I don't think physical punishment is really necessary, there is a really fine line between discipline and abuse that can be easily crossed.

There are some kids that could use a swat or a slap on the head, but those are the kids who'll prolly get the crap beaten outta em one day.

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If you were to go up to a random person and spank them, it would be battery.

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heh. That made me laugh out loud. I think it was just the mental image of me walking up and spanking a complete stranger.

But on the subject of spanking children outside Neverland, I think it's perfectly okay practice if (A) The child is in danger of hurting himself or someone else and (B) no long lasting marks are left on the child, bruises, welts, etc.

I firmly believe that spanking is the way to go if your child continually tries to push their limits and defy you. However, it does require a lot of good judgment on behalf of the parents to know when and how to spank their children and it can get out of control into a form of abuse if not exercised correctly.
I liked what Dr. James Dobson, author of "Focus on the Family", had to say about the issue of spanking. He said that the parent should not spank their child just to maintain their power. He goes on to say that a parent should also never hit with their hand, because that could have bad associations. Instead, he suggested a wooden spoon or small fly swatter.
My parents spanked me and I know I deserved it. lol There were times when I pushed my authority and had an attitude, and my parents showed me that that was NOT okay by spanking me. However, my mom would always give me fair warning and would always talk to me after about why she had to spank me. And you know what? It only took about 3 spankings before I learned that when my parents said something they meant business.
I think a few people at my school could benefit from a good spanking. Even if a parent does not necessarially choose to spank, they need to maintain a constant form of punishment for the aggressive behavior of their children and should not give into the demands of their kids. If they do, they'll end up with horrible attitudes and will learn to whine and hurt people to get what they want for the rest of their lives.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. Now y'all are free to share yours.

I have mixed feelings. Some kids are really just a pain in the rear end, such as my sister, who is not annoying, but agressive. She throws things at us, and I mean chairs and bites us too. In her case, I think she deserves to be spanked because she needs to respect.

Now, in the case of, say, your kid did something wrong once, I don't think spanking is the good choice. I mena, all kids make mistakes, you can't expect them to be perfect.

I agree Katalina. I will never spank my children. My mother took it to an extreme and I can't believe there is ever good intention behind it.

Spanking is NEVER okay. I cannot believe what people will do in the name of discipline. If you were to go up to a random person and spank them, it would be battery. You can't even do it in prisons. Why, may I ask, should you be allowed to do it to children?

Bushism of the day:
"The folks who conducted to act on our country on September 11th made a big mistake. They underestimated America. They underestimated our resolve, our determination, our love for freedom. They misunderestimated the fact that we love a neighbor in need. They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will and determination of the Commander-in-Chief, too." —George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2001

a swat might help when kids are younger (if it isn't too hard) But that just leaves room for peole to abuse their kids while doing it etc.
I really don't think it is necessary for parents to spank kids as a form of punishment though.