Dateline Dayton — I must have been desperate for reading material the other day. I read an article by a family psychologist regarding discipline. A first grade teacher was asking the psychologist what she could do about a girl in her class.

The child is no better after two months of the teacher’s best efforts. Defiant, aggressive towards other kids, she crawls around the floor.

Several years ago, this same teacher taught the girl's older sister, who also had numerous discipline issues. By school policy, she is restricted from using “negative” consequences.

First, I will go back to what I have said before.

Raise your children by the book, and sometimes, use the book.

Both girls lack discipline at home, as the teacher knows. Since the school can't or won't take action, there is little hope for either girls, which is what the psychologist said.

When Ari Noonan and I were in school, if the classroom teacher didn’t take care of the problem with a ruler or an eraser, it was on the Principal's office. You knew what that meant: Getting paddled. That was not the worst part. When you got home, you were punished more severely, either physically, by loss of privileges, or having to do extra chores.

Lack of discipline in our homes — I don't mean beating or locking up a child in a cage — is a real problem in our country. Parents no longer support teachers. Their little Johnny never would do such a deed. ,. Today a child can have a gun, shoot someone, and he's a good kid. Give me a break!

We were not harmed by the ruler across our knuckles, the eraser flying through the air, the paddle being used by the principal, or the punishment we received at home. I believe most would say they are better today because of the discipline.

Is He Telling Whole Truth?

Yesterday the man from our area who had been held captive in North Korea was released and arrived back in Dayton. I have said before, his story smells. I don't know if anyone involved will tell us the truth.

I just hope if a church or religious organization put him up to leaving the bible in that North Korean club that they will reimburse the American taxpayers for all the expenses involved in getting him safely home.

Could be a cold day in the hot place before that happens!

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net