In defense of ‘mild’ physical discipline
The Adrian Peterson case has provoked extreme reactions on both sides of the issue of corporal punishment for children. Critics are obviously correct in saying some types of corporal punishment must be forbidden. Proponents argue parents should have broad discretion to inflict corporal punishment, which is a scary thought. The truth is somewhere in between.
Psychological studies have conclusively demonstrated that mild physical punishment is much more effective as a training tool than positive reinforcement, especially in animals and young people. Such training is vitally important for young people who are just beginning to learn about rules and consequences. If a parent enjoys giving the punishment, it is unacceptable. If the punishment causes lasting physical harm, such as scars or bruising, it is not “mild.”
BILL FOKES, BRASELTON
Board falls short, musicians suffer
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra music director and the musicians are doing their jobs, offering excellent music, programming and direction. ASO management and the Woodruff Arts Center are not doing their jobs. The ASO board was given the task of raising $2.5 million in 2012 and has raised $500,000. The ASO board has failed the orchestra and Atlanta by not having a strong and effective development plan and execution.
The needed funds should be within reach if each board member raised $100,000 and put in place an effective, pro-active development arm. Honesty and trust are absent. ASO players, as the lowest members on the scale, are asked to bear yet another blow from management and the center, whose focus seems shamefully elsewhere. How tragic it is for the players and those of us who depend heavily on the ASO to give our lives beautiful music, expertly performed. How devastating, shameful and embarrassing this is for Atlanta, the Southeast and our world-class orchestra.
SALLY F. GEORGE, ATLANTA
Writer admits lust for others’ wealth
I must admit, Paul Krugman is at least being honest. His recent article, “Policies allow the rich to show off their wealth” (Opinion, Sept. 29), is unabashed class warfare. I can summarize his article in a single sentence: “Rich people are enjoying their wealth, so it’s perfectly fine to take it from them.”
Since I read Krugman’s opinion every week, this frank admission comes as no surprise to me. Usually he couches his lust for taking other people’s property by promoting the idea that high taxation along with deficit government spending and increased regulation improves the general welfare. But this piece exposes his true agenda: a man obsessed with redistribution to “take down those rich folk.” How odd, since I’m sure Krugman does much better than me. I hope his newfound honesty enlightens those who previously didn’t understand where he was coming from.
MIKE ANTHONY, DULUTH
