[kristianc]

> In my (non-American) experience, you must push things incredibly far to get anything more than a sarcastic laugh or eye-roll or "move along, mate" from a cop.

It probably depends on where you are too. I witnessed a guy beating his kids with a belt in full public view outside a Chick Fil A two blocks from Times Square - the police had no interest at all in chasing it up.

[kshacker]

In today's age? This millenium?

[kristianc]

Yes - when I followed up with the cop he said that the man had a right to chastise his child.

At which point I pointed out that there is reasonable chastisement and beating a cowering kid with a belt.