Letter

DISCIPLINE NOW IS CALLED CHILD ABUSE

Almost everyone probably agrees that two of the biggest (if not the
biggest) problems in this country are kids on drugs and kids not getting a
good education. Violence fits in there somewhere, too. Then comes Corday
Thomas, by his own admission a former violent drug user ("Discipline
strategy lands school in heap of trouble," July 16).

The key word there is "former." Also noteworthy is the fact that Corday is
a former violent drug user at the tender young age of 13.

Corday also says he made all A's and B's on his last report card,
insinuating former bad grades.

Young Thomas credits his success story to Heartland Christian school and
community for troubled youth, including its discipline strategy.

So, what's the problem? Oh, the good sheriff there in Lewis County, Mo.,
considers Heartland's discipline strategy to be "child abuse." The
discipline? To shovel manure. And the kid says it works! He says it changed
his life from violence and drugs to doing right. Not to mention, his school
grades have apparently improved greatly, also.

I'll tell you what child abuse is: trying to stop programs that actually
work to get kids off of drugs, out of violence and into education.

Tommy Guyer
Thomasville