Boycott Blair Cedar !

PETITION

We, the undersigned, ask for a ban on advertising and selling devices for the express purpose of whipping and beating babies and children.  Allowing these devices to be advertised and sold only encourages child abuse, and no individual or company should profit from hurting children.

1) Stephen Lawrence, Arlington, MA, USA
  "Such devices are an offence against children, adults, and Jesus.  They should certainly be banned."

2) Nicole Walter, San Francisco, CA, USA, San Francisco Green Party
  "Hitting children causes more problems than it solves.  90% of all inmates in jails across the U.S. were subjected to corporal punishment as children.  The Green Party holds to the Key Value of nonviolence, be it against animals, adults, or children, and providing tools with which to promote violence in parenting will only add to the violence in the world and in our communities.  These devices are dangerous for children, adults, or anyone who wishes to live in a safe, peace-loving environment."

3) Colleen Sullivan, Groton, MA, USA
  "Jesus would never hit a child, even if he was disobedient or even outright spiteful.  We must use non-violent ways to discipline our children."

4) Susan Lawrence, Arlington, MA, USA
  "Continuing to allow advertising and selling devices to hurt children will only send the message that it's OK to hit children, and to make money doing it.  This is wrong and must stop."

5) Kelly Sharp, Knoxville, TN, USA, Children's Ministries Leader Family Life Worship Center
  "I serve a loving God that says you find the kingdom of heaven in children and who says parents do not bring your children to wrath.  He would NEVER have hit his own children with whips and rods.  I serve our Lord and savior Jesus Christ God who 'trained' the disciples with love and 7X7 chances not by having them terrified if they even whimper they would be beating and bruised and not loved!!!!!  Stop this horrid practice LOVE YOUR CHILDREN DON'T BEAT THEM!"

6) Brent Turville, Port Stanley, ON, CANADA, self employed
  "Just wondering WHY you sell these whips to beat children?  Can you use them to beat murderers or child molesters in jail, OR, can you use them on Dogs or Pets in general?  Hmmm?  WHY NOT?  All these whips do is help people to get away with 'LEGAL' CHILD ABUSE!!  Enough of the dam whips!  Please!"

7) Melissa Burroughs King, Rockville, MD, USA, Attachment Parenting International of Upper Montgomery County Maryland
 
8) Paula Jennings, Dumont, NJ, USA
  "Using any device to strike a child or any human being is abuse.  It is not only physically damaging but is psychologically and spiritually damaging as well.  I have a hard time when Christians are for this type of punishment as it surely doesn't seem to me the answer to "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do?)"

9) Debra Olshever, Needham, MA, USA, Adoption Associates
  "It's abhorrent!"

10) Robert Griffin, North Hollywood, CA, USA

11) Jennifer Kuehn, Olive Branch, MS, USA
  "Please stop the abuse."

12) Frances L. Morris, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

13) Tanya Wynne, Rosharon, TX, USA
  "These devices if used on an adult would land you in jail, why is it legal to use them on helpless children?"

14) Leila Hom, Vasa, FINLAND, Child abuse researcher
  "Please understand that the Bible is thousands of years old and written for another culture than our Western and enlightened society.  Whipping babies and children is out of date and Jesus didn't even promote it!  In the year 2005, no child should ever need to fear its own parents.  Don't buy these devices, please!  Violence is not love."

15) Robert Fathman, Ph.D., Dublin, OH, USA, President, National Coalition to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools

16) Ola Karim, San Diego, CA, USA

17) Jerry Townsend, Woodland, CA, USA, School Psychologist

18) Rebecca, Rochester, NY, USA, student
  "Do I even need to comment?  It's ridiculous and anyone who beats their child should be locked up for the rest of their life."

19) Meleasa Carley, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
  "'And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.'  Mark 10:16"

20) Elaine Njerve-Zack, Amityville, NY, USA
  "I can say FROM EXPERIENCE that corporal punishment (which I also classify as child abuse what I went through) that it's harmful emotionally as well as physically.  The Flashbacks stay with you even during adulthood.  I am 37 years old and am back in therapy because of the way my parents abused me.  I've become extremely angry towards my parents and it's enough to drive me nuts at times!  I hope and pray that someday soon that ALL of these child beating instruments will become illegal!  I was considered a 'perfect child' BUT was always full of FEAR and the constant FEAR has turned me into an ANGRY adult!  The abuse MUST BE STOPPED NOW!!"

21) Jake Terpstra, Grand Rapids, MI, USA, Child Welfare Services Specialist
  "Bullies beat people (and animals) weaker than themselves.  Discipline doesn't need to involve hitting.  The word comes from the term disciple, and means 'to educate.'  Who could imagine Jesus beating anyone!  Cruelty in society can be reduced and this is the place to start."

22) John Zack, Amityville, NY, USA
  "If parents and teachers are allowed to hit children, why don't we let children hit other children?  Jesus was against corporal punishment and he would also be against these torture devices!"

23) Mary Keck, Muskogee, OK, USA, Student
  "Anyone who can use these devices or any other kind of device to injure an innocent child without any feelings of guilt has lost any feelings of conscience and morality."

24) Donna Gilbert, Raleigh, NC, USA

25) Mary Pederson Metelmann, Belmont, MA, USA, LICCSW
  "The word discipline means to teach.  The only thing one teaches through hitting and using tools to beat children is that they are out-of-control, they are not to be trusted, and that violence is the only way to deal with strong feelings of anger, frustration, etc.  It is 2005, we have not come very far!"

26) Holly Urquizu, Fresno, CA, USA, mother of two preschool children
  "I can't even imagine being 'beat' by one of these rods or beating one of my children with it.  It just doesn't make sense as to how a human being can do that to a child.  Thank you for your informative web-site filled with 'other alternatives' to discipline."

27) Constance Thomas, Corning, AR, USA
  "No civilized country should carry or allow the selling of these instruments of torture.  Children can not defend themselves.  When do they become citizens of this country with the rights of citizens not to be tortured?  It's past time."

28) Candace McCulloch, Buffalo, NY, USA

29) Linda Loughran, London, UK
  "I cannot find words to express how horrific these objects are.  That they are for sale is terrible enough - but that there is also a market out there - people who buy them.  THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!"

30) Edwin H. Peart, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA
  "Use of these devices is illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada according to a Supreme Court of Canada decision in 2004.  Why not just follow Jesus and teach instead of hit, a much safer way to bring up a child with no chance of getting into trouble with the law.  There is no excuse for Christians or anyone else to be ignorant in this internet age.  I would sooner face the Judgement Seat of Christ as a supporter of children's rights rather than having to explain why I supported the hitting of children."

31) Ms. Heather Jones, Santa Rosa, CA, USA
  "There are many alternatives to get a child to change behavior than hitting, spanking, or whipping them."

32) Judith Schagrin, Baltimore, MD, USA
  "If a parent uses physical discipline, violence as a means of control over others becomes an acceptable response.  In other words, if you want to teach children not to hit...don't hit them."

33) Ine Mensink, Schalkhaar, Overijssel, THE NETHERLANDS, a mother
  "When I see that these tools are still used to punish children, I feel ashamed that I belong to this so called civilised human race.  You should love children and not hurt them.  Just give them a hug when you want something done from them and ASK for it.  When you feel that you can't ask nicely... just walk away and come back when you can!  But don't hit them, not with or without a tool.  It is just not right to do so."

34) Faiza Hammadi, Paris, FRANCE
 
35) Paula Intravaia, San Diego, CA, USA, Educator, Mother of Four, Christian Child Advocate
  "Many like minded people are unaware of the existence of these horrible instruments for pain.  We must raise awareness to create the enormous, necessary, public outcry for their banishment."

36) Sierra Thernes, San Diego, CA, USA, concerned sixth grader

37) Trevor Thernes, San Diego, CA, USA, concerned fourth grader

38) Shayla Thernes, San Diego, CA, USA, concerned ninth grader

39) Marc Intravaia, San Diego, CA, USA, Nonviolent Christian Parent

40) Dan Rawlings, Vancouver, BC, CANADA
  "They should not be sold period.  It is barbaric items are allowed to be sold.  If someone needs to assault a child with a potential lethal weapon, to feel better about themselves, they have serious problems.  It is time for America to join the more progressive countries in the world and ban this archaic, barbaric practice."

41) Kathleen Wolf, Arlington, MA, USA, Registered Nurse

42) Susan Berlowitz, New York, NY, USA
  "The image of the power difference, as well as the physical size of an adult versus a child, is more than enough reason to not strike children.  Standing straight, toddlers look straight into our knees.  Then, add paddles, whips and other such devices, and what does that say about the adult in charge?"

43) Melissa Koslowsky, Arcata, CA, USA
  "Violence is too pervasive for a first world country like the United States.  "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."  Abuse is always about control.  A person should never regard another person as property or as a possession.  Please stop promoting ways to "discipline" children, this is violence against children.  To those of you who support hitting a child I want to know if you are feeling scared because you are needing respect?  If possible would you gain respect from not using violence?  From what I know, children who are spoken to and not hit will adore and respect their parents.  To me that is better than having a child afraid of doing something "wrong" and getting a "punishment".  Obedience and respect are two separate issues."

44) Ashley Pelter, Simi Valley, CA, USA
  "Disgusting!"

45) Laurie A. Couture, Exeter, NH, USA, M.Ed., LMHC, ChildAdvocate.org
  "Striking children is a human rights violation.  There is nothing morally sound about committing a violent act against a child - only ignorance and apathy can justify such a psychologically and spriritually damaging act."

46) Jordan Riak, Alamo, CA, USA, Project NoSpank, PTAVE

47) Jes Cronmiller, Durham, NC, USA
  "Violence begets only violence."

48) Deborah Fein, Philadelphia, PA, USA
 
49) Dennis Sheehy, Portland, ME, USA
  "Beating children plants the seeds of future violence. Of this there is no doubt."

50) Glenn Norris, Edmond, OK, USA, Director of Children's Ministries, Southern Hills Christian Church
  "How can this Nation profess such high regard for children and, at the same time, willingly allow the supply of implements specifically designed to beat those same children into submission?"

51) Melissa Burroughs King, Rockville, MD, USA, Attachment Parenting International of Upper Montgomery County Maryland
 
52) Joe DiMaio, Castro Valley, CA, USA
  "There's never, NEVER, an excuse or legitimate piece of rationale for hitting children."
 
53) Debbie Haskins, Denton, TX, USA
  "Using these devices is an abomination.  Children should be taught with love and patience, not programmed with fear and pain."

54) Lourie Pearlman, Shanghai, CHINA
  "It's astounding that most of a "civilized" people sits idly by while its youngest are tormented, humiliated and abused.  We have to fight this evil."

55) Susan Achen, Northridge, CA, USA

56) Wade K. Meyer, Columbus, OH, USA, Orakem, Inc.
  "There are people who quote the Bible about "spare the rod and spoil the child."  This has nothing to do with beating.  This has to do with guiding a child as a shepherd guides the sheep with his staff.  It is amazing to me that there are still people who feel it is acceptable to physically hurt a child.  But then again, how many people still smoke right in the faces of their children?  Makes me wonder..."

57) Melissa Hurles, Wondermind Ventures, Columbus, OH, USA

58) Greg Achen, Northridge, CA, USA

59) Professor Deana Pollard, Houston, TX, USA, Associate Professor of Law
  "The research is clear:  hitting children produces aggressive, unhappy, abusive people, and the cycle will not stop until we stop hitting children."

60) Barbara Rogers, Chicago, IL, USA, www.screamsfromchildhood.com
  "One day, mankind will look back in horror at the inhumanity of those dark ages when torturing children was called discipline, and even love."

61) Norm Lee, Thatcher, AZ, USA, www.nopunish.net
  "Striking a child is a cowardly act.  And an immoral act.  Use of an instrument in hitting kids should be a felony.  With parenting skills, corporal punishment can be done away with.  With certain skills now known and proven, punishment can be abolished altogether."

62) Kimberly Reyes, Troy, MI, USA

63) Janice D. Borgognoni, Bergenfield, NJ, USA
  "If a non - family member hit a child they would be arrested for abuse, yet a family member can get away with the same abuses.  Something is wrong here.  Jesus protected children, not hit them, so why this antichrist movement of abusing children.  We are either followers of Jesus or we are not.  It can't be both ways.  There are sayings in the Old Testament that are not done in society now.  For instance: in Old Testament times men would be physically punished in public....  And the list goes on.  So why is abusing children allowed to continue even up to today!  It's not because Jesus says so because he doesn't. Anyone who abuses their child or another's child or allows it to continue is not a true follower of Jesus.  Janice"

64) Lisa-Marie Parsons, AB, CANADA
  "Anyone who could hit defenceless children deserves the same visited on them 100x.  Anyone who profits from the pain and fear of children deserves it back to them 1000x."

65) Debra Black, Joliet, IL, USA
  "These are disgusting."

66) Jamie Weyand, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
  "Hitting children is wrong.  Violence breeds violence."

67) Marlisse Bachrach, Culver City, CA, USA
  "It's disheartening that a petition like this is even needed and that so many legislators will not support the ban.  I'm extremely concerned about the tremendous harm these devices do.  Please support this legislation."

68) Mark Kennett, Seneca Falls, NY, USA
  "There is no place for these devices in a civilized society."

69) Suzanne McMullin, Calgary, AB, CANADA
  "Any and all methods used to hit children, regardless of age, should result in mandatory parenting and therapy attendance, and restitution to the children involved, whether as victim or witness.  Written in memory of Jayden Kaylee McMullin, age 3, murdered Easter Sunday, April 20, 2003 and her brother, age 5.  Neither child will ever receive restitution in or out of court from abusers protected by Canada's Criminal Code and "spanking law" that allows children 2-12 years old to be abused and murdered legally."

70) Jeanne Clarke, Baltimore, MD, USA
  "I raised two children without ever resorting to use of these devices; without ever once striking them.  My daughter is nineteen; she doesn't use illegal substance nor abuse legal ones; she's helpful, kind, courteous, my son is twelve, he is non violent, not likely to ever use drugs and or alcohol or smoke for sure, they are not saints, they are not perfect, but then again, they are not automats but autonomous people who can think and make mature decisions for themselves, based not on fear of their parents, but on the knowledge we've imparted to them.  Both are homeschooled, by the way."

71) Justin Wyllie, Bicester, Osfordshire, UK, Individual
  "I was hit by a headmaster with a stick as a child.  All it did was make me hate authority.  Children need adults they can respect."

72) Heather Ireland, Rocklin, CA, USA
  "Beating devices do nothing more than cause injury and teaches children that weapons of violence is the way to achieve results. Is that really what the intent is?  I think not."

73) Lillian Jones, Sebastopol, CA, USA
  "Children learn from intelligent and thoughtful example, heartfelt communication, and wise guidance - hitting is none of these things."

74) Deirdre Chishom Stephens, Portland, OR, USA
  "Hitting a child to get your way is a simiplistic and neanderthal reaction to not getting what you want.  The people who justify hitting children because "it's in the bible" or beause "that's the way it's been done" are showing themselves to be unwilling to learn better methods by choosing to rely on fear and pain to instill obedience, instead of the proven significantly better methods of patience, understanding, wisdom, and love, which will earn respect and love in return, and consequently obedience, not to mention producing a whole, healthy, and responsible adult.  Those of us who understand this difference need to continue to speak out, and encourage others to speak out, to show our future that we really do care about what is best for them, not what is best for who's biggest, strongest, and most wilfully ignorant."

75) Jay Rasco, Safford, AZ, USA
  "Violence only begets more violence.  Stop all violence everywhere.  Treat all people including children with respect and they will respect others.  Stop the spending of our money to build more prisons to house those who have been abused and build more places of healing and love."

76) Crystal Lutton, Phoenix, AZ, USA, Pastor, Arms of Love Family Fellowship
  "It is sad to me that God's Word has been so horribly misinterpreted and those whom Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like are struck with implements.  It isn't a crime, but it should be."

77) Ashley Koslowsky, Santa Rosa, CA, USA, Student
  "Beating children is a horrible, unexcusable action."

78) Colleen Sullivan, Groton, MA, USA
  "Jesus would never hit a child in order to teach him or discipline him."

79) Yol Swan-Dass, Weaverville, NC, USA
  "I consider beating devices humiliating and cruel.  Children should be treated with respect and rasied with love and open communication, not 'trained' like animals and forced to suppress their emotions.  These devices cause pain and resentment, which eventually leads to violence, more pain and resentment."

80) Paula Edwards, Vale, NC, USA, Mother of 3

81) Robin Clemmer, Dallas, NC, USA, homeschool mom
  "nausea."

82) Rachel Goldberg, Charlotte, NC, USA, Mother
  "I am absolutely heartsick that such devices exist."

83) Katrina Karchner, Banner Elk, NC, USA

84) Lindsay K., CA, USA

85) Anna Brown, Matthews, NC, USA
  "Children deserve our respect.  We need to be modeling non-violent communication and conflict resolution NOT "might is right"/violence.  The sale of these products must be stopped."

86) Santosh Kulkarni, Pune, Maharashtra, INDIA
  "Selling of all such devices MUST be stopped immediately and it should be treated as serious crime as it encourages child abuse."

87) Jim Hunt, Brighton, MA, USA
  "Let's make the connection among all forms of legal violence, such as hitting kids, the death penalty, and war.  You'll find a parallel among these things."

88) Jerry Townsend, Woodland, CA, USA, Retired Marriage, Family Therapist & School Psychologist

89) & 90) Rev. Thomas E. Sagendorf & Judith G. Sagendorf, Hamilton, IN, USA

91) Louise Gordon, Cambridge, MA, USA
  "There are better ways to raise children than beating them with these devices.  Please see Dr. Irwin Hyman's book "The Case Against Spanking: How to Discipline Your Child Without Hitting" and the websites nospank.net, childadvocate.org, nopunish.net, stophitting.org "

92) Toni Nierman, Raleigh, NC, USA

93) Veronica Reed, NC, USA, Homeschooling Parent
  "Simply put, abusing children is wrong.  Actually selling devices to abuse children is beyond belief.  It is also encouraging sick individuals who get their jollies from abusing their children to believe that what they are doing is condoned."

94) Marc Kluck, THE NETHERLANDS, Language teacher
  "One can teach and train, children and youngsters, by setting good examples, by giving clear messages to children.  Don't tell me that hitting is also a clear message, no sir it is a fear message.  Greetings from Holland.  Marc"

95) Teri Sandiford, Wake Forest, NC, USA
 
96) Ruthi Cohen Joyner, Locust, NC, USA
  "Please stop this child abuse!!"

97) Jennifer Foltz, Halifax, NC, USA
  "We live in a culture of violence, and it usually begins in childhood.  People need to find out that it's not ok to hit their children."

98) Susan J. Lee, Psy.D., Arlington, MA, USA, Clinical Psychologist

99) Sue Murdock, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA
  "Please protect our children and ban these devices."

100) Bianca Gunn, Dothan, AL, USA, Mother, Grandmother
  "Violence begets violence - period.  Ruling by fear teaches only fear.  Selling these instruments says you believe "fear" and "respect" to be synonymous.  Now more than ever, the Human race needs to turn away from such dangerous sophistry."

101) Kimberley Harding, Arlington, MA, USA
 
102) Jamie Apa, St. Catharines, ON, CANADA
  "I cannot fathom why someone would purchase, let alone design and build one of these devices.  I think it is disgusting and my heart breaks for those poor abused children."

103) Tara Pfaff, St. Catharines, ON, CANADA
  "Those have got to be some of the most disturbing items I have ever seen.  Sent chills up my spine that someone even thought to make them."

104) Maribeth Bruno, Chicago, IL, USA
  "Violence destroys a child's trust and belief in parent as protector."

105) Lisa Merson, Hackettstown, NJ, USA

106) Heather Dawn Wichlaz, Lakeport, CA, USA, Little People Preschool
  "I care for 8 children daily, 2 of them my own, and they behave beautifully without hitting them....."

107) Lisa C. Manske, Franklin, TN, USA
   "In the U.S., it's sad to see that a large portion of our society, children, aren't protected from violence."

108) Roy Jacobs, Steelton, PA, USA
  "If such devices were being sold for the purpose of beating dogs and cats, something would be done.  Are not our children more precious to us than our pets?"

109) Peter Jason Hernandez, Shelton, Washington, USA
  "I find that parents who use these devices, also tend to joke about it (e.g., "the Board of Education") -- they think it is funny to cause children pain.  Taking pleasure in inflicting pain:  is this not the definition of Sadism?"

110) Andrea Bird, Waltham, MA, USA
  "Seems like we must still be living in the dark ages if there are still people about who believe in physically hurting children.  At the very least, our laws need to make it perfectly clear that this is NOT acceptable by the standards of a civilized society."

111) Artha Freebury, North Yarmouth, ME, USA, Compliance Officer
  "The use of the "Rod" or any other implement used to "discipline" children is abusive and ultimately ineffective and emotionally, mentally, if not physically, damaging to the children involved.  There is much research to show the negative outcomes of such cruelty, little to none other than anecdotal statements by advocates, to prove its virtue.  It is time to stop the promotion of these child abuse implements."

112) Irina Kazinich, Brooklyn, NY, USA
  "Children are people and should be treated with respect.  Hitting or spanking them teaches them to fear and does not solve any behavior problem.  Being young or a baby is not a reason to endure violence. Spanking IS violence and should NOT ever be carried out.  These rods are torture devices and should be completely eliminated from the marketplace."

113) Madeleine Y. Gomez, Ph.D., Evanston, IL, USA, President PsycHealth, Ltd., Psychologist and mother of 4 amazing children raised without violent discipline
  "I live to support and promote non-violence for all."

114) Jimmy Dunne, Houston, TX, USA, People Opposed to Paddling Students
  "These devices promote hitting children with boards, paddles, extension cords and belts.  All are methods of abusing children."

115) Louis Daily, MD, Houston, TX, USA

116) William Triebel, Austin, TX, USA
  "People that feel the need to beat their children should take a good, hard look at themselves first - There are some serious issues there somewhere!"

117) Nadine Block, Columbus, OH, USA, Executive Director of Center for Effective Discipline
  "Fourteen nations have now banned all corporal punishment of children.  Children in those countries have the same freedom from assaults that adults enjoy.  How can our citizens see themselves as kind and giving and yet tolerate children to be hit with whips, belts, spoons and other instruments?"

118) Joy Maidment, Brownfield, ME, USA
  "Speaking from the experience of being "spanked" with a leather strap designed for sharpening men's strait razors I can attest to the emotional stress and feelings of worthlessmess imparted on a spanked child.  The thought that items are being advertised for sale legally is horrifying to me."

119) Bruce Bell, Santa Rosa, CA, USA
  "Try using it on yourself first, jerk!!!"

120) Brigitte Bittrup, Austin, TX, USA
  "Selling and advertising these devices encourages parents and guardians to use violence against their children.  Violence does not teach better behavior."

121) Jimmy Singh, Austin, TX, USA

122) Michele Purvin, San Marcos, TX, USA, Social Work Graduate Student
  "Would Jesus spank a child?  My father would regularly spank us with a belt when we were children.  I'm 36 now and still vividly remember my little brother's screams.  Please stop this for future generations."

123) Dr. George Holden, Austin, TX, USA, Professor, University of Texas
  "There are lots of good reasons, many backed by research, why parents should not use any form of physical punishment--and especially 'beating devices.'"

124) Doyle Weaver, Dalls, TX, USA, Citizens Against Physical Punishment
  "Making money by selling whipping devices for people to hit children with?  And it's legal?  And law makers are reluctant to ban them?  What kind of heartless people have we elected to office anyway?  Remember them when it's time to vote again.  Pass the word along."

125) Meagan Patterson, Austin, TX, USA

126) Cheryl Anne Mohr, Nashville, TN, USA
  "I am raising three children without resorting to violence.  Striking another adult is deemed assault.  Striking a child should also be seen as a crime punishable by law.  These devices are an affront to anyone with a heart and a brain.  Stop promoting child abuse!"

127) Terry Rudd, Whitehaven, Cumbria, ENGLAND
  "Corporal punishment should be banned.  Not only is it violence against another person but negative & ineffective!"

128) Isabelle Allgood Neal, Media, PA, USA

129) Olly Harari, Needham, MA, USA
  "Hitting children is a violation of two fundamental human rights:  respect for human dignity and physical integrity and to have equal protection under the law.  Hitting people is wrong and children are people too."

130) Stephen Butler, Leeds, W. Yorkshire, UK
  "It is appalling that a so-called advanced country would permit such barbaric devices."

131) Sarah Mayorga, Artesia, CA, USA
  "Abusing children is wrong and it needs to stop!!!!!!!!!"

132) Peggy Dean, Waxhaw, NC, USA, Registered Nurse
  "We must get these devices off of the market.  Children are UNBEATABLE!"

133) Marah Timmons, Visalia, CA, USA
  "I know that I would not want to be beaten by this.  I can't believe that these devices are being legally sold.  They are like assault weapons!"

134) & 135) Helen & Steve Rayshick, Barre, MA, USA

136) Lauren, Cincinnati, OH, USA
  "I really don't think that people should be selling devices to show parents or anybody to whop their kids.  It is by all means a form of child abuse."

137) Linda Serfass, Hudson, MA, USA
  "Hitting children gives them the message that when you run out of verbal ammunition in an argument, or just get frustrated, it's okay to settle it physically.  No one wins in this situation."

138) Cynthia, Parker, PA, USA, mother
  "I do not believe that any child should be hit in any way when my children do something wrong I put them in time out for 3-5 min. I do not hit them with my hand or any thing let alone a device of any sort and these peopel who do it should be in trouble with the law.  How would these people feel if they were the ones who are getting hit?  That's what they should think about IT IS 100% WRONG NO CHILD SHOULD BE HIT FOR ANY REASON."

139) John Shaughnessy, Sandwich, MA, USA
  "There is no evidence to support that beating children helps them in any way. If the parents do not protect their children from abuse, then the government must intervene."

140) Donna Lomp, Newton, MA, USA, Mother of two
  "Let's love our children rather than hurt them.  Physical punishment hurts children.  It is abusive, both physically and emotionally.  Children need and deserve our loving guidance."

141) Jeff Appel, Bloomington, IN, USA

142) Lisa Case, Cambridge, MA, USA
  "Violence is counterproductive to building a caring, compassionate society."

143) Sunny Castle, Ashland, KY, USA, abused child
  "I found this while doing a paper for school on child abuse which is what this is.  Spanking is child abuse.  There should be no tolerance for abusers or the companies making these products.  I am disgraced by the thought that a country I refer to as so great would allow something like this!"

144) Laurie Rentz, Ashland, KY, USA, Abused Child
  "The Bible states "Spare the rod, spoil the child."  But when did the act of child abuse be taken so far as to legalize the advertisement and distribution of items such as wooden paddles and rods strictly for the sole purpose to abuse a child."

145) Chuck Levin, Northfield, MA, USA

146) Isabelle Neal, Media, PA, USA

147) Stephanie Selznick, Quincy, MA, USA, Elementary Teacher/Parent
  "THIS IS THE WORST THING THAT IS BEING SOLD ON THE MARKET.  THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD PARENTING SKILLS INSTEAD OF JUST BEATING CHILDREN.  I AM SO UPSET ABOUT THIS!!!  STOP MAKING MONEY ON ABUSE!!!!!!!!"

148) Candy James, Loretto, TN, USA
  "Let's try to understand our children and take necessary steps to guide and teach them, not to instill fear and break their spirits."

149) Dr. Teresa Whitehurst, Watertown, MA, USA, Jesus on the Family (http://Jesusonthe Family.org)
  "The most unChristian act imaginable is to buy weapons with which to harm God's children.  It goes without saying that hitting people or animals with objects is assault, and today there is no tolerance for whipping animals with weapons.  Dog trainers and horse trainers (See "Horse Sense for People" by Monty Roberts) are cleaning up their acts, purging their disciplines of the whipping habit and educating the public about nonviolent methods for raising well-mannered, peaceful animals. 
  Unfortunately, child psychology is far, far behind due to the influence of "religious" rightwing zealots who use the Bible in obvious ways to justify their violent ways.  Additionally, our laws protect domestic abusers rather than their victims, providing endless loopholes for violent adults (so long as they assault people who are younger than 18 years of age.)
  Please help ban beating devices--they are America's shame."

150) Jonathan Yao, New York City, NY, USA

151) Cathie Coons, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA, The Children's Recovery Center
  "My life's work is preventing child abuse.  It wounds me when I see children that are not safe in their own homes with people they love and should be able to trust.  Selling a product such as this only reinforces that it is acceptable to hit children.  Anyone selling these devices should visit a pediatric unit in a hospital.  Anyone buying a beating device would be better served to get counseling and education on effective parenting."

152) Julia Williams, New York, NY, USA
  "To potential parents who plan to spank their children as a form of discipline:  GET STERILIZED.  YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BECOME PARENTS."

153) Ericka Herlihy, Derry, NH, USA
  "Violence is never a positive act... any form of discipline that requires hitting is wrong!  God Bless Our Children."

154) Christian Valencia, Granada Hills, CA, USA, Student
  "It's NEVER right to hit a child... and such devices that are being sold to abuse children is sooo not cool.  I know I would never want to be hit and thank god my parents don't do so.  STOP THESE BEATING DEVICES before you end up destroying the lives of the leaders of tomorrow!!!!"

155) Claire Mills, Luton, UNITED KINGDOM

156) Janice Skinner, Parkersburg, WV, USA
  "It makes me sick to think about it went to a church newark house of prayer that believed in it turn them in."

157) Shauna Bort, LaFayette, NY, USA
  "Why would anyone abuse a child?  They can't fight back!!!"

158) Angelica Athens, Andover, NJ, USA

159) LeeAnna, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, CANADA, CHDH
  "Why Would Anyone Want To Hit Their Child"

160) Jay Harrison, Berea, KY, USA
  "Ignorance is bliss and this is what happens when gospel is mistaken for doctrine in some churches.  The original translation of Hebrew referred to the word rod as interchangeable with the word staff.  We all know that staffs were used to guide and deflect.  It's been a misinterpretation down through the years and has become taken as gospel.  Education works."

161) Stephanie Wolffe, Grand Rapids, MI, USA, student
  "why??"

162) Denise Finkle, Los Angeles, CA, LAUSD elementary teacher
  "Oh... but it's so much easier to smack 'em & send them to their room :(  "

163) Shannon, Janesville, WI, USA, EASTSIDE CHILDCARE
  "I feel so sad that there is this much ignorance in the world.  Violence harms the spirit, confuses and humiliates.  The only thing it teaches is fear."

164) Shaun McLaughlin, St. Catherines, CANADA

165) Jackie, Chicago, IL, USA
  "Whipping babies?  I don't understand Christians, probably never will.  God says treat your child with sadism, to keep them from going to xxxx.  That's hypocrisy at its finest.  These people are selling soul murderers, not just whipping devices.  For all the pro-life talk Christians speak of, why are they so adamant about killing the soul of the life of a child?"

166) K. Smith, Germantown, MD, USA
  "My mother beat me with a board, a belt, her hand, etc. till I was in my teens.  I am in my 40's now and even though she has been dead for 10 years now, I cannot forgive her for leaving me with the mental scars."

167) Susannah Moore, Marietta, OH, USA, mother
  "I am repulsed at what our country allows defenseless children to endure this day in age."

168) Thomas Edward Richardson, McComb, MO, USA, CEO/HITTRACK RECORDS/myweb.cableone, net/hittrack
       "I AM MUSIC PRODUCER THOMAS RICHARDSON, I THINK THIS TIME AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL HAS NEVER BEEN SO UGLY, GREEDY, AND/OR LAZY SETTING BACK SELLING, OR LETTING THIS BABY SLAVE MENTALITY COMPANY EXIST IN THE UNITED STATES BY WE THE PEOPLE WHO INDIVIDUALLY SHOULD INSTANTLY RESPOND JUST LIKE MY WEBSITE RESPONDS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE, I LIKE YOU SHOULD RESPOND INSTANTLY WITH SEVERE NEGATIVITY AND MUCH DISAPPROVAL FOR THIS ANY OF THE MANY EVIL THINGS SOME AMERICANS DO OR LET BE DONE BY SITTING BACK DOING NOTHING WHILE ANOTHER CHILD IS BEING ABUSED, THIS IS CHILD ABUSE.  LOG ON TO MYWEB.CABLEONE.NET/HITTRACK TO LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO, CAUSE THERE AIN'T NO EXCUSE FOR CHILD ABUSE.  THANKS  THOMAS EDWARD RICHARDSON.

169) Chris Shelton, Sandwich, MA, USA

170) Suzanne Proulx, Hermon, ME, USA, parent
  "Discipline is how to use your mind, not brute force.  Discipline is the root word.  Disciple means student.  If you hit a child to get compliance, you only teach him to hit to get what (s)he wants.  When we tell our children to use their heads and words to solve a problem, then "spank" to solve what we think is a problem we have with them, we set a double-standard.  We send them mixed messages, including the age-old saying:  Do as I say, not as I do.  If we want violence to cease, we must begin within our homes, and in our hearts."

171) Cheri Speights, Douglasville, GA, USA, RMA
  "I am strongly against using these kind of weapons on children.  I have lost my children to an abusive parent, he beats my children with a 3 inch 1 to 2 foot long paddle and has broken it on them several times, he has also remarried to a woman who engages in this abuse with my children but not her own.  If there is anyone who can help me with fighting for the protection of my children I would really appreciate the help.  Cheri Speights"

172) Lisa Dobson, Vancouver, Washington, USA, A concerned Christian parent
  "Correction is useful in dealing with inappropriate behavior.  Punishment however is abuse, and should not be tolerated."

173) Kathryn Plowman, Colorado Springs, CO, USA

174) Christina M. Gonzalez, Woodbine, NJ, USA
  "By selling/distributing these devices, the United States is condoning child abuse.  No individual should have to endure what the children in the pictures endured."

175) J.K.R., Pasadena, CA, USA
  "It is despicable that anyone would want to profit from a device specifically intended to hurt children.  This demonstrates that this society has a long way to go to embrace the principle that everyone, regardless of age or condition of dependency, has the right to freedom from nonconsensual bodily assault, which is precisely what this tool is designed and intended for.  I fully support any legislation that will permanently and unequivocally ban all such 'chastisement' devices from the market.  However, as to the larger question of exorcising the curse of corporal punishment from this society, particularly in America, I no longer believe it is feasible to pursue this goal through traditional political means.  I would urge children themselves to take the lead in asserting their right to bodily integrity.  Kids must band together and refuse to tolerate being hit.  The only way to vanquish spanking is for the kids to REFUSE TO PUT UP WITH IT.  It's time to go to battle against hitting!!"

176) Susan Nunn, Edinboro, PA, USA, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
  "It is shameful that the only people in the United States who are not legally protected from battery are children.  Spanking allows an adult spanker to release emotion.  The adult gets an adrenaline rush from the act of displacing anger into violence.  The child experiences an extreme kind of stress from having his/her body invaded and the infliction of pain from the one who is supposed to protect him or her.  People who spank are seriously misguided:  they want to pass their own childhood wounding on to others instead of addressing it."

177) Nicole Jaubert, Houma, LA, USA
  "I have two dogs and a cat and I NEVER hit them.  I certainly would NEVER hit my child!"

178) Chris Dodd, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex, UK, Churches' Network for Non-violence

179) Annaliese Stautner, Saratoga, NY, USA
  "This is insane!  Why are people manufacturing such things?"

180) Phoebe Lee, Huntly, Moray, SCOTLAND
  "To beat a child is abuse.  We would arrest an adult for using such implements on another adult so why should it be ok to use them on children and babies?"

181) Sumita Jaggar, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
  "How can we expect to raise thinking, peaceful adults if we teach them in childhood that hurting someone is acceptable behavior?"

182) Lauren Gusinow, San Jose, CA, USA
  "Children deserve caring discipline, not violence.  No one should be allowed to profit from advertising and sales of devices that promote violence upon children."

183) Pamela Herr, Somerville, MA, USA

184) Amy Gilley, Austin, TX, USA
  "I am disgusted and disturbed that items like these are for sale.  Public hangings should be reinstated for people who harm children."

185) Carole Burkhardt, Bethlehem, PA, USA
  "Stop selling devices that promote violence.  We need to raise our children in ways that show violence is NOT acceptable for ANY reason."

186) Michael Burgess, Carlise, Cumbria, ENGLAND, Chairman, Charity Council
  "The device per se is inanimate, but the malicious users are not.  Only exceptionally callous people would stoop to such barbaric levels."

187) Heather Thompson, Memphis, TN, USA
  "These beating devices are promoting child abuse.  Why do you need a weapon to discipline your child?  It makes no sense.  Not only is it sending the wrong message to the child, it is cruel."

188) Jason Baldus, Muskegon, MI, USA

189) Leslie Trull, Richmond, VA, USA
  "These are unnecessary and inappropriate.  We are striving for the best for our children despite the war, we have enough violence in this world, teach our children to love."

190) Samantha Hunt, Charlotte, NC, USA
  "I think it is deplorable that people beat their children with paddles."

191) Laura Pilafas, Madison, GA, USA
  "I have never been so appalled by what I have just witnessed.  As a MSW and a former Child protective worker, I did not know that there was actually advertising for this.  It is no wonder that this country has so many problems."

192) Ana Frank, Birmingham, AL, USA
  "Please ban devices for beating children.  It's sickening!"

193) Linda Dishaw, NY, USA, member..Abuse Is NO Excuse...MSN group

194) Diane Buck, Russellville, AR, USA
  "This is really cruel and stupid.  No child or adult deserves this kind of treatment.  There are gentler ways to discipline a child and that's not one of them... stop this before we lose more precious children!!!!!"

195) Eileen Demski, Greenfield, WI, USA

196) Christie Chandler, Ipswich, Qld, AUSTRALIA, Student
  "I was physically and sexually abused from the age of birth to the age of 3 years when I was finally put into foster care.  Abuse is wrong and everybody knows it.  There are other ways to 'train' your child.  LEARN THEM!!!!"

197) Jess, Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
  "OMG!  that is disgusting"

198) Derek Coley, Regina, Saskatchewan, CANADA
  "Horrific, but then again legislators don't care about children so it is ALSO NOT SURPRISING.  WE ARE BECOMING A SOCIETY THAT ONLY THINKS ABOUT THEMSELVES DISGRACEFUL JESUS IS NOT IMPRESSED I AM SURE ABOUT THAT!"

199) Harold Albert Smith, Danville, PA, USA, EPOCHUSA
  "If I see someone beating their child, I will tell them they are a bad parent and call CPS. Won't you?"

200) Amber Shoemaker, Sedalia, MO, USA
 
201) Amanda, Clermont, FL, USA, Dental Assistant
  "There are plenty of other ways to discipline a child than beating them, parents are just too lazy to take the time to do what they are supposed to do as a parent."

202) Pat Dillard, Houston, TX, USA
  "This is awful and perverse.  No words to express my distress!"

203) J. Brickey, Las Vegas, NV, USA
  "Consciousless-brutalizing"

204) Alyssa Gilgen, Taylors Ville, UT, USA
  "All this has got to be stopped"

205) Christopher Monahan, South Glas, ENGLAND, Student
  "This is a sign of the times, I would like to say that it surprises me, but it doesn't.  Truth be told we are moving into a world of power, of high sounding principles, and ultimately...responsibility.  These expressions of cruel malicious sick... pitiful behaviour towards what is arguably one of the most vulnerable human forms, and most important stages of development, are just another symptom of our societies' Moral insecurity, remember conscience is divine."

206) Desiree Short, Springfield, MA, USA
  "I can not believe that this country would allow the sale, distribution or even advertisement of such a cruel and inhumane device.  These beating rods need to be taken off the market immediately and those who market and sell them should be prosecuted!"

207) Marybeth Lewis, Beech Grove, IN, USA
  "We should never ever sell things to hit kids, I was abused as a child and I am still having trouble dealing with it.  With this thing out there and the book "To Train Up a Child" we will have a nightmare of abused and even dead kids GOD FORGIVE US this is crazy."

208) Jennifer Kelley, Lake Orion, MI, USA, Mother of four and one on the way
  "This should be criminal.  It is a crime to strike an infant.  Anyone who buys these awful devices and worse uses them should be in prison.  They are not safe members of society."

209) Ophelia-Dawn Shona Power, CANADA
  "The research studies are clear on this point.  They show that spanking is ineffective, can lead to physical abuse and creates children who are more prone to temper tantrums, who are more likely to hit others and who are more likely to engage in juvenile crime.  Educate yourselves and learn to communiate effectively with your child, as you would with an adult.  Child abuse is unacceptable."

210) Vanessa Malcom, Fleet, Hampshire, ENGLAND
  "Any sane and right minded person need not be told that this is wrong, wrong, wrong."

211) Jeanie Walker, Smithfield, KY, USA
  "This is a disgusting display of how backwards this country is.  Would you tolerate someone else using this device on your child?  If not, then why is it OK for you to use it?  Please, do not use such a device on your children, no one deserves to be beaten, especially the innocent and those who cannot defend themselves: children."

212) Lisa, KY, USA
  "Those things are absolutely awful.  Those poor children that are subjected to them."

213) Erin Davis, Banbridge Island, WA, USA, Parent
  "They are just wrong!"

214) C. Davenport, Arlington, TX, USA

215) Dayna Ostler, Augusta, GA, USA, SAHM
  "This is so sad!"

216) Trish, Newbury Park, CA, USA
  "Children don't deserve to be beaten like that there is No reason for it!!!!  Please stop this abuse of innocent children!  And don't sell items like that!  Thank you."

217) Christine Teig, Manlius, NY, USA, loving mother of two beautiful children
  "The advertisement, sale and use of these items must be stopped!"

218) Jennifer, Marietta, GA, USA
  "Unnecessary and useless way to discipline anyone.  It teaches nothing except that it's okay to be violent to others.  Sorry excuse for parenting."

219) Amy Furletti, Clay, NY, USA

220) Libby Anker, San Francisco, USA, University of California

221) Kate Foster, Manlius, NY, USA
  "The fact that these devices are actually packaged and sold as devices for the beating of children is revolting.  It must be brought to an end!"

222) Jennifer Kelly, Milton, MA, USA
  "Please outlaw such dangerous and sick devices.  Children's lives are at risk!"

223) Nicole Folwell, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
  "Absolutely sick!  Anyone who uses such items or practices such techniques should be ashamed and charged with abuse!"

224) Lou Chavez, Culver City, CA, USA

225) Amanda Camacho, New York City, NY, USA
  "I think that it's crazy to sell those to hurt babies or anybody."

226) Kelly Diemond, Syracuse, NY, USA

227) Christi Babaz, Lawrenceville, GA, USA, Babaz Family Homeschool
  "I cannot believe people actually believe that hitting their children with a wooden stick is acceptable."

228) Angela Burkhardt, Fridley, MN, USA, The Next Step Dance Academy (Director)
  "I cannot imagine Jesus hitting a child with such an item.  If hitting adults is illegal, surely selling items to hit children with would be illegal as well."

229) Ivy Hudson, Snellville, GA, USA, Homeschooling mother of two!

230) Mardi Otto, Twin Lake, MI, USA

231) Becky Knorpp, Greensboro, NC, USA, Facilitator: Rowdi Mamas Bible Study
  "It's time for American evangelicals to wake up to what scripture really teaches about the nature of God and the FULL propitiation of Christ for our sins. Although God lovingly teaches and disciplines us, He does not 'take us to the woodshed' to punish us, because He took his son there on our behalf. As parents we teach our children who God is by our actions and our children have the right to be 'rooted and established in love' by the God of grace on this side of the cross."

232) Ayesha Athar, Carol Stream, IL, USA
  "Beating children DOES cause psychological problems in the long run."

233) Charmi, Hanover Park, IL, USA
  "This is bs!  Fookers need to stop!"

234) Lindsey M. Gruen, Wright Patterson AFB, OH, USA
  "As a Christian and a mother, as well as a victim of parental abuse, I am appalled at the use of any object used to beat a child."

235) Catherine Coghlan, Winfield, IL, USA

236) Dr. Punit Kumar Agarwal, New Delhi, Delhi, INDIA, Consultant Plastic Surgeon
  "Such child abuse devices should be banned with immediate effect and those patronising them should be punished."

237) Crystal Jones, Pueblo, CO, USA
  "Why do the American people have more compassion for terrorists and their people than our own flesh and blood?  Why are gun manufacturers held liable and not the manufacturers of these devices?"

238) Jennifer Weingartner, Watervliet, NY, USA
  "The fact that someone would even design devices like this let alone sell them is sickening, and the thought that certain parents would buy them is even worse, they should be banned from the market, NOW!!!"

239) Kristie Rudolph, San Francisco, CA, USA
  "Violence does not solve problems it creates them."

240) Holli Morrison, Anderson, SC, USA, Mommy/family
  "We should take every opportunity blessed to us by God to show our children our love.  We have the opportunity to mold peaceful loving children.  Abused children have unjustly been stripped of the right to grow and learn in love.  WWJD?"

241) Ariel Chard, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND
  "That makes me sick, buying something especially made to whip or beat children.  That is the most stupid thing I have ever heard, that's disgusting.  Only sick headed people could sell something or buy something like that to beat a child."

242) Monica Kincaid, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
  "Violence only breeds violence.  Hate begets hate as violence begets violence."

243) I do not understand how my fellow Christians can read the words, "God is love" and go buy one of these horrid things.  He wants us to be firm but loving with our children, devices such as these only promote angry parents and frightened, abused children.  Please STOP!"

244) Kimberly Chase, Colorado Springs, CO, USA, A mom
  "As a Christian, I am a little offended and a WHOLE LOT heartbroken to hear people mis-using the bible to justify cruelty to children."

245) Gwen Cullers, Sandy Lake, PA, USA, mother/grandmother
  "I cannot believe that a country such as the US would allow children to be beaten with a device.  Someone should use this on the total sadistic morons that would use this on their child."

246) Amber, Buena Park, CA, USA
  "This Pearl couple are sick in the head! I'm a college student and I've talked to too many classmates who are atheist or into the occult as they have turned away from God as a result from being raised in this way.  Probably if their parents spared the rod they would have not turned their backs on the Lord and would still be attending church."

247) Natanaelle Tyler, Alhambra, CA, USA, HOUSEWIFE
 
248) Peter Newman, North Yorkshire, ENGLAND, Author

249) Isabella Fiske McFarlin, Rochester, VT, USA, Director Emerita, Free The Kids! Program
  "This is horrible and disgusting.  Jesus said, 'You must become as a little child again to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.'  I don't believe this is what he had in mind.  For children, whom he clearly respected and liked.  This is a torture device, and should be outlawed!"

250) Shannon Burke, Tipton, IN, USA
  "I am truly sickened that items of this sort are sold!  It MUST stop!!!"

251) Laurie Gibson, Haskell, OK, USA

252) Donis Canisales, Laveen, AZ, USA, First Grade Teacher
  "Please do not encourage the advertisement of spanking children.  Thank you."

253) Connie Thomas, Corning, AR, USA
  "The USA needs to join the EU and outlaw corporal punishment in their schools and the production of objects like these that are probably found in S&M clubs needs to be stopped!"

254) Katharine Thompson, Los Angeles, CA, USA
  "Absolutely horrifying!!!"

255) Junnie Chup, AK, USA, seventh grade student
  "Things like this scar children for the rest of their lives.  Just stop all of the abuse.  Violence isn't the answer, and can only make things worse."

256) Rebecca Shane-Wahl, Lakewood, CO, USA

257) Karl M., Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
  "One of the key, core principles of Christianity (the following of Christ's teachings, for those who appear to have forgotten) is to treat others as one would wish to be treated. Beating a defenseless child with one of these objects is a complete betrayal of Christian principles. Jesus told his followers to 'suffer the little children to come unto him' and he showed them only love and compassion. How could someone legitimately claim to be Christian and then turn violence on his or her own children? Too many people now betray their own supposed principles by practicing violence against children."

258) Eric Merlino, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Program Director/Caring Together D/A Outpatient Program
  "Violence engenders violence."

259) David Bohn, Wahiawa, HI, USA
  "Children are our future!  Harming them also harms our future!"

260) Margo Liebers, Lincoln, NE, USA
  "I can't believe, in a nation that calls itself 'civilized', that it is even necessary to have a petition to stop the sale and use of these grotesque devices.  No follower of Christ could ever countenance the beating of a child."

261) Fey Lazo, Juneau, AK, USA, Student
  "DO NOT SELL THESE WICKED THINGS.  We are Jesus's children."

262) Tori Fey, Juneau, AK, USA, Student
  "We are the lord's children. I am one of them."

263) Kristopher Lundborg, Juneau, AK, USA, 9th grade student
  "This needs to stop.  It is horrible how people treat children.  And Violence is not the answer.  Kids do not need to be treated like this.  It's very bad.  And there is no point, unless you want to 'act' cool in front of ppl, which is retarded because it is not cool.  And it hurts."

264) Heather Watts, Chattanooga, TN, USA

265) Wendy Byrnes, AK, USA, 8th grade student

266) Christy Hieatt, Mother of 4, Little Elm, TX, USA
  "AND WE WONDER WHY OUR YOUTH TODAY ARE HIDING BEHIND ANGER AND DRUGS,  IT'S VERY SAD!!!!"

267) Amanda Shannep, Portland, OR, USA
  "Unspeakable."

268) Katherine Focke, Seattle, WA, USA

269) Danielle Schreifels, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
  "I created my own rod from reading and believing this is what a Christian parent should do if you love your children.  But one day God brought me to a website where I found Christians that don't believe in spanking.  I was never heard of such a thing, Christians that don't spank, I thought.  And is it not a sin to not spank, I also thought.  I ordered the book "Heartfelt Discipline" and I felt God convict my heart to stop spanking!  I felt a huge weight and peace and just knew in my heart there was a better way!  I threw out my "Rod"!  The fear of the rod was gone.  And now I can listen and hear how the Holy Spirit can guide me with His heart on how to discipline in Christ's loving way!"

270) Lesley Atlansky, Estacada, OR, USA
  "Children are ours to love, not to beat into submission."

271) Kara Pierce, Tallahassee, FL, USA
  "Outrageous and just sad that such a "tool" is being marketed."

272) Renae E. Douglas, Pella, IA, USA

273) Irina Milkhailichenko, Milpitas, CA, USA
  "Unhumane and cruel.  I can not believe such things can be still in use."

274) Lisa Cates, Burbank, CA, USA
  "I'm not even sure what to say.  I'm speechless."

275) Susan Damm, North Hollywood, CA, USA

276) Tammy, Coram, NY, USA

277) Christine Hitt, Burbank, CA, USA
   "These should never have been made, it is inhumane."

278) Kelly Patrick Gerling, Ph.D., Shawnee Mission, KS, USA, CEO, Leadershipproject.net
  "Children do not necessarily do what we tell them to do.  However, they have a strong tendency to do what we do.  We speak English, they speak English.  We speak Spanish, they speak Spanish.  When we respect them, they tend to respect us, and others.  If we hit them, they tend to hit us, others weaker.  Physical punishment demonstrates that violence is a 'legitimate' way to get others to obey orders.  When (non self-defense) violence is deemed illegal and immoral, other alternatives for respectful relationships emerge that are healthier than relationships of obedience based on domination and submission."

279) Derek Coley, Regina, Saskatchewan, CANADA
  "Well what can I say these devices are simply destructive to children and hurt the child and parent bond."

280) Claire Levine-Dotson, Burbank, CA, USA
  "Anyone who feels the need to beat a child should not have the privilege of raising one and people who condone and support this act of discipline, should be punished."

281) Stephanie Morriss, Marlton, NJ, USA

282) Debra Justice, Bellevue, WA, USA
  "The practice of hitting children is reprehensible.  Allowing the sale of items designed to inflict pain on children is even worse.  Stop the madness!"

283) RB, Fairfax, VA, USA, Citizen
  "The worst part of these sanctioned torture cults is that the "born-again" practitioners (who'd really want to be "born again" to one of their families, and have to be 4 years old all over again?) say that the proper spanking procedure is to let all anger die out and do it methodically, like they're trying to win a sports trophy or something.  What kind of barbarism is that, anyway?  Cold premeditation and careful planning, of just how you're going to administer sufficient pain to one 1/4 of your weight-class, who is trembling all the while in the holding cell?  At least when they're angry, they've got an excuse for getting rough.

But my vengeful side does not fear; I can still get back at dear old Dad for his way of handling things and making me a terror-filled wretch--in just a few more short years, he'll be impossibly old and senile, and then I can just say I'm too busy, neglect him, let him rot away in a nursing home, and oh, how sweet it will be, where I can laugh last where once I'd cried uncontrollably.

Just you wait, dear old papa, just you wait."

284) Stephen Picone, Waltham, MA, USA, DevastatorX Productions
  "This is a barbaric tool.  And to think that people are profiting off this is insane.  Beat the inventers of these arcane devices and let's see how they like it.  I would rather cut off my own hands than hit my child with these or anything else."

285) Anonymous
  "These devices should only be used in the bedroom between two consenting adults."

286) Ann Garcia, San Antonio, TX, USA
  "They have got to stop selling these things and stop hurting children."

287) Jewel Bricquet, Las Vegas, NV, USA
  "The devices are brutal child abuse weapons. I was mentally & emotionally destroyed by less sadistic weapons. I spent years attempting to find a reason to live. It is torturing mentally and emotionally to a nervous breakdown. It kills love, trust, hope, survival and rips the heart out of children. Weapons to torture children need to be outlawed. I know that less sadistic weapons regularly destroy kids mentally and emotionally why would anyone go into overkill to that degree. Children have to survive by their death and use them as a bad examle to be a decent human being. Consciousless rapist & icepick killer relatives were formed by this evil abuse."

288) John Frey, Shoreline, WA, USA
  "This is a no brainer.  Violence breeds violence."

289) Tammy Allen, Boylston, MA, USA
  "Designed for use by sicko's"

290) Donna Gough, Halifax, CANADA
  "I believe these devices should be used on the parents who would be so crazy to buy them. STOP THE VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN."

291) Johanna Lack, Murrieta, CA, USA, Concerned Parent
  "I had no idea and this is so shocking. What century do we live in again? No wonder the US is such a violent society."

292) Laura Weymouth, MA, USA

293) Tamara Waagboe, Trondheim, NORWAY
  "No country should allow this. How can anyone justify selling things that's sole purpose is to beat a child? A modern, democratic country should NOT allow this to happen. Start treating children as HUMAN BEINGS, not property."

294) Aina, NORWAY
 "The Jesus I know would never allow a child to be beaten!"

295) Cindy Baltzer, Burbank, CA, USA
  "Even professional dog trainers know that PRAISE is the effective tool in training, not punishment."

296) Georgette Therault, Houston, TX, USA, mother/grandmother
  "The thought of this sickens me"

297) Gloria Pollard, University Place, WA, USA

298) Rosalind Lord, San Francisco, CA, USA
  "There are people who make pornographic movies of unconsenting children being whipped. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of these criminals purchased these things."

299) Lisa Ross, Argenta, BC, CANADA
  "Please ban the sale and promotion of such items. They promote child abuse. The United States is the only country still allowing this. What a shame."

300) Pauline Bridgeford, Eaton, OH, USA
  "I was raised this way. I think it is abusive!!!!"

301) Julie Davis, Turners Falls, MA, USA, Director, Children's Education St. James Church
  "Each week I strive to instill the belief in my students that Jesus taught us to love one another, yet there are companies selling these devices that are directly contrary to His word. This must stop!"

302) Karen L. Cross, Auburn, WA, USA, ARNP, MSN
  "I am deeply saddened by the thought of parents using these 'devices' to discipline their children. What are they thinking?? WE as a nation need to demonstrate to our children love, respect, and grace, not violence, pain, and physical abuse."

303) Kristy Dallas Alley, Memphis TN, USA, Teacher, Memphis City Schools
  "This treatment of children is barbaric and should not be condoned."

304) Hilary Shirven, Peoria, IL, USA, Mother, Childbirth Educator
  "The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Therefore, Jesus' teachings should hold the highest influence over how we parent our children. As Jesus taught young and old through love, compassion, and patience, so should we."

305) Nicole Heim, Enterprise, AL, USA
  "I started researching corporal punishment after I read about how great a local school is in my paper, "Discipline, academics play a part in Rehobeth's (Dothan, AL) popularity...(blah blah)  And the Board of education is still a wooden paddle...That's what attracted Gregory and Leigh Isles to the tiny town...(with) their four children..." (from Dothan Eagle October 16, 2005).  Front page news.  HOW DISGUSTING.  You know the people I've heard talking about beating their kids do it again and again, you'd think they'd be smart enough to put two and two together and realize, hmm, it didn't work the first, second, third, etc... time, maybe I should try something else. When I tell people I don't hit my daughters they say I'm coddling them!!!  Hmm, I wonder why this country is so violent???"

306) Barbara Beaudot, Margaret River, WA, AUSTRALIA

307) Janice Skelly, Erie, PA, USA
  "I am horrified that these things exist in our country. I am even more horrified that there are parents in our country that are using these devices.  It just breaks my heart to imagine a child in this situation.  If an adult used these on another adult, you can believe the law would get involved.  Then why is it OK for an adult to use these on a child.  I pray for these children.  Parents who use these devices and others lilke them should not be allowed to have children.  This is not love.  This is violence, control, and abuse.  Jesus would never love a child like this."

308) Kelly Tanza, Long Island, NY, USA
  "This is a horrendous practice and must be stopped."

309) Bridget Kelley, Lexington, KY, USA
  "I am both appalled and saddened by the sale of these devices.  Jesus taught kindness and gentleness.  These products are not biblical, and would be illegal if used on adults or animals.  Don't our children deserve to be treated with at least the same dignity and respect as the neighbor's dog?"

310) Jennifer Vielhaber, Viola, WI, USA
  "Please help protect these precious children!"

311) Victoria Jones, UNITED KINGDOM
  "How ANYONE could even raise their hand to their child is beyond me, let alone anything along these lines...It's VERY sickening. Children are part of you and how anyone could conceive of harming them is just...much too hard to even contemplate. These...'people' who harm them should be locked away from the rest of society, along with the people that sell these devices to these so called parents."

312) Netty Guzman, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
  "We should stop punish our kids! We should give them love. NO TO VIOLENCE, STOP MAKE KIDS TO HATE THEIR OWN PARENTS!!"

313) Janny, Mexico D.F., MEXICO, Student
  "I am a 13 years old girl and I don't consider I am a bad one, I love my parents but even so I am afraid of them when I get in trouble and they spank me.  I hate it and it doesn't teach me anything else than fearing and being careful about them not to know what I do to help spanking.  I wanted to sign this because we had a look to the website in English lesson and I found it wonderful how somebody in the USA wants to stop spanking.  I support it.  I wrote this with help of my English teacher, she is American and she says spanking is allowed in many of USA school (it is not in Mexico).  I hope it will stop someday.  For my siblings, myself and all the children on the world."

314) Nancy Warnecke, Belmont, VT, USA
  "This practice is gruesome, 'third world,' and at the VERY LEAST--demonstrates the VAST immaturity (not to mention ignorance) of those who use it.  Grow up.  Get a REAL method of caring for your children. Stop depending on violence against tiny beings 1/4 or even 1/5 your size.  ("WWJH"--who would Jesus hit?)  This practice is hypocritical, shameful, and its TRUE root causes are the deep insecurities and parental inadequacies of its users."

315) Jozi Neal, Bakersfield, CA, USA
  "The sale of these products only encourages child abuse.  The main reason for an unruly child is neglect and abuse in the first place."

316) Pam Kellogg, Newark, DE, USA, Homeschooling Parent
  "There are no words to describe this horrific act upon children."

317) Lori Minden, Vader, WA, USA
  "Children deserve to be loved and nurtured - not abused and beaten.  Anyone making money on this type of thing should be stopped and all devices sold for such purposes banned.  It is horrifying what some people will do in the name of religion.  Just sick!"

318) Cheryl Edstrom, Idaho, USA, Homeschooling Mom
  "A loving Father in Heaven would never advocate injuring a tiny infant or child in any way.  In fact, Jesus said, 'But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.'  Matt. 18:6"

319) Paris Mickle, Las Vegas, NV, USA
  "This breaks my heart...we are supposed to protect children from harm.  How about a petition to ban ANY physical punishment of children."

320) Chris Bragg-Smith, Akron, OH, USA
  "Spare the rod, spoil the child, does NOT mean beating them!  This is NOT Creators way! It is of Satan!  Ban these devices now!"

321) Christine Maloney, St. Catharines, Ontario, CANADA
  "The only people who would still be using these kinds of devices are those people who were probably discipline this way when they were younger and are now mentally unstable.  These people are sick and should not be anywhere around children.  We must break the cycle!  I can't believe that these devices are still legal!"

322) Danielle Shepherd, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, mother, student, abuse survivor
  "I think this is appalling that they actually sell these 'devices' over the internet (better yet, at all).  I was given the book 'To Train Up A Child' from a fellow church member (while in church) when I lived in FL with my husband and daughter and when I went home and read it, I was in shock.  The next time I went to the church I asked around if things like I read in the book were still practiced....everyone in that SDA church that I asked said 'of course, it's God's wish'....needless to say I never went back to that church again.  I have a (now) 3 1/2 y/o daughter and I could NEVER see myself or my husband hitting our daughter in the manner that book described.

I can honestly say anyone that follows what that book (To Train Up A Child) or any book like it needs to be locked up for life.  Our children are for us to love...we need to show them love...not treat them like a family pet."

323) Kay Mardesich, Palos Verdes, CA, USA
  "I am truly saddened that these devices are used against babies and children in the name of Jesus!  Shame on you!"

324) Nancy Weaver, Tionesta, PA, USA
  "Any device used to beat babies should be removed from the market.  I have never spanked my child and have never needed to do so.  I think there are other ways to deal with behavioral problems."

325) Ronald Shepherd, Puallup, WA, USA, Parent
  "This is a horrible thing to do to the children.  They are our future and our legacy.  If we discipline our children in such a way, then what can we say for our legacy?  We are just teaching that it's ok to hurt another person when we show anger or disagreement.  Not much of a legacy there..."

326) Leanne Rentz, Huntsville, AL, USA, Concerned Parent
  "It is a disgusting shame that this is legal in the US."

327) Jennifer Roberts, Bremerton, WA, USA
  "This is the most sickening thing I have ever seen, only a monster would do these things to a child."

328) Christy Harding, Visalia, CA, USA
  "This is totally sick. The people that sell it must be on drugs!"

329) Eleanor McQuinn, IRELAND

330) Joshua Blake, La Crosse, WI, USA, Early Childhood Teacher
  "I have held a position as an Early Childhood Teacher for two years now.  My esperiences during this short time have led me to believe that anyone who hits a child is an ignorant moron.  For starters a child who has a behavioral problem is not at any fault.  This could be placed upon improper rearing or possibly a mental incapacity.  As for the adult, I can say that like most adults I am a bit more well rounded than a child.  With the ability to manipulate and divert.  So with that in mind, when you hit a child it simply says that your IQ is that of a child or less.  Children keep this world beautiful."

331) Gerald, VA, USA, Homeschooling Father
  "The 'rod' in the old testament was used to gently guide sheep, and not to beat them, hence 'spare the rod, spoil the child' meant to gently and lovingly guide your children lest they be spoiled, or no good.  The church has perpetrated this lie for centuries that beating your children is somehow biblical.  To those selling this garbage about beating your children, 'Better you tie a millstone around your neck and throw yourself to the bottom of the sea than hurt one of my children!'  STOP THE ABUSE NOW!"

332) Jill Grant, Maidstone, Kent, UK
  "'It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and be cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.'  Shame on you."

333) Greg Fisher, Boston, MA, USA
  "The amount of influence religion has on this subject is ridiculous.  Religion or not, anyone with any sense of morality knows that corporal punishment is completely wrong.  90% of convicted felons were spanked or beaten as children.  Spanking children is just an excuse to take out one's anger on a defenseless person.  If the spanker was the one getting spanked, I doubt they would rush to support spanking as they do now.  If you must bring religion into it though, here is a verse from The Rambam (Maimonides), 'The Thirteen Attributes of Kindness'

G-d, G-d, G-d of compassion, graciousness, slow to anger, abundant in kindness and truth, preserver of kindness for thousands of generations, forgiver of iniquity, willful sin, error, and who cleanses.'

That pretty much shows how we should act."

334) Derek, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA
  "These devices are disgusting!  It's abhorrent to me that any parent would consider using them against a child.  The people who use these disgusting things send the message 'might makes right' and that it's OK to beat up those smaller than you.  I went to school with a bully who was physically 'disciplined' (that is probably the wrong word) and he became a criminal and high-school dropout.  These devices and corporal punishment in general do not make better children.  They create bullies & criminals.  Shame on the people who make & sell these obscene devices and claim 'biblical' justification!"

335) Christine, MA, USA, A xxxx off mother
  "I nearly threw up when I read the excerpts from this book.  This must be stopped."

336) Kathryn Roberts, Lancaster, PA, USA
  "This IS child abuse, contrary to what ANY website, book or individual may claim to avoid a lawsuit.  The mere fact that any of these would see it necessary to make such disclaimers is suspect.  BAN the sale of any and ALL baby whipping devices.  No country can successfully progress when its babies are being beaten into submission."

337) Christine Adkins, Frisco, TX, USA

338) Jennifer Hopton, Deltona, FL, USA

339) Geoff Scott, 100 Mile House, British Columbia, CANADA, Captain South Cariboo COP
  "No such devices should be sold or offered free.  Severe legal action should be taken against anyone that uses such.  This includes using one's hand as well."

340) Sara Schultz, Mound, MN, USA, Preschool Teacher

341) Mollie Green, Canton, IL, USA

342) Tina Pabon, Rie, PA, USA
  "It is totally sick! We cannot use these instruments to strike adults but we have a right to hit children with them? There is no logic in that!"

343) Jamie Kleinman, Manchester, CT, USA
  "This is beyond comprehension, not just as a mother, but also as a professional psychologist who has worked with abused children.  The damage this type of product inflicts lasts a lifetime."

344) Kimberly Mcanally, Shafter, CA, USA, Administrator
 
345) Isabelle Glen, Dublin, IRELAND, The Sunbeams
  "Absolutely disgusting, but what sickens me are the people who actually buy them."

346) Heather Bruss, West Bend, WI, USA
  "As a child who was both physically, emotionally, and psychologically abused, I am highly against this! No chlid deserves to be beaten with these things no matter what the child has done! It is outrageous that anyone would even think of using something like this on a child."

347) Tamera Boyd, Graham, WA, USA
  "It is just sick!"

348) Kelli Taylor, Katy, TX, USA
  "No child should ever be hurt in any way. The selling of such devices can only add to the abuse epidemic our country is facing. Adults are arrested for causing physical injury to other adults, but doing it to your child is viewed as 'discipline' in the USA. When are we going to teach and respect our children and recognize them as people, instead of beating them into mindless obedience?"

349) Shawna Loe, Grass Lake, MI, USA

350) Danielle Day, Lake Worth, FL, USA

351) Rebecca Slomski, New Lenox, IL, USA

352) Kimberly Reynolds, Lawrence, KS, USA, MEd

353) Bill Wachob, Amherst, NY, USA
  "Using whips or rods to discipline children and even infants is a sign of lack of discipline, not of real discipline. Better to send parents for counseling or training on how to truly and humanely discipline than to sell devices which inflict pain.  And "spare the rod, spoil the child" is no excuse to do this.  There are a lot of dictates and aphorisms we choose not to live by.  This ought to be one of them."

354) Al Crowell, San Francisco, CA, USA, Christians for Non-Violent Parenting
  "Illegal to use in California, disgrace for Christians to use at any time."

355) H. Sherer, Columbus, OH, USA

356) Margaret Fiedler, Bridgewater, MA, USA, student
  "The sale of such products is irresponsible"

357) Scott Kashkin, Passaic, NJ, USA
  "The baby whipping people misunderstand Biblical teachings on child rearing.  The Bible teaches love above all.  These people are projecting their own cruelty and pain onto religion and children."

358) Kierby Chance, Austin, TX, USA
  "Horrible. I cannot believe this company is able to do this."

359) Suzanne Gordon, Houston, TX, USA
  "This company should be put out of business!  It is shameful."

360) Peter Mihalakis, Austin, TX, USA
  "Close this company.  They promote child abuse!"

361) Nissa Evans, Elmira, OR, USA

362) Jeffrey Berryman, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
  "This stuff is the product of sick, twisted, sadistic minds.  These people are classic power-and-control freaks who have the gaul to quote scripture to their purposes."

363) Greg Larson, Seattle, WA, USA, LOVING PARENT!
  "I am APPALLED you would even think about allowing such a ridiculous item to be sold!!  This is one of the most incredibly abusive instruments I have ever in my 50 years seen.  You should be ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!"

364) Devan Workman, Huntsville, AL, USA
  "This is despicable. Jesus would never advocate hitting a child!  Non-violence must be used to guide our children.  Why is this legal?"

365) Josh Raven Blair, Portland, OR, USA, volunteer Salvation Army
  "I am without words.  I can not believe that these are being sold.  Whipping babies is just sick and wrong."

366) Jeff Idelson, Psy.D., Walnut Creek, CA, USA, Psychotherapist/College Instructor
  "PEOPLE WHO ADVOCATE FOR THESE DEVICES AND WHO POSTULATE THEIR BIBLICAL JUSTIFICATIONS FOR THE EVIL THEY DO TO CHILDREN MUST BE STOPPED.  THEY MUST BE EDUCATED FOR PREVENTION, AND PROSECUTED BY LAW FOR CHILD ABUSE.  OF COURSE, AMERICANS, AS MANY CIVILIZED SOCIETIES HAVE DONE, MUST DEFINE SUCH PUNISHMENT AS HITTING INFANTS, INFANTS!!!, AS CHILD ABUSE.  EVEN SKINNER ULTIMATELY ADMITTED PUNISHMENT WAS SELDOM EFFECTIVE.  IF HITTING INFANTS AND OTHER CHILDREN SHALL REMAIN A BIBLICAL JUSTIFICATION, THEN THESE PEOPLE WILL AGREE AND ADVOCATE FOR THE BIBLICAL PASSAGE, THE SEGMENT OF THE BIBLE AND VERSE ESCAPES ME, WHICH DEALS WITH MISBEHAVING BOYS:  TAKEN TO THE EDGE OF TOWN AND KILLED.  SO ENDS MISBEHAVING BOYS."

367) Nancy Jones, Fairmont, NC, USA
  "I think that any kind of spanking should be banned every where.  My grandson is a 7th grader and he was beat and left very bad bruises on his buttocks.  Right now his mother and others are trying to get corporal punishment banned.  So no people try and fight for what you know is wrong for small babies or any other children.  They are precious little angels and if we don't who will."

368) Renae Douglas, Pella, IA, USA
  "Please stop the abuse of children!"

369) Maureen Kennedy, Dover, DE, USA

370) Renay Houck, Chicago, IL, USA

371) Ms. Jeanne Irons, Exmore, VA, USA
  "I'm so saddened that so many people think that this type of behavior is God's word.  He must be so disappointed!  Love shouldn't hurt!"

372) David Canchola, Oceanside, CA, USA, Costco Wholesale Corporation
  "It's the 21st century not the 6th century here in America Children deserve to have the same rights and laws of protection from assault and battery that Adults have.  But 21 out of 50 states in America still believe and support the draconian and barbaric of beating Children with Texas being one of the worst Child beating States a Federal Law should be enacted banning Corporal Punishment in every School System in America!"

373) Jeannie Slisher, Cushman, AR, USA
  "Let's don't let this happen"

374) Alisa K. Terry, Provo, UT, USA
  "I am continually shocked by Christian organizations that misinterpret the Bible to excuse corporal punishment. The 'Rod' is used everywhere in scripture as a symbol."

375) Neil Davies, Colchester, Suffolk, ENGLAND, Educational Psychologist
  "Such devices and their promotion run counter to the trend in civilisation away from child abuse as a means of controlling and relating to each other and as a determinant of human history; see 'The History of Child Abuse' at www.psychohistory.com."

376) Mrs. Stephanie Bond, Milborne Port, Dorset, ENGLAND
  "This sounds just horrendous, it is hard to believe this is still going onin this day and age.  It makes me sick."

377) Blanche Hardy, Granbury, TX, USA
  "As a child who grew up with this type punishment, I can tell you it is wrong.  I never subjected my children to this and they are very strong and good individuals.  Ban this and make it a law that is punishable for any physical punishment on children."

378) Kelly Lombardy, Cleveland, OH, USA
  "Just sickening.  I can't believe people would use Christianity as a means to excuse such violent abhorrent behavior.  Just makes me sick."

379) Joleen Garrett, Benton, IL, USA
 
380) Jessika Homqvist, Long Beach, NY, USA
  "Shame on anyone that hit their child!"

381) Toby L. Nakaguchi, Lafayette, IN, USA

382) Diana Haight, Winterville, NC, USA, Teacher
  "We need to join together and raise awareness to make this abuse illegal!  We are called to be more christlike in our lives.  There is nothing christlike about child abuse!  They should be ashamed to call themselves christians!"

383) Shannon Mccullough, Byron, CA, USA
  "Disgusting"

384) Teresa F. Roberts, Asheville, NC, USA, COTA & Disability Services for local Head Start Program
  "And some people wonder why we have so many more children 'diagnosed' with disabilities these days!!!!"

385) Jacqueline Beckett, Ph.D., Providence, RI, USA, Postdoctoral Fellow inClinical Psychology
  "First hand experience with the children of parents who believe in and use corporal punishment reinforces what I've learned from research on the subject.  Children are little sponges who copy what they see.  Corporal punishment does not teach children morality.  It teaches violence and promotes aggression.  Worse yet, it teaches fear-based self-preservation strategies -- lying, manipulating, kowtowing, and cringing servility.  These are not the qualities that are valued in a free and democratic society."

386) Courtney Pulitzer, New York, NY, USA
 
387) James C. Talbot, Granada Hills, CA, USA, Peace & Harmony Un-Ltd.
  "As we've excluded every other segment of society from physical punishment as a form of discipline, it's time we also protect the most vulnerable and defenseless of us......our children."

388) Suzan Hightower, Granbury, TX, USA
  "I can't believe this is actually going on.  The USA does not condone such things.  Where is the ACLU now?  They are supposed to protect people's rights not just to try to take them away as they are continuing to do..."

389) Elizabeth Stewart, Brooklyn, NY, USA
  "Our government must exert its authority over private sector endeavors meant for harming US citizens.  This is without a doubt one of the primary responsibilities of our government- to protect its citizens."

390) Stacey Goodson, Vista, CA, USA
  "Stupid"

391) Maria Mills, Long Island, NY, USA

392) Tanya Cassingham, Decatur, GA, USA
  "This is sickening. To use the Bible to condone such cruelty is God-less."

393) Sarah Miklavic, Huntsville, AL, USA, K.Y.L.A. Keeping Your Loved ones Alive
  "I simply find this disgusting and barbaric."

394) Kimberly and Ryan Lepine, Waldorf, MD, USA

395) Gillian Boardman, Copiague, NY, USA, Adam & Gillian's Sensual Whips & Toys
  "Beating children says more about the adult than the child.  In the PTA, I worked to end hitting children with boards in the public schools.  In business for almost 20 years, I will not sell to someone if I even suspect that the implement might be used on a small child, or worse yet, on a teen.  (We make items for consenting adults to use behind closed bedroom doors.)  A male adult who 'likes' to have a teen-age girl across his lap to 'spank' should not be anywhere near children of any age!"

396) Elizabeth M. Leichter, Amston, CT, USA
  "This is disgusting and I say this as a psychologist, aunt and day care provider.  Children who are beaten do not learn how to behave, they learn how to fear, and they learn how to harm others.  This must be stopped."

397) Jewel Brickey, Las Vegas, NV, USA
  "In 60 years I have never seen good effects from violence to children.  Spousal, Rages, Destruction and perversion.  The more sadistic added in Sexual and prison time.  I personally was destroyed for years and my siblings who made it drove theirs to drink, insane behavior, etc.  Those who liked to hurt the most made a ice-pick killer, rapist, sado-masc, runaways, suicides, drug addict child molesters, spousal batters and depressed destroyed painful people.  It was often within standards which are any dam thing.  The people in back's children scream horribly.  lease stop promoting baby beating and sales of such devices.  Early and later the impact is horrible."

398) Candace Smith, LCSW, Austin, TX, USA, Child and Adolescent Therapist
  "These types of devices are horrible.  Physical punishment has been shown to a) not work and b) be emotionally damaging to your child.  This is called PHYSICAL ABUSE not discipline."

399) Michelle P., New Orleans, LA, USA
  "This is just disgusting - I just do not know what else to say."

400) Nancy Colburn, League City, TX, USA
  "In this day and age nothing surprises me anymore and that is really sad.  These people are no better than the sick, twisted pedophiles of the world and they need to be stopped."

401) Maria Fleming, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
  "That was the worst thing I have ever read about how could someone allow that to happen to babies/toddlers"

402) Josh Fleming, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
  "The US is on some kind of cheap drugs and this should be stopped"

403) Melissa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
  "What the heck is wrong with these people??"

404) Suzanne McKinnon, Cagary, Alberta, CANADA, Medical Lab Tech and Mother of 2
  "This device is disgusting and disturbing.  I have read most of the book on how to 'train up a child' and found myself disgusted by the child abuse writ within, unable to finish reading the garbage.  No child should be subjected to beatings or torture."

405) Coral Briscoe, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA

406) Ruth Lee, Nashville, TN, USA
  "This is just fueling this fire of child abuse while making a child abuser rich"

407) Laurie Cartwright, Lake Forest, CA, USA

408) Tanya Elliot, Hayden, ID, USA

409) Yolande Williams, Moryfield, Queensland, AUSTRALIA, mother
  "This is shocking and I hope these people get what is coming to them.  Surely people are not so stupid as to actually do this to their baby?"

410) Gail Knox-Hobbs, Verbank, NY, USA

411) Cristine Gomez, Watsonville, CA, USA
  "Do not advocate beating children.  Violence begets violence."

412) Melissa Clark, Newmarket, Ontario, CANADA
  "Totally and Incredibly Barbaric!  It truly sickens me to know there are monsters like this in this world.  The 'people' and I use that term loosely.. who use, endorse and/or profit from these barbaric devices should given the same treatment 1000x over!"

413) Molly Sabata, Clearwater, FL, USA
  "This is not acceptable or even effective ways to raise a child.  What sort of message are we sending to parents?  That you need to have your child filled with fear?  Learning violence and submission?  Please!  For all these people who claim to believe in principles of the bible, let me ask what sort of a loving, forgiving Heavenly father who forgives sins and blesses grace unto us all, would think it a good idea to chase your child around beating them?  This device sends a horrible message and I sign this petition proudlly to STOP THE BEATING."

414) Karen Corr, North Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA, mother of three boys
  "I cannot belive that any first-world nation would allow a company to sell a product advocating beating infants and young children.  This company needs to be stopped before more children are hurt at the hands of those who are suppposed to love them most.  Violence begets anger, anger begets more violence.  Children are a gift from God and should be cherished, not 'chastened' with a rod.  Shame."

415) Tonya Sabourin, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA
  "This device is a tool to promote and encourage child abuse.  STOP SELLING IT!  Let's use our heads and realize that this is CHILD ABUSE and torture.  STOP!!!"

416) William W. Wise, Qingdao, Shandong, CHINA, English Teacher From Canada
  "Upon reading this book 'thank you for the link' and the links to the flyer for this product I must admit that I am in absolute shock and disdain over this.  I am appalled by the lack of justice that seems to be neglected to the children who have had to be so brutally tortured by those who wish to create not loving children but rather obedient servants.  I do not disagree with punishing a child for wrongful acts though there must be a limit to this.  Any government who condones or does not stop instruments of child torture to be sold should be held equally accountable for any and all actions that come to pass from this products use.  I believe that all people who use thisupon their child should be stripped of their parental rights, the children should be removed from these torture houses and the parents should be locked away for life.  There is no excuse that anyone can give that would condone this type of action.  This goes to show you that certain laws need to be established as Canada has done, to forbid the parents from abusing a child in any form, Freedom is a privilege if you abuse that freedom by means of torture you should lose your freedom."

417) Holly Brittain, Saint Hubert, Quebec, CANADA, Stay At Home Mom
  "This is sick!!! Unbelievable!!!"

418) Annie Peterson, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA

419) Adam Peterson, Calgary Alberta, CANADA

420) Brandee Osbourne, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA

421) Sara Clark, Plainview, NY, USA

422) Paula A. Calabrese, Ph.D., Oakmont, PA, USA, Cardinal Consulting Group
  "Stop the rod and spare the child.  Violence begets violence."

423) Amy McDonald, Midland, MI, USA
  "This just makes me absolutely sick!!!!"

424) Christina Kirby, PA, USA, Human Services

425) Patricia Herr, Somerville, MA, USA
  "Only lazy parents hit their children.  There are gentler, non-violent, and more effective ways to raise children.  Spanking/beating is not necessary, and does much more harm than good."

426) Anna de Paula, Tewksbury, MA, USA
  "Jesus was the most gentle person on Earth - can't imagine him spanking anyone, let alone a child or anyone smaller and weaker.  This rod is disgusting!"

427) Christine Raffaelli, London, Ontario, CANADA, Mother of 3
  "DISGUSTING!  These people should NOT have children."

428) Shane Williams, London, Ontario, CANADA, 14 year old
  "sick, unbelievable, horrible, disgusting, dont you think that hitting a child will make your son-daughter more scared of you than anything.  i certainly would not want to live where my parents are hitting me for not playing with something they told me to play with.  i dont want my parents sitting on me to hit me with this thing or ignoring me if i got hurt!!! it is 2005 almost 2006 get with it and try something else!!!"

429) Nicole Yanuska, Rock Springs, WY, USA

430) Dolores Morris, Flushing, NY, USA
  "This should stop!  It is terrible."

431) Ann, Greenfield Park, Quebec, CANADA

432) Janice Lowder, Bakersfield, CA

433) Anne C. Flaherty, Shutesbury, MA, USA

434) Kathy Grill, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
  "I just cannot fathom how or why anyone could consider hurting their small child in this way.  I cannot fathom how anyone could hurt ANYONE in any way, let alone a small child.  This is beyond horrible, beyond stupid, beyond any level of understanding or condoning.  These devices should be used on those that sell them, and those that actually find the ability to use them, if they support their devices so strongly, they should not mind being treated in the same manner.  I ahve never ever hurt my children inany way and could not imagine ever hurting them in any way.  This is just plain terrible."

435) C. Donel Crow, Ph.D., Bakersfield, CA, USA, psychologist
  "Upon seeing the article in the local newspaper I have spoken to the mayor's office, the bank, and the local newspaper.  My family thinks we should go to the state level with this since our community is one of the top ten most conservative cities with over 100,000 citizens in the US."

436) Amy Freeman, Pueblo, CO, USA, Mother of 2
  "Anyone who hits/whips a child is an abuser plain and simple.  And those who claim it's christian are sick sick sick!"

437) Whitney Douglas-Weddell, Bakersfield, CA, USA
  "You have GOT to be kidding!  Please say you don't really recommend hitting children!  This is some kind of internet joke, right?"

438) Mike Hemker, Redding, CA, USA, Deputy District Attorney
  "No device should ever be sold that is used to beat, hit, or spank children or animals.  People need to learn to control their temper.  If you are not allowed to hit a neighbor's child why should you be allowed to hit your own."

439) Maureen Leuba, Peoria, IL, USA

440) Robert K. Dentan, Buffalo, NY, USA, Professor, State University of New York @ Buffalo
  "A concrete and repellent manifestation of the failure of our traditional families"

441) Linda Rosa, RN, Loveland, CO, USA
  "Here is far too much child abuse in this country.  It is high time to try to change society's attitudes about the rights of children."

442) Valerie Barnes, M.D., Salinas, CA, USA, Medical Director, Ardher Child Advocacy Center
  "This is unconscionable.  In California CORPORAL PUNISHMENT is legal ONLY in the home.  It is forbidden to use corporal punishment in schools, day-care settings, foster homes and anywhere in public.  The HOME is the only place parents or caretakers can physically discipline their children.  It is all too well known that sanking can lead to beating the child to death.  How absurd is it that therre can be advertising aiding and abetting child abuse?  Whoever or whichever agency licensed or tolerates a business which not only promotes but produces a weapon specifically to strike a child is as guilty of CHILD ABUSE as those sick people who would purchase such a device.  IMMEDIATE ACTION MUST BE TAKEN TO STOP SUCH BLATANT OUTRAGE."

443) Hilary Shirven, Peoria, IL, USA, Christian mother

444) Jennifer Korth, Aloha, OR, USA
  "This is horrific."

445) Kylie Garza, Bakersfield, CA, USA
  "This is outrageous.  Hit a baby come on now. I think that this is an outrage.  To hit a child, an infant, what kind of sick people are they"

446) Karen Conger, Bakersfield, CA, USA
  "This is so blatantly abusive, it defies reason.  Where are the children advocates at church and government level?  At the least, the Haymond family should be paid a visit from human services.  It is a certainty that their children have suffered unnecessary embarrassment and pain at the hands of their parents.  The children do not even realize this is something they should never have endured.  Spanking is no longer a choice for discipline of children."

447) Lea Ann Mattly, Bakersfield, CA, USA, Teacher
  "'Horrified' does not even begin to describe my emotions on hearing about this evil.  We need to let our legislators know that it is no more acceptable for people to advertise and sell these vile devices than it is for parents to use them."

448) Cynthia Lynn, Bakersfield, CA, USA
  "Please do not compare the rest of Bakersfield to these two awful people!! It's a shame on Stephen and Melanie Haymond not Bakersfield!!  It's pretty obvious they do not love their children (if they even have any!!)  If they do, god help their children!!"

449) John A. Geiger, USA
  "How one could Ever Strike a Baby is Quite beyond me"

450) Michelle Melani, Indianapolis, IN, USA
  "Please help send a message to parents that it is NOT okay to hit their children."

451) & 452) Noel Siler & Cecilia Rivers, Bakersfield, CA, USA
  "This is an outrage, babies do not need to be beat they need to be held and loved.  If they had enough love they would not need these devices."

453) & 454) Kerry & George Kokkinogenis, Boston, MA, USA
  "When asked what he thought of Western civilization, Mahatma Gandhi replied, 'I think it would be a good idea.'  Now we know why."

455) Mrs. Nancy Orban, Somerset, PA, USA, Prison ministry co-ordinator
  "It is horrifying that such implements are used in our 'civilized' society.  Researching the information available re: the science of the 'hard-wiring' of the human brain should be enough to give a 'hitter' pause.  And, more pause.  It is frightening that there are still those who adhere to theories re: the 'discipline' of children which have been more-than-adequately proven to be of great harm.  Risk-benefit ratio studies, people!

And, Christians who advocate that anyone, let alone INFANTS be beaten: ARE YOU KIDDING?!?  Proper biblical exegesis takes care of King Solomon's vs. THE LORD JESUS CHRISTS's views re: the care of children.  Does one place the words of a polygamous, idolatrous King Solomon, a man who was neither a good example of a king nor father after falling into, and staying in, sinful ways, into the same category as those of the Creator and Savior of the world?  I don't think so!  That is eisegesis and it is not ok.  HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

456) Annie Austin, Nkwaleni, Kwazulunatal, SOUTH AFRICA, WAHM / Photographer
  "These people do not deserve to be paretns!!!"

457) Andrea Wrathall, Provo, UT, USA, Student
  "It's very disturbing that these things are actually on the market.  Who can sell this product or allow this product to be sold in good conscience?"

458) Emily Jenkins, NC, USA

459) D. Reeve, North Potomac, MD, USA
  "Spanking should be eliminated.  Children need love just like adults."

460) Danelle Schwertner, Miles, TX, USA
  "It is a terrible thing that people actually think whipping a child is the way to discipline them.  I would rather have my children love and respect me, rather than fear me for the rest of their lives.  I pray that God has mercy on you when you die, rather than treating you to the same thing the poor children whose lives were altered by these terrible books and whips that are being sold."

461) Jan Underwood, MSW, Bakersfield, CA, USA, Associate Clinial Social Worker with Kern Co. Mental Health
  "If this 'device' is meant to train a child it will certainly do the trick.  It will train them that violence is a way to control and demean a human being.  Violence begets violence.  Is this really what you want to teach your child?  If you were beaten from an authoritarian, would you learn to love and cherish or would you slowly become angry at being beat?  A child does not respect an autocratic system that does little to nurture the human spirit.  But, in fact, grows to resent the misuse of power through corporal punishment.  Please understand the psychology of your actions from a little child's point of view."

462) MD, MS, USA
  "This is simply disgusting.  Someone needs to tie these sickos up and train them with that thing."

463) Derek, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA
  "I am appalled that these sick devices are legal and even encouraged by certain religious groups!  These people who make & sell these devices deserve nothing less than to be prosecuted and jailed.  Child need love & protection from not only their parents but other adults around them, not beating & whipping into blind deference.  Bravo to you for standing up for children!"

464) Makeesha Fisher, Fort Collins, CO, USA, Mother

465) Beth Kurnat, Louisville, KY, USA, Mother of 2
  "I am completely outraged that the selling of this so-called 'device' is legal in our country!  Who are these people?  Why hasn't anyone investigated them?"

466) Amy Ashley, Peoria, IL, USA
  "To direct parents to abuse their babies and children is horrific; to do it in the name of God is unspeakable."

467) Lauren Bunch, Louisville, KY, USA

468) Amber Williams, Moreno Valley, CA, USA, Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee - Humanistic Counseling Center
  "It is disgusting that a parent who is too lazy to teach his or her child correct behavior nonviolently can just go out and purchase a WHIPPING stick recommended for children who are not cognitively developed enough to understand why they are being hurt."

469) Victoria Haner, Bakersfield, CA, USA, Mother
  "Has CPS looked into this family?  My heart aches for their children, as well as any young, impressionable parents who may think this is a correct way to raise a child.  Our job as parents is to protect our children, teach them through role-modeling, gentle lessons, and remove them from dangerous situations.  There is never any reason to discipline a child through corporal punishment.  A child learns through experience, this method only teaches that it is ok to hurt someone smaller than yourself.  Shame on you."

470) Adrianna Hey, Strafford, NH, USA, Devoted flautist
  "Do unto others as they do unto you-you can't beat that logic! And I ask myself, what with the scores of research in the last half-century, observations over the milenia, not to mention just as many, if not more, manifestations of the white-hot S&M arena, parents are so willing still to take the myriad of risks because they are too lazy and stupid to even look for any other answer? Corporal punishment, I think, is the oldest game of Russian roulette in the proverbial book."

471) Tom Stewart, Houston, TX, USA
  "The only thing that will stop it is fear of retaliation.  If a smug 'educator' says they have the right to hit your child, reply, 'And I have the right to put you in a wheel chair.  If you want to charge me with uttering a threat, do so but, have your affairs in order.'  It worked for me - it will work for you..."

472) Donald Myers Jr., Bakersfield, CA, USA
  "I'm disgusted and bewildered that an instrument of child abuse has been created and sold in my town under 'Christian' guise when it is not a Christian thing to do."

473) L. Conway, Fayetteville, NC, USA
  "Are the people who invented this device out of their mind?!! I could not imagine who in the world would even think of inventing or using such a device on a child or anyone. These people must not have a heart."

474) Trudy Murray, New York, NY, USA, Psychologist
  "This is a national disgrace"

475) Carly Wilson, Denver, CO, USA

476) Jennifer Matz, Fairbanks, AK, USA

477) Brooke Randall, Perth, WA, AUSTRALIA, Mother, Wife, Student, Govt Employee
  "This is simply barbaric, and it is no wonder your country is in the state it's in if you are allowing the promotion of child abuse, and tools with which to abuse children.  Protect your innocent for they are your future.  Treat them with the respect and dignity that any human being deserves.  How can you sick people condone this?"

478) Harold Smith, San Francisco, CA, USA
  "There is no reason to ever hit a child.  May we all be free from the ignorance of violence."

479) Trever Todd, Lacey, WA, USA
  "glad there's a resistance"

480) Amy Crawford, Houston, TX, USA
  "I feel physically ill thinking that this exists."

481) Tony Pearson, San Diego, CA, USA, concerned citizen
  "These people are a danger to children.  Some nutjob will order this device and wind up abusing some child...and they created it.  Imagine...a device created solely to bring pain to a child.  Sickos."

482) Starshadow (real and legal name), Seatac, WA, USA, Elder and Priestess, Crystalseed Coven, Wiccan Church (legal clergy)
  "As a mother and grandmother who has raised a number of children both mine and others', I have to speak out against this barbaric and inhumane treatment of children. This should not be allowed to be for sale at all.  It's child abuse, pure and simple.  That it's under the guise of a religion whose teacher said 'Suffer the little children to come unto me' is even more disgusting.  This needs to be stopped."

483) Michelle, Holley, NY, USA
  "This is child abuse!!!!!!!!"

484) Robert Sharpy, Noblesville, IN, USA, Pastor
  "This is beyond disturbing, and anyone who holds these beliefs are psychologically disturbed, and in no way should call themselves a Christian."

485) Agnes B., Naperville, IL, USA

486) Joshua Douglas, Pella, IA, USA

487) Mrs. Savannah Leyde, South Saint Paul, MN, USA, Owner/Operator/Little People's Daycare

488) Christie Whitcomb, Brookline, MA, USA
  "Using this device is child abuse, pure and simple.  I don't care what the Bible says (and from what I've read here it does not condone beating children) j- beating children with a 'device' like this is child abuse and should be outlawed, its users sent to jail and xxxx."

489) Dawn Scott, Atlant