The Principal and the Paddle

Find the May 4 edition of Newsweek and read the article "The Principal and the Paddle". A principal in a South Carolina Elementary School uses corporal punishment on kids. I was astonished that anyone in America still paddled kids. I received my one and only paddle as an 8th grader in Aberdeen Jr. High (Idaho). I administered my only paddling in 1976 in Hazelton, Idaho. I felt so bad afterwards that I retired that mean piece of wood. You old timers will remember the paddles with holes in them for swift air resistance proof stinging. Just the sight of the paddle hanging by the teachers desk was enough to deter my misbehaving. Utah did away with corporal punishment in the early 80's. Now, we tell teachers to not touch kids unless they are breaking up a fight or keeping a student from injuring himself or property. If you can't find a print edition go to www.newsweek.com to read this interesting, but disturbing article. Rick