THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY - CARING FOR ANIMALS IN THE BAHAMAS

http://www.bahamashumanesociety.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=14

Mission: "To eliminate unnecessary animal suffering and promote responsible animal ownership through education, encouragement and enforcement."

History: "Founded in 1924, the Bahamas Humane Society is the oldest charity in the Bahamas and ... is affiliated with numerous inter*national organizations... It is the only organization in the Caribbean to hold membership of the Standards of Excellence Program sponsored by the American Humane Association, of which it has been a member since 1981."



Let me state categorically that I am in no way casting aspersions on the good people and/or the work of the Bahamian Humane Society.

However, I do find it ironic that in our beloved Bahama Land, in the 21st century, we do not have a national volunteer organisation whose stated mission is to "eliminate unnecessary suffering of children (child abuse) and promote responsible parenting...through education, encouragement and enforcement...", as found in most progressive nations in the world.

Where are our Concerned Parents, Teachers, School Administrators, Guidance Counsellors, Social Workers, School Psychologist, Child Psychiatrist, Paediatricians, Family Practise Lawyers and Judges, Religious Leaders and our Legislators when it comes to this very important topic?

Plainly stated, corporal punishment, whether administered in school or at home, constitutes physical abuse of children. It is inhumane because it violates the child’s basic human rights.

Who among us do not believe that our children deserve the same protection we offer the animals in our society?

Perhaps we need to redefine our societal values and rethink what lessons are we imparting to our children?

The thing is, truth hurts12, that spanking of children is almost obsolete in many countries - US being among them, yet kids are getting worse and worse in their behavior. I know a kid in the US that told his father that if he, the father, did not do as he was told he would call Child Protective Services on him!!!

Governments get involved where they should not. They tell the parents that cant punish their kids but hold the parents responsible when the kid goes off the rails!

There are times when talking to a kid does not work. You can talk until you are blue in the face. A quick slap on the backside does get their attention. I am sure the Christians on this site will quote the old saying - "Spare the rod and soil the child."

I was in a restaurant the other day and at the table next to me was a family. One of the two kids (about 8 or 9 years old) was throwing their food at the other kid. The Father when into an explanation about how bad it was to throw food etc etc. The kid's answer was a loud "F*** You!" Now there was a kid that needed a spanking right then and there! The father went "shhhh!" the kid went back to throwing food.

I believe that letting the kid know that spanking was not"off the table" as far as discipline goes is a good thing. It does not always have to be used but it is THERE!!! Worked on me when I was a kid.