Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/320970
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»Myques- tion is, when is spanking a child OK? I live on a rural dirt road off a busy road. We have about seven neighbors and all know each other and help out when needed. We have a young couple with two young boys, 4 and 3, and she's pregnant with her third. The other day the 4-year- old showed up at our house, which is down a long hill and up our long driveway pretty far away from his house. I imme- diately called the mother, who answered in a groggy voice as though she's been sleeping. I told her I had her son, and she said her husband would be right there. When she and her husband came, the boy just kept running down another dirt path as I and the mother called to him. He paid no attention and kept running away. I turned to the mother and said, "I hope you give him a good spanking for this." All she and her husband did is look goofy and brush it off as though it's OK for a 4-year-old to misbehave. I remember the few times I gave my kids a really good whooping was when they did something that endangered their lives. I don't believe you can raise a child without sometimes giving them a real shock when they do something very serious. —FuriousNeighbor? DEAR NEIGHBOR » Let's be honest about your real question, which is: Am I going to use my platform to back you up, and help you set straight these and other know-nothing par- ents who are driving their kids/your neighborhood/ this country straight into the toilet? And my answer: no. Part of the reason is conceptual, in that I can't imagine siding with someone incensed at not striking a child. No, I wasn't there to witness the danger and disrespect. But that allows me to stay back and see spanking for what it is, a violent act against the defenseless. Part of the reason is practical. Hitting the people you are presum- ably trying to teach not to hit is an effective way for parents to undermine their own message and expose themselves as hypocrites. That actually chips away at a kid's respect for par- ents, which is ironic when you consider that corporal punishment's believers, if I understand them correct- ly, see it as a way to instill respect for (but actually fear of) authority. Plus, plenty of 4-year- olds aren't spanked and do heed their parents. Plenty are spanked and don't heed. It's not the black- and-white, cause-and- effect business you make it out to be. Nor is it your business whether these parents spank, and that's part of my "no," too. If you truly just fear for the kids, then judging or lecturing their parents might be the least effective path. Being a kind, open- minded, boundary-aware neighbor — that's the most reliable way to position yourself to help. Spanking as punishment is not a hit with all parents Carolyn Hax Ask Carolyn Email Carolyn Hax at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon Eastern time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com. Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Gemini(May21-June20)— Don't waste time feeling sorry for yourself, when you should be looking for something to do that enriches your life and leads to new acquaintances. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't fall prey to a fast-talking stranger. Keep your eye on your money and refuse any offers that seem too good to be true. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Of- fer your time to a cause that you feel passionate about. You can make life easier for others with a little effort. Your own prob- lems will seem relatively small. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Delegate your responsibilities. If you don't put in an honest effort, you will not honor a commitment. This will cause problems with authority. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A romantic encounter is in the stars. Don't question what's being offered, just plan to enjoy the moment and see where it leads. Social functions will offer an interesting alternative. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Stick to your own affairs today. You will have to refrain from commenting on the way others do things. A friendship may be jeopardized if you are too opinionated. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Someone close to you will show interest in your personal life. This can lead to an offer of help that will allow you freedom to follow interesting pursuits. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't take part in gossip. Pro- tect your reputation regardless of what others do. Stay out of the spotlight and work diligently to live up to your responsibili- ties. Actions speak louder than words. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You are probably in need of a little pampering. A relaxing day at the spa or an energetic session at the gym will prepare you for a romantic evening. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will feel better about yourself if you get rid of a bad habit. Self-improvement will help you shed negativity, mak- ing way for a confident, goal- oriented mindset. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Love and laughter will surround you. Now is a good time to spice up your romantic life. Socializing or an intimate tete-a-tete will enhance your existence. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your schedule appears to be hectic, which will lead to a costly error if you don't slow down and think matters through carefully. Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol FRIDAY, MAY 30 FRIDAY,MAY30,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B