Reply #70: At the junior high school I attended...

[badgerpup]

...they were allowed to use corporal punishment. There was a big oak paddle kept hanging on the wall of the Vice-principal's office for that sole purpose. It had a very central position...not quite 'trophy', but
"This is not a 'decoration' or empty threat. It is a TEACHING TOOL. Screw up, and you'll learn a lesson you won't forget in a hurry."
:hide:


One time, a kid stole my bike. I was really upset, crying and carrying on when I reported it to the VP, partly because my bike was gone...and partly because I knew I'd catch hell at home for being so careless as to have my (locked-up) bike swiped.
"Well, it COULDN'T have been locked up, now could it? Otherwise it wouldn't have been stolen!" :banghead:

ANYWAY...
The kid was busted and brought the bike back, and I knew he was going to get at least one swat from the VP. I asked for 'clemency' for him; told the VP I had my bike back, and that was all I really wanted...but no go.

I was lucky...the kid told me later that he wasn't mad at ME. He'd been standing right there when I asked the VP to please not punish him...and despite being a bike thief, he was big enough not to blame me for his sore ass.

Keep in mind the ages of people involved here...13, 14, and the lack of accountability one often comes across in this sort of situation.