Dear Governor Geringer,As a marriage and family therapist I am writing to request you consider a veto to the above named bill. In my practice I often see the results of children being beaten in the name of "discipline". What is actually happening is that parents who find themselves frustrated by their own lives turn on their children as way to get rid of their sense of helplessness, anger and shame. Yesterday in McMinnville, Oregon a family of six was discovered, mother and children murdered, father a suicide. As Jehovah's Witnesses, the family had been "shunned" in California by their community. Moving to Oregon did not relieve their shame.
We need laws to protect our children from people who believe they have nowhere to turn with their anger. Please!!
Mary Lansing
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist