Dear Friends,

As you know, we lost our one co-sponsor for the bill to ban devices to beat children. (Rep. Johnson was defeated in the election). I spoke with Jeff Duncan, aide to Rep. Markey who is sponsoring the bill, and he said it would really help if we could find another co-sponsor. Preferably a Republican (for bi-partisan support) but any co-sponsors would really help!!

So, please write to your US Representative!! Enter your state & ZIP code at this webpage. Then click "Contact My
Representative". You will be taken to your Representative's homepage where you can contact them. Here is a sample letter you can use:

Dear Representative ________,

I am your constituent, and I am deeply concerned that it is legal to sell devices specifically for whipping and beating babies and children in the US. Rep. Ed Markey is sponsoring a bill to ban the marketing of these devices. Please co-sponsor this important bill, to end the advertising and sale of these devices.

I am part of the Stop the Rod activist group, and we have worked hard for several years, without government assistance, to stop the sale of these devices. We have had some success, but without a law in place to end this ugly business for good, it will still continue. Please lend your support in this worthy endeavor. Rep. Markey's aide, Jeff Duncan, who is working actively on writing the bill, can be reached at (202) 225-2836, or Jeff.Duncan@mail.house.gov

I look forward to hearing from you.

(your name)

Thank you for writing!! If we can get some co-sponsors, I think it will pass easily!!

Susan Lawrence
Director, Stop the Rod
Stop the Rod
Parenting in Jesus' Footsteps
***********************************************************************

OTHER NEWS
Mississippi mother beats 5 year old to death:
Link to Story

You can write a letter to the editor of the local paper in Mississippi: letters@jackson.gannett.com Letters should be 250 words or less, and say "Letter to the Editor" in the Subject line. Include your name, address and phone #.

Stop spanking kids in Canada:
Link to Story

We don't hit animals, so why do we hit children?
Link