Scrap the Strap Crap

 

Which is it?  Scrap the strap

Or is it scrap the strap crap?

Maybe it’s the latter

For with the former it was better.

Many complaints about tarring

Yet no evidence for scarring

But many are calling for the barring

Of the strap; blaming it for societal marring.

If the truth be told

By them that are bold

The lesser the strap’s use

The higher the abuse.

Note the ones who received the strap

These are the ones who talk the crap

They hold prominent places in society

Yet are trying to confuse the community.

Suddenly the strap is the enemy

Driving fear in society

Causing students to resort to bullying

And weaker students they controlling.

Clearly this is an untruth

Having no established proof

Absolutely no empirical evidence

Just talk that makes no sense.

Scrapping the strap

May be encouraging crap

Instead educate regarding its use

And so eliminate any abuse.

Isn’t it any wonder

To all who would ponder

That the nation is becoming worse

And clearly under some curse?

It does appear to me

As I take a look at the society

That we are losing our civility

For lack of fear of criminality.

Some say while in their emotive hype

Fear as motivation is a poor type

Yet it’s responsible for their success

And causes them to produce their best.

Healthy fear breeds respect

Unhealthy fear produces rejects

Please recognize the difference,

It’s not the same in every instance.

The administering of a lash

Oft prevents a more painful crash,

It’s like the stitch in time

And the garment remained fine.

When closest to the offence

It removes all pretense;

Just a little tickle with the strap

Gets the erring pupil back on track.

Sometimes a timely injection

After thorough investigation

Halts undesirable germination

And redirects one’s determination.

  

No strap means more guns

No strap will create more bums

No fear to stabilize

No need to rationalize.

It’s not a cure for all

It’s not a judgment call

Just a timely reminder

To the constant offender.

A little painful affliction

That prevents a bad addiction

Encourages introspection

And maps out a clear direction.

No need for abolition

Just apply with strict discretion

Coupled with love and affection

And avoidance of rejection.

Use the strap as the last resort

Never ever the first retort

Help the student himself comport

And with much discussion exhort.

As an option keep the strap

Don’t fall for the injudicious crap,

Retain it as a little used discipline tap

But please don’t scrap the strap.

Stewart Russell © 2015