We don't know how much of these allegations are actually based in fact so I reccomend reserving judgement. Peterson probably just hit him like most parents do and his 4 year old's mind ran with the incident. I don't necessarily believe Peterson aimed for the scrotum, meant to cut him or any of that tripe. I've gotten welts, bruises, etc from beatings in the past. It was horrible but I forgive my mother. She didn't know what else to do and I know she meant no harm.
According to Nick Wright, there is clear evidence and Peterson is on tape. They also have his text messages. But yes, Peterson deserves due process from the state. But I'm not the state.
My parents hit me too. Their parents hit them. I chose to be the one that broke the mold. Spanking didn't help me one bit. It didn't help a lot of people I've known. On the other hand, I've known plenty of people who weren't raised in fear of being hit and they are fine and good people. What's the point then?
I'm all for discipline but not abuse. Maybe that makes me soft to my parents generation or others here, but I cannot fathom looking at my 4 year old and doing what is being alleged here to them, regardless of what that child did. Four years old. Not 10 or 12, but four.