Prairie State Wire

Wirepoints issued the following press release on March 15:

Wirepoints will continue to bring legislation and other issues into the light. Our hope is that our work spurs more thoughtful and robust discussion about issues impacting people’s lives. 

CHICAGO - “Despite our disagreements, we tip our hat to Rep. Ford for being willing to have a civil discussion about his bill,” said Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski.

Yesterday, Dabrowski discussed Illinois House Bill 0029, sponsored by Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) during an interview on 560-AM. The bill would criminalize most routine child discipline by parents as “parental bullying.” The bill says that any parent would be guilty who knowingly, with intent to discipline or alter the behavior of a child, says or messages anything that would coerce the child.

The conversation on 560-AM spurred a very quick response from La Shawn Ford who called into the show about an hour later to defend his bill. He ended up debating the bill’s language and intent with host Dan Proft.

In a follow-up commentary today, Wirepoints founder Mark Glennon wrote: “Most on today’s left dismiss criticism with just insults or labeling: 'right wing,' 'carnival barker,' 'racist' or whatever. Not Ford. He defended the intention of his bill and acknowledged that the wording may need changing to accomplish what he intended. And he did so politely. Bravo for that.”

Ford explained that the bill, “came from a constituent.” He also said, while he believes parents should be able to discipline their children to the fullest extent of the law, he also “believes what this bill is saying is that you should not discipline your children and transmit it to social media, which has caused problems for children’s emotional growth. It’s humiliating and it’s not appropriate to publicly shame a child on social media.

”It should be noted that, as written, Ford’s bill says nothing about social media being the only inappropriate venue for disciplining a child. “We have disagreements with Ford’s bill. But this is a great example of how open, respectful debate can generate understanding and improve the quality of government in Illinois. These types of dialogues are badly needed,” said Dabrowski.