DR. WALLACE: I'm writing in response to the retired teacher who disagreed with you and who believes in corporal punishment in schools. When I was in seventh grade, I got into trouble for the first and only time ever. I was an honor student. To avoid being suspended so my very abusive father wouldn't find out, I chose to be paddled. The vice-principal hit me so hard he knocked me to the other side of the room. I was left with a burning red welt. The pain I felt was excruciating. I would hope no child would ever have to suffer this kind of violent physical abuse.

I feel sorry for all the children who were students in this teacher's class. Instead of respecting her, I'm sure they were terrified. Is this a good learning atmosphere? — Brad, Columbus, Ga.

BRAD: You and I have the very same philosophy about corporal punishment in school. But there are many who disagree with us. Please read on.

SPARE THE ROD AND SPOIL THE CHILD

DR. WALLACE: I disagree with you, and agree with the teacher who believes a good, old-fashioned spanking will improve the discipline in our schools. When I was in high school, students were spanked, paddled and had their knuckles rapped with a ruler when they caused commotion. You knew if you messed up, you were going to suffer pain.

Today we regard it as wrong for children to feel pain. That's why our schools today are "killing fields." Now if a student doesn't bring a gun to school and kill someone, he's considered an alright kid. All of this is caused because schools are afraid to use corporal punishment because they fear they'll get sued.

When I was a student, students were punished with the paddle if they ran in the halls, chewed gum or showed the slightest disrespect toward a teacher. Today a student can cuss out a teacher and even threaten her and nothing is done. If a student hits a teacher, the student will be suspended for a few days. All that means is that he can be out of school legally. That way he can make his drug buys in the afternoon rather than at night. I've heard that some kids make so much money selling dope to kids at school they flunk intentionally so they won't be forced out of school by graduation.

That's what's wrong with our country these days. We allow our kids to run wild at school and in the streets. And if the law tries to clean up this juvenile mess, they're labeled pigs or are sued by the kid's stupid parents.

As the Good Book states: "Spare the rod and spoil the child." It's time we got back to the good old basics of education. As the song goes, "Reading and writing and 'rithmetic, taught to the tune of the hickory stick," ought to be the routine in schools. Bring back spanking to our schools and our country will be a safer place to live. — Nick, Chicago, Ill.

NICK: Adults have the nasty habit of messing things up and then blaming it on the young people. Our country would be safer if family values replaced "keeping up with the Joneses."

ACNE IS NOT GENERALLY CONTAGIOUS

DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend had a bad case of acne. It was on his face, neck, chest and even his back. About two months ago, I finally convinced him to visit a dermatologist. From all that I have read lately, I thought the doctor should be able to help him.

Then about a month ago, I started breaking out with blemishes on my face. It's not serious, but it is bothersome. Is it possible I contracted these blemishes by coming in close contact with my boyfriend? Do you think it would be wise for me to also see a dermatologist, or am I just being overly cautious? - Arlene, Fargo, N.D.

ARLENE: Acne and skin blemishes are not generally contagious. But visit a dermatologist because the sooner a problem is diagnosed, the faster it can be eliminated.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.