but they exist and they are law) and the severe end of what happens when there is an excess of lack of care in the drinking is also down. Moderation is not necessarily a bad thing... and, though, yes, I think there are healthier and more productive means of establishing limits, etc., for children, I also am pretty pragmatic and know we have also a culture to deal with and limited resources. Sweden spent an incredible amount of resources blanketing their nation with the reasons why they were passing that law and what would happen if you violated it as well as what 'good' would come from it. We just don't have the sort of resources to hit all the areas in our country--not in a short amount of time. So, we do what we can -- and it IS working and it might not be as quickly of a change in our culture as you would like, but it is happening...and if we can address the broken bones and horrible bruises versus the swats, and have to choose one from the other--I think we chose the most significant issue to do. (again--it's not that the other is not being addressed--just a matter of priorities of time, resources) Best, Marlena