Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparrow
Yes, fair point. 
But don't you sometimes think a little acknowledgement that other views may differ (esp. on 'controversial' topics) would grease the wheels of discourse? |
Let me elaborate then, Sparrow. I know that many people will probably throw up their hands in horror, but I am
firmly in favour of judiciously-applied corporal punishment. When we were in school, if we gave teachers any "lip" it was a ruler across the palm of the hands (and that
hurt); most kids
very quickly learned politeness as a result. When I see the local "yobs" hanging around the village where I live today, giving cheek to everyone, and with absolutely no respect for anyone, I am utterly convinced that a few good "canings" earlier in life would have made them far more polite and better-mannered teenagers than they are.
Since, however, I do not have any children, those with contrary opinions can rest easy in the knowledge that my views are purely theoretical, and I do not put them into practice.