I don't advocate hitting children in anger. My children are grown and I am fortunate to have never had to engage in much spanking. That said, all kids are different and advocating using spanking as a tool doesn't automatically equate to being violent or authoritarian.

Most of the opposition to spanking that I've encountered seems to mask an aversion to participation in dominant / submissive behavior. I agree that this is a powerful human relationship that can easily be abused. The only person that should practice dominance over another human is a loving parent looking out for the welfare of their child. It is the responsibility of the parent to sometimes exercise dominion over children that are too young to yet fend for themselves. It must be done carefully and wisely. Many people have an aversion to playing this role -- myself included. Most people will encounter situations with their children when they must overcome this aversion and do their duty as parents. It doesn't always involve spanking. Sometimes it does.