Posted by Rosemonde M. Webb (216.77.213.28) on January 13, 2000 at 00:45:00:
In Reply to: www.oprah.com Oprah's website posted by Don M. on September 15, 1998 at 15:37:47:
The controversy still exist between discipline and child abuse. Who determines where parental rights begin and end. Is the law truly in favor of the children by sanctioning/destroying the lives of parents who are genuinely concerned about instilling moral values and principles in their children; parents who are concerned about being a guide and role model in the lives of their children: spare the rod, spoil the child...says the Bible. Humanity has lost its fear for God. The law protects the children by removing them from a structured, loving environment to grant them the rights/freedom to sex (STDs and AIDS), drugs and violence to be later encarcrated or placed in mental health programs where they may be abused by staff or brutalized by prison guards or police officers. But it is then seen as a means of correction when inflicted by authorities who declare the child to be a threat to himself and his environment.
I am a single mother and school teacher who has been recently incarcerated and accused of child abuse for disciplining my 14 y/o child who was defying the house rules. I whopped her with the belt leaving welts on her arms and legs. The judge disregarded my culture, my background records as an honorable citizen, the life style offered to my children, my goals to establish myself as a successful single parent. Now with such a criminal record I will not be granted a teaching certificate after investing 2 years in a Maters Degree at Barry University incurring a loan/debt of $ 30,000. I will not be hired to work with children at all. What will I do for a living? Who will support and educate my children. Is the charge held against me helping them or destroying them? My daughter is currently enrolled at Chaminade Madonna, a catholic high school with a monthly tuition of $ 480.00 AM I a criminal, an abuser or a parent with fears, dreams, values, concerned with her daughter's safety???
I am not capable to hire an attorney at this time so therefore I am asking Oprah's attention on this matter to help me resolve it and restore the structured and peaceful life that I once had.
I may be reached at (954) 962-1741 home or (954) 610-5155 cell or e-mail listed above.
Thank You,
R.M.Webb