This column is surprised, nay shocked to even have to state this.
Don’t strike your toddler or one who is sitting on a stranger’s lap.
Don’t hit them on a plane; don’t slap them on a train. Don’t smite them in a car; don’t backhand them near or far.
With apologies to Theodor Seuss Geisel.
Nothing calms down a weeping child like being hit. Because that is why this company executive did it. Allegedly. Except for all the folks who saw him.
The plane was descending and causing pressure in his ears, so the young boy was crying.
Oh, and this is more Machiavellian than human being decent, but if you are intoxicated and about to abuse some random child then don’t yell out an epithet that is universally regarded as offensive, and alerting others on the plane to glance over in your direction.
And thus creating witnesses. Against you.
There are several passengers from the same flight who have come forward to state they saw the entire scene. Several in fact. So it is not a case of he said/she said/the baby has a cut on his face.
Now the man has been fired. And he awaits trial. The court of public opinion has already weighed in.
Guilty.
If your faith, philosophy, credo or simply uncontrolled anger dictates that you will/can/should hit children, then stop believing such and hie over to anger management.
There was a preacher last year who basically said beat the gay out of your boys. And presumably girls. He is notable because he said it out loud. But now, everything is taped. And uploaded.
Imagine what was said in so many places where folks worshiped before everyone started carrying a camera and video recorder?
Actually, no imagination is needed. Michael Pearl has written a self-published book on this very subject. He's for it. Harsh discipline in the name of God.
This preacher and the multitude of others just like him exist. It’s time to expose them.
Hitting is grafted onto many religions, some not so cult.
Studies have shown that children who are physically disciplined are more aggressive and prone to depression later in life.
And that’s when the punishment is doled out by their own parents.
Strangers need not apply.
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