[nollidge]

> you may have put substantial thought into how parenting should work from a theoretical perspective.

Condescension aside, perhaps bobbin is simply familiar with some of the scientific literature on the subject, such as: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2002/06/spanking.aspx

> Reframing the debate in terms so negative that anyone would appear insane to disagree with them is classic political correctness.

This is only true if the attempt at reframing is disingenuous. What else is corporal punishment but the application of pain in order to elicit fear?

> is it better to indulge your child...Or is it better to "use fear"

Not hitting a kid is not the same as indulging them. One can be among the strictest of parents without laying a hand on a child.