Should Spanking Your Child Be Illegal?  Massachusetts lawmakers
say a proposed measure that would ban parents from spanking
their children, even in their own homes, is a way to protect
kids from abuse. But many parents believe it's an example of
government run amok.  In all 50 states, parents are legally
allowed to spank their children. But in 29 states it's illegal
for a teacher to practice corporal punishment, including
spanking.  A Massachusetts nurse is hoping to change that and
make the state the first in the nation to ban corporal
punishment at home.  "I think it's ironic that domestic violence
applies to everyone except the most vulnerable — children," said
Kathleen Wolf, who wrote the bill.  Massachusetts lawmakers will
consider the bill today.  The very idea of the bill has stirred
huge controversy, because many parents say the state is trying
to take away what's been a tried and true method of child-
rearing. As many a mom has said, "Spare the rod, spoil the
child."  "We don't spank her, but I think