It's not working

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I think liberalism began in America following the end of the great war, probably before most of our lives began. The country felt obligated to rebuild what we destroyed. And, that we did. But, as the 70's approached real change became apparent.

Hippies made love, not war, but world conflicts increased. Dr. Spock replaced Dr. Suess. Fire hoses used to quell riots were replaced by rubber bullets. Jews waged war to protect their religion. Women replaced men as head of households. Fathers did not necessarily live with mothers. Time outs replaced spankings. Soup kitchens were replaced with food stamps. Men held hands as they came out of the closet. Desegregation and busing. Equality for all. Gone were God and pledges of allegiance from the schools. Burning the US Flag was as popular as raising a Mexican one. Records played backwards replaced the meaningful words in a song. Chemicals and preservatives replaced natural ingredients. Bottled water prevailed as skirts were shortened and women shed their bras. Bums and hobos were renamed homeless. Dopers got rehab not jail time. Lunatics were renamed mentally ill, and out of control children are dosed with drugs. Credit accounts replaced savings accounts. Affirmative Action, corruption, greed, entitlements, and Twinky defenses. Tolerance. Tolerance...

Now in Those Days (but not so long ago), I was visiting a family one evening. The family had tucked their children to bed, and we gathered with the parents to watch a video together downstairs. It wasn't long before we began to hear crashing sounds coming from the child's room. Seemingly, the parents seemed to be unconcerned. Many minutes passed before I had to ask what was going on. It was then that I was told to ignore it as the child was merely throwing his toys against the door in protest for being put to bed. And, in time the kid would give up and go to sleep. And so it was. And, so the problem has worsened now. The child has no fear. No respect for authority. And will not obey any figure of authority. Schools won't have him. Grandparents refuse his visits and other children won't play with him very long.

Now, with the news of new sanctions against Iran, made me think about what we have done. Iran has been boiling for 40 years now. Breeding terrorists, building an army, developing weapons and oppressing it's people all the while.

"Bad Boy. Bad Boy. Now, go to your room and play with your toys!" is what the rest of the world has said. Well, folks it isn't working any better than sending the kid to bed with a room full of his toys and ignoring his disobedience.

It's past time to rethink our strategy. Let's get back to the things that worked. Spankings need to return.
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