Chains required, whips optional

A somewhat iconoclastic, if not eccentric, politician from Montana wants to bring back corporal punishment, a la whippings in lieu of incarceration. We haven't seen corporal punishment meted out in this country since back in 1952 in the state of Delaware.

Rep. Jerry O’Neil, R-Columbia Falls, has proposed a bill that would allow for a bit of spanking in exchange for a spot in the hoosegow.

"…a person convicted of any offense by a court in this state, whether a misdemeanor or felony, may during a sentencing hearing as provided in 46-18-115 bargain with the court for the  imposition of corporal punishment in lieu of or to reduce the term of any sentence of incarceration available to the court for imposition.”

Masochists the nation over will soon be moving to Big Sky country so that they can get the punishment they so richly deserve.

From Huffpo: O'Neil has also introduced legislation that would make it easier for students to carry a gun into a school. Under O'Neil's plan, students cannot be disciplined if they store the gun in a locker, a locked car or with school officials during the school day. The Montana bill would also allow for students to bring guns to school when the gun is needed as part of the curriculum.