I've just come into this thread. Very interesting debate with much value seen in all the responses (IMO). I spanked my kids on ocassion when they were smaller. This for me was so much "softer" approach then the beatings we'd get for merely looking at mom or dad in the wrong way (and all kinds of other "bad" stuff). Heck, somedays it felt my pants were down with my legs being whipped more then they were up.
I swore I'd not lash out in anger like that with my kids. Hence, the spankings were after the "new stuff" didn't work. Okay, nuff said! Now to back to the thread:
They are animals, they are just scum really
The man quoted certainly summed them up eh? My question (and PLEASE, I do understand the fear factor), with all this going on, where were this guys neighbors. Imagine all or at least most of them coming out with bats, clubs, canes, frying pans, pointed sticks, etc.. and going after these hoodlums? Just the thought of that may have been a deterrent?
Trust me, I probably wouldn't go off on my own and jump into this fray. However, I would have taken out a gun and shot it in the air a few times. That'd see the kids scatter whilst peeing in their pants. I know, not an option for you.
Heck, can't you, in each neighborhood, place signs that state something like: "This People and Property of this Neighborhood is, and will be protected by said persons!" Then when the creeps gather on the sidewalks, the neighborhood, in mass, can tell them to bug off!
I don't know. I'm just SO wriled up for you. I HATE seeing this stuff going on. I hurt and fear for my Accyweb family having to live with this stuff happening around you. That includes the lack of consequences for these groups who perpetrate the fear, damage, and death that's going on.
Be Strong!
Brian