How does Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger feel about the proposed bill banning spanking? On Thursday, he said he would keep an open mind concerning the ban, according to an article in Friday’s , Monterey County Herald. He said he had concerns about how the bill would be enforced and also added that he understood the desire to ”get rid of the physical, the brutal behavior that some parents have.”
So far, the proposed bill has drawn criticism including the fact that Sally Lieber, who is sponsoring the bill, does not have kids herself. Potshots were taken at her on an online forum. One writer said that if this bill passes, then one where other parents could “smack” the parents of undisciplined children should also be passed.
Schwarzenegger also said that what he wants to do is to find out exactly what Lieber “envisions” and how she plans to enforce the ban, if it becomes law. He also added that anytime you try to pass a law that protects kids, in general, “that’s always good.”
Schwarzenegger remarked that in Austria where he grew up he was smacked “about everything”. However, he wasn’t bitter about his childhood. It simply was the way things were done in Austria at that time. He even recalled a time when his father hit him in front of other kids in his class after a parent-teacher conference. He said he didn’t feel bad because other kids received similar punishment if they received a bad report.
Does he spank his own kids? Nope– “absolutely not”.
Lieber has said that she does not mind the criticism and believes that her proposal has triggered a much-needed debate. The bill will be introduced next week. I will definitely keep a close eye on this one; I’m interested to find out how things turn out. If the bill passes, other states may also follow with similar bills.
See also:
California Considers Banning Spanking
Discipline Problems? All It Takes Is A SMILE
Is Your Method Of Disciplining Working?