David's Daily Diversions

Undisciplined Nation

Parental rights are on the ropes here in the UK.

We are used to being under attack by the Government or the House of Commons (otherwise known as the Government's legislative puppet). Now it is the House of Lords.

There was an attempt to ban smacking (that's Britspeak for spanking) outright. Every parent who smacked a child would be guilty of a criminal offense and subject to a possible custodial sentence of six months. Amongst "child advocates" that is still the goal of their relentless campaign.

The total ban did not have the support of the Government, which supporters know they must have if they are to get it through the Commons. Instead, a compromise was agreed by 226-91. Under the compromise parents are allowed to use "mild smacking". This means that "causing bruises, reddening of the skin and mental harm" will become a criminal offence in England and Wales. This means that parents will have to consider carefully the implements they use. (There was a push by some groups to ban anything but the hand.)

I have to say that Tony Samphier of the Children Are Unbeatable! alliance was right when he said the outcome of Monday's vote was "shameful, unjust and irresponsible". Of course I don't agree with his namby-pamby flower-child completely out-to-lunch reason. It is people like Tony Samphier who are irresponsible.

How absolutely stupid are these people. They spout absolute rubbish like Liberal Democrat Baroness Walmsley who urged peers to vote in favour of the full ban. She said Britain's "culture of violence" was rooted in the acceptance that children could be smacked. The culture of violence in this country - and believe you me there is one - really only began after the unbiblical psychology of the 1960s took hold and there have been two generations with foolish bound in their hearts because they have not had the rod to drive it far from them. After all, it is the fool who says in his heart there is no God. Those who are still left believing in God don't believe He has anything particularly relevant, not to mention binding, to tell us.

The Government, through it's compromise with the Lords, has drawn its line in the sand. They are passed redefining families to include all manner of unnaturalness. They are now saying if families choose to follow the Bible, they will be criminals. It's time to break out the incense to Caesar folks. Maybe it will cover up the stench of children being sacrificed on his altar.