Sir, Regarding Paul G. Franklin's letter on corporal punishment (September 13th), I could only say that his views left me sick to my stomach and filled with a sense of utmost revulsion. As a former victim of the "spare the rod" mentality, I can assure him, that the only effects it had were to leave me humiliated, emotionally crippled and filled with a deep seated hatred and fear of authority of any kind. It is only in recent years, through counselling and therapy, that I have begun to come to terms with my past and to recognise that what was inflicted upon me was abuse, pure and simple.
No one would deny that parenting is a difficult, often frustrating experience and I am sure that there are few parents who have not at one time or another struck but at their children. But understanding such a reaction is not the same as condoning or, in Mr Franklin's instance, actively promoting it.
It is high time that society took the whole issue of parenting far more seriously, and if this involves providing and financing counselling/support agencies for parents, then so be it. At least then we might find our way on the road to a more civilised society, as opposed to one illustrated by the savage "values of yesteryear" so beloved of the likes of Mr Franklin. Yours, etc. Rialto Cottages, Rialto Street, Dublin 8.