The Editor, Sir:

I am writing in reply to a letter titled 'Flogging is corporal punishment', by Ed McCoy, Bokeelia, Florida, on July 9.

After residing in America, where it is illegal to flog children in schools, I do not understand why Mr McCoy would come to the conclusion that he did. I do not condone the abuse of our children, and those found guilty of doing so should receive their just reward from the law.

Let us leave the American culture to the Americans and protect our own. Let us not throw King Solomon's advice in the garbage (spare not the rod and spoil the child), or do we consider ourselves too modern to be bothered with ancient writings?

In our eagerness to grow and to be recognised as equals in a fast-paced global world, let us not forget the path our foreparents followed.

Let us not stray from the path but to continue further up the path, let us honour them by taking the values they instilled in us, and improve our way of life, only then can we be shinning examples to the world.Sir, let us teach the world not adopt their bad principles.

I am, etc.,

MICHELLE HEIRS

chinnoc@yahoo.com

Bronx, NY