beating of young newborns/toddlers

What is it with people today? How can someone no matter what age they are, beat a young newborn or toddler to death? I was reading the paper and came upon an article stating that a 20 year old man received 20-40 years in prison for beating his 21 month old son. Is this justice? This child never had the oppurtunity to do anything is his life. The boy won't get to go to school, make friends, marry, have children of his own, nothing. This man has taken that all away from him. I hardly find 20-40 years justice. It would be somewhat different had this been an adult who could defend themselves, but a toddler. It amazes me how often I am hearing or reading about a young child being beaten or shaken to death or even murdered. It also sickens me even more when I read that a mother has committed the crime. A mother is suppossed to be nuturing and loving. I do understand not all of us want to be parents, but there are plenty of people who do. Why not give the child up instead of trying to deal with the child? It just saddens me when I look at my daughter after reading something like this. A childs love is the best love anyone could ever receive.