January 26, 2007

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

Last week, State Assembly woman Sally Lieber (from the Mountain View/Santa Clara area) put forth a bill that would charge a misdemeanor to parents who spank children under age 3. How do you feel about this bill?
(Asked at Albertsons on Capitol and Tully)

“I think that this [potential] law is more toward abused children and stopping that abuse and if that’s the case then I agree. I think there are other ways of disciplining a child, but too many people can’t control their children or their parents are not involved. It’s a double-edged sword.”

Elaine Petitclerc, 45
Evergreen
Operations analyst


“I disagree. I don’t spank my children, but sometimes they need to be spanked. Sometimes it’s appropriate when it isn’t corporal punishment.”

Mildred Loyd, 68
Evergreen
Retired teacher


“It’s kind of hard to decide. The age of 3 is young to be spanked, but it’s up to the parents to control their children. I’m kind of against it because it’s up to the parents to discipline their children. However, there’s a thin line between over-discipline and not enough. I was spanked as a child, but I don’t think many parents are spanking their kids now and the kids get out of control.”

Valerie Cuascut, 28
Evergreen
Registered nurse


“I believe there’s such a thing as going overboard, but a little spank once in a while to show you mean business is okay. I was spanked as a child and it didn’t hurt me.”

Amelia Ayala, 57
Evergreen
Disabled


“I don’t agree [with the potential law]. It’s just the way I was brought up. Sometimes kids that age can get out of hand they need to know that there are consequences. If you wait until after 3 it’s a lost cause."

Damone Bordenave, 40
Evergreen
Staff manager


“She has no rights in my house. Does she have children? Does she spank them? The government has no right to be in my house.”

Priscilla DeLeon, 49
Evergreen
Sales