there is nothing wrong with a spanking. there is something wrong with a beating.
i was beaten by my SOB father my whole life. full out beat, including being kicked and punched. yeah...real effective....
i would never BEAT my child, but i will absolutely hit my child if it is necessary. time outs are worth squat for most children. send a kid to his room and he has the tv, radio, books, games, computer, etc. yeah...some punishment
as a teacher, i can't tell you how many lunchroom conversations we have about certain children or families. these kids are so unbelievably obnoxious and horribly behaved but the parents don't believe in any form of discipline. what they need is a sharp slap to the heiny. tough love works.
however, i do realize that not all kids are the same and there will be some children that are well behaved and do not need a spanking.