I happen to disagree with the writer, from both an experiential standpoint as well as old fashioned common sense. Obviously, for parents who practice corporal punishment there are times it is not appropriate. However, regarding its efficacy, just remember what happened back in 1994 to Michael Fay in Singapore. As a spoiled seventeen year old brat, he vandalized cars by spray painting them. He was tried and convicted of vandalism in a Singapore court. He was initially sentenced to eight months in jail and twelve lashes with a cane (this was later reduced). The Western world was shocked and distraught. Ambassadors were summoned. But the law and the punishment were effective. It wasn't Singapore citizens who vandalize. It was an ill-mannered American kid that his parents never quite got through to him with their passive discipline. While we struggle with self-centeredness and irresponsibility in the West, it is reassuring to know that we haven't corrupted the entire world.