Prostitution

[JOEBIALEK]

Referred to as the world's oldest "profession," prostitution is defined as the act or practice of selling oneself for sexual purposes. It is also defined as an unworthy use of a talent, quality, or the like, especially for personal gain. What's interesting is that the former is illegal in all states except Nevada while the latter has been morally and culturally accepted since the beginning of time. This begs the question: is there any difference between a street walker/escort and a person who uses their physical beauty to attain a lifestyle that others labor very hard to attain? Too often in our society we see evidence of the "trophy spouse"; a reward received by those who achieve success in business or entertainment. The marriage consists of a person who sees a beautiful spouse as something to obtain and a person who deliberately shops lifestyle by any sexual means necessary.

Some would argue that prostitution should be made legal so that (just as with drugs) it can be regulated by the state and become a source of revenue enhancement. Furthermore, sex between strangers would be safer since the government (as in Nevada) would require regular medical examinations to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The problem facing this country is that we haven't reconciled these two definitions thus creating the existence of a double standard. We are quick to arrest and condemn the street walker/escort but would never think to shun a sexual opportunist. In many ways, prostitution already is legal in our society. People pay to watch two people have sex with each other but yet cannot pay each other for sex. I recall two people comparing their lifestyles while waiting in line at the airport. One person told the other "the difference between you and me is that you pay for your sex with cash and I pay for it with dinners, clothing and jewelry". The problem with this country today is not that we are a nation of laws but rather a nation that continually contradicts itself when it comes to morality.

[JSE]

Ah, what the heck, I will give it a try. An answer that is!

I do think that "some" people who simply marry or date purely for financial reasons are really no better than the average street walker. BUT, what about the women with 2 kids on her own making little money who marries a man to provide a better life for her kids and herself. She does not really love him but they are friends that care for each other. Is she any better? Probably so, but there are some many grey areas and variables that there is not clear vut way to answer this. What a about a failed marirage that started out with love. What if the wife stays with the man due to financial reasons, kids, etc. Is she any better than a streetwalker? In my book, yes. But again, there are a ton of variables.

A buddy of mine made good money during the whole Dot.com era and had a trophy girlfriend. He smothered her with gifts, a car, home and jewelery. He went bust and she was gone. He told her she needed to pitch in to pay some bills, like her car. Man, she was gone the next day. She did leave the car though. It was in his name. So, was she a Hooker. I think so. I never did like her. From what I have heard, she is with a new man now that is very well off. An attorney I think.

It goes both ways. Men do it to. Hell, I have been accused of it by some former "friends". My wife makes far more money than I do. But, I am hardly a trophy husband. Far from it. My wife defintely married down the gene pool. I had a AVATAR up for about a day with a picture of me. Maybe cartman can rest for a couple of hours one day and I will come out. Maybe.

As far as prostituion. I don't think it should be made legal.

JSE

[karl k]

Referred to as the world's oldest "profession," prostitution is defined as the act or practice of selling oneself for sexual purposes. It is also defined as an unworthy use of a talent, quality, or the like, especially for personal gain. What's interesting is that the former is illegal in all states except Nevada while the latter has been morally and culturally accepted since the beginning of time. This begs the question: is there any difference between a street walker/escort and a person who uses their physical beauty to attain a lifestyle that others labor very hard to attain? Too often in our society we see evidence of the "trophy spouse"; a reward received by those who achieve success in business or entertainment. The marriage consists of a person who sees a beautiful spouse as something to obtain and a person who deliberately shops lifestyle by any sexual means necessary.

Some would argue that prostitution should be made legal so that (just as with drugs) it can be regulated by the state and become a source of revenue enhancement. Furthermore, sex between strangers would be safer since the government (as in Nevada) would require regular medical examinations to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The problem facing this country is that we haven't reconciled these two definitions thus creating the existence of a double standard. We are quick to arrest and condemn the street walker/escort but would never think to shun a sexual opportunist. In many ways, prostitution already is legal in our society. People pay to watch two people have sex with each other but yet cannot pay each other for sex. I recall two people comparing their lifestyles while waiting in line at the airport. One person told the other "the difference between you and me is that you pay for your sex with cash and I pay for it with dinners, clothing and jewelry". The problem with this country today is not that we are a nation of laws but rather a nation that continually contradicts itself when it comes to morality.

To me, there's little difference between the "streetwalker" and the "golddigger" I look at them in the same way and to the same extent... personally speaking. While I do think it's sad what women will do to men for the luxury and security(in this case a form of greed) by being with someone they don't love... at the same time, one must consider the addage "let the buyer beware". IMO, there are some very clear differences between the golddigger and the hooker. One very big difference is the golddigger is mooching from one guy till he's dry while the hooker mooches to a lesser extent but with more guys. How is that relevent? The hooker gets involved with single AND married guys where the golddigger is married to the "victim" This is part of why it is acceptable to be a golddigger. Because she isn't messing up anyone elses relationship but her own. You can't just go around telling someone they can't marry because she's in it for the money... how would you prove it? That's why it's not illegal.

In short, the local hooker, while providing a service, does so while potentially destroying existing relationships between their "Johns" and the wives and we can't have that. We as society label the profession as degrading to women, a health risk, as well as contributing to drug abuse and increase in crime and the result is no more sex for money.

The golddigger on the other hand, while morally questionable, doesn't directly result in any of the afore mentioned situations.

For quite some time now, it has been societies outlook that having sex is immoral... unless you are married. And if you're married, almost anything is legal and acceptable.

As far as making prostitution legal... if you could keep it from being criminally organized(Uhuh-huh-huh... organ) where the hooker makes all the profits and there's no pimp, madaam, or mob, I say go for it! I know I make it simpler than it would be but my only point here is it could be done safely if enough people found it acceptable to do so.(ever see "Nightshift" with Henry Winkler and Micheal Keaton?) Luuuuvvv Brokers!

Can you imagine the day where your single, getting off from work and there's nothing on TV so you pick up the phone and call in an order to go? Made to order? Delivered to your home in 30min or less or your next one's on us? Satisfaction guarenteed or your money back? Price matching? And yet most would grow tired soon for there would be no challenge... no chance you would be turned down... and little chance she would enjoy it anyway. I suppose there are pro's and con's to everything.

Interesting topic though... good job!

[mtrycraft]

As far as prostituion. I don't think it should be made legal.

JSE

Why do you think this?

[JSE]

Why do you think this?

Hey mtyycraft,

Good to see you over here in this neck of the woods. Why do I think this? To be honest, I really don't have any specific reasons as to why. I guess it's more of morality issue for me. I just don't believe selling your body is the right or moral thing to do. Sure, I agree that prostitution "may" bring a criminal element to communities and would possibly increaese STDs but if it were done right, no pun intended, I think that could be avoided. I just don't think it's right on moral grounds. It's not really a religious issue for me as much as a moral issue. Not to get off on a tangent but, I am a big proponent of keeping the family unit together. I think that is one of the biggest problems with America today. I can't see how legalized prostitution would help that.

JSE

[mtrycraft]

Hey mtyycraft,

Good to see you over here in this neck of the woods. Why do I think this? To be honest, I really don't have any specific reasons as to why. I guess it's more of morality issue for me. I just don't believe selling your body is the right or moral thing to do. Sure, I agree that prostitution "may" bring a criminal element to communities and would possibly increaese STDs but if it were done right, no pun intended, I think that could be avoided. I just don't think it's right on moral grounds. It's not really a religious issue for me as much as a moral issue. Not to get off on a tangent but, I am a big proponent of keeping the family unit together. I think that is one of the biggest problems with America today. I can't see how legalized prostitution would help that.

JSE

I drop in and look, from time to time, to see what is going on.

From what I read you state is that it is OK to give your body away free is OK? Actually it is very lawful, thank goodness But to get reimbursed for it is not? I cannot fathom that, unless it is forced on one. Why does exchange of funds makes such a difference and an issue of morality? Isn't that based in a religios thought process? While it may not be with you, that is where people come from. But, what if your moral issues are differtent from others? You will force it on them?

How would this affect the family unit? You think if it was conducted free of charge, it will save the family unit better, more? But if money is exchange, it will not? Doesn't make sense to me. Illogical. Does not compute

STD is an issue regardless of the money exchange, right. So, that is not a good excuse. Actually, in Nevada, where there is better control on this, I believe protection is a rule?

[JSE]

I drop in and look, from time to time, to see what is going on.

From what I read you state is that it is OK to give your body away free is OK? Actually it is very lawful, thank goodness But to get reimbursed for it is not? I cannot fathom that, unless it is forced on one. Why does exchange of funds makes such a difference and an issue of morality? Isn't that based in a religios thought process? While it may not be with you, that is where people come from. But, what if your moral issues are differtent from others? You will force it on them?

How would this affect the family unit? You think if it was conducted free of charge, it will save the family unit better, more? But if money is exchange, it will not? Doesn't make sense to me. Illogical. Does not compute

STD is an issue regardless of the money exchange, right. So, that is not a good excuse. Actually, in Nevada, where there is better control on this, I believe protection is a rule?

I guess I was a little unclear. When I said selling your body for money, I was really talking about the profession as a whole, not the actually exchange of money. Your right, the actual exchange of money really is not an issue in the big picture. Although it is in terms of the laws we have today.

How does this effect the family unit? The family unit is fast becoming a thing of the past for many. How many family's will be torn apart because Dad or Mom can now go pay for sex with no fear of being arrested? How much of an impact will it have? I don't know but any negative impact can only make the situation worse.

STD? Actually this can be a major factor. Your right in that Nevada has done what it takes to control this. Will every State do the same? I doubt it. Your also right in that STD is an issue regardless of prostitution. But, if uncontrolled or poorly controlled prostitution is legalized, then we have created a "hub" for the disease. How many different people does the "AVERAGE" person have sex with. Not many. How many people does a Prostitute have sex with? Get the calculator! If prostitution is legalized and under strick control like it is in Nevada, then no it's not that big of an issue. But, prostitution in Nevada is an attraction for people around the country, just like Vegas. Nevada has to control it to keep people coming, no pun intended. If every State or many States have it, it's no longer an attraction and the need to control it is diminished.


JSE

[mtrycraft]

How does this effect the family unit? The family unit is fast becoming a thing of the past for many. How many family's will be torn apart because Dad or Mom can now go pay for sex with no fear of being arrested? How much of an impact will it have? I don't know but any negative impact can only make the situation worse.

Again, you bring in the money issue. It is wrong either way or it is OK both ways.
If you look at other species on this planet, you will see that man is the onley one that you would like to be pure, monogomous. The animal kingdom is not as such and man has a lot of evolutiunary baggage. But, that is by your desire to outlaw this activity that has not worked since the dawn of time. Remember what happened when aour esteemed forefathers tried to regulate liquore? They abandoned the idea after it failed, or they become more enlightened.

Why would a family necessarily need to be torne apart for a little on the side activity that may strengthen the union instead? The desire for sex is different in each person. Why should one be limited because of the other? Because of a beliefe system by others? And, if it wasn't for religion, I bet the issue would be moot. But then we really haven't had a long enough experiment in society to test some of your assumptions as we are just speculating today what would happen or not.

STD? Actually this can be a major factor.

Why drive a car then. The statistics are bleak. Besides, one can take precatiopns to minimize it. And, STD has not stopped this activity since the dawn of time. That has been around as long, nothing new. Not a good argument, especially today with modern medicine



Your right in that Nevada has done what it takes to control this. Will every State do the same? I doubt it.

Oh, but that is the problem, doing it right, not banning it. Why do we build and buy unsafe cars?
It should be mandated to do it right. We tend to go off the deep end on social issues and because of religion, we ban things. You cannot ban it. It hasn't worked since the dawn of time, nor will it ever work. So, why not do it properly instead?


Your also right in that STD is an issue regardless of prostitution. But, if uncontrolled or poorly controlled prostitution is legalized, then we have created a "hub" for the disease.

As above. We know how to do it right if we want to. Most don't want to. Against religions.

How many different people does the "AVERAGE" person have sex with. Not many. How many people does a Prostitute have sex with? Get the calculator! If prostitution is legalized and under strick control like it is in Nevada, then no it's not that big of an issue. But, prostitution in Nevada is an attraction for people around the country, just like Vegas. Nevada has to control it to keep people coming, no pun intended. If every State or many States have it, it's no longer an attraction and the need to control it is diminished. JSE

So, it can be made a non issue then. Why fight it then. Nevada know what would happen if not properly controlled, regardless it is the only game in the country. It is the smart way to do it. Every states issues drivers licenses, it is controlled, like a lot of activity. No reason that states would not controll it especially if it has public healt consequences. Oh, it would also take a much broader and stronger education system about sex, as abstinance is just a joke. Then, like any activity, business, financial gain for the state, regulation is automatic.
Why do you think the local health departments inspect restaurant? Governments inspect food products? Public safety.

You see, there are answers. Many just make up excuses. Same for same sex marriages. Just don't get me started on that.

[nobody]

I like to pay my whores in crack...what about you guys?

[Justlisten2]

It shouldn't be illegal anymore than the plumbing profession should be. A service provided between two (or three ) consenting adults should be non of the governments business. You'd think they'd have better things to be concerned about. It reminds me of the old prohibition days. Once upon a time alcohol was illegal too. Another thing the government had no business legislating. One day, prostitution will be legalized, just like drinking. Unfortunately it will probably be too late for me.

[mtrycraft]

It shouldn't be illegal anymore than the plumbing profession should be. A service provided between two (or three ) consenting adults should be non of the governments business.

So far it isn't unless you pay for it directly. It is legal between you and girlfriend, blind dates payed with movie and dinner, etc. But, direct payment is illegal. You figure that out.



You'd think they'd have better things to be concerned about. It reminds me of the old prohibition days. Once upon a time alcohol was illegal too. Another thing the government had no business legislating. One day, prostitution will be legalized, just like drinking. Unfortunately it will probably be too late for me.


Yep

Just think it it is reclassifed as manufacturing job. Wow. Maybe the unemployment can be tinkered down some more after the conversion of buger flippers and restaurant industry workers. If the burger flippers were considered why were the restaurant workers excluded? And, if they try hard enough, like Alamo, maybe they can convert most service industry to manufacturing. No different from fancy bookkeeping

[Justlisten2]

It shouldn't be illegal anymore than the plumbing profession should be. A service provided between two (or three ) consenting adults should be non of the governments business.

So far it isn't unless you pay for it directly. It is legal between you and girlfriend, blind dates payed with movie and dinner, etc. But, direct payment is illegal. You figure that out.

I guess I should explain that the 'It' reffered to prostitution, following the title of my reply. Yes 'it' is illegal, but 'it' shouldn't be. IMHO, sex is prostitution, it's just a matter of barter or cash. Ask divorced couples, I know quite a few, as I'm sure most people do. What makes a woman who didn't work for 10-15 years beleive that she deserves the house, a new SUV, and $4000 a month child support? She thinks it's owed to her because she slept with the man. This is prostitution, I just see it as put on credit, instead of paying cash.

[mtrycraft]

Yes 'it' is illegal, but 'it' shouldn't be.


Yes, I agree.


IMHO, sex is prostitution, it's just a matter of barter or cash. Ask divorced couples, I know quite a few, as I'm sure most people do. What makes a woman who didn't work for 10-15 years beleive that she deserves the house, a new SUV, and $4000 a month child support? She thinks it's owed to her because she slept with the man. This is prostitution, I just see it as put on credit, instead of paying cash.


Yes, a different form

[zapr]

........The only reason prostitution is illegal is because the government isn't getting their cut. When ever there is money exchanged for product or service, the government always gets their share. They don't want it legalized because, think of the religious and moral battle it would cause with the government. Bottom line, the government does'nt care. Oh......How do I get to Nevada?........ zapr.

[mtrycraft]

[QUOTE=zaprHow do I get to Nevada?........ zapr.[/QUOTE]

That's why they make maps

Obviously Nevada cares and gets a cut. but you are right about the religious battle.

[karl k]

........The only reason prostitution is illegal is because the government isn't getting their cut. When ever there is money exchanged for product or service, the government always gets their share. They don't want it legalized because, think of the religious and moral battle it would cause with the government. Bottom line, the government does'nt care. Oh......How do I get to Nevada?........ zapr.

How would the League of Women Voters would feel about that and how the "elected" government would tend to react to such an organizations views?

It's not that they(the gov) don't really care, it's more about "what" they really care about.

[nobody]

I couldn't care less if prostitution was legal or not, legal would probably be better in my estimation, but not a big issue to me.

I do want to point out though that I think it's sad how the argument often veers to the idea that having a girlfriend or wife is just another form of prostitution. If you are a cretin who thinks the only value a women brings to your life is sex, I can understand how you would feel that way. I can also understand how you may have to pay women to have sex with you.

And, the compensation for someone who didn't work actually makes sense, considering that taking 10-15 years out of the work force severly hampers ones earning power. Maybe you know a bunch of freeloading women, but I've seen far more cases where men prefer their wives to take a part-time job or quit alltogether to raise kids than women who just wanna slack.

I guess I just figure if you wanna argue the pros and cons of prostitution, have at it. There are plenty of logical reasons you can bring into the argument without having to drag half the world's population through the mud to do so.

[Justlisten2]

[QUOTE=nobody]And, the compensation for someone who didn't work actually makes sense, considering that taking 10-15 years out of the work force severly hampers ones earning power. Maybe you know a bunch of freeloading women, but I've seen far more cases where men prefer their wives to take a part-time job or quit all together to raise kids than women who just wanna slack.[QUOTE]

You must know a wealthier class of people. It's not easy keeping a house with 3 children on one income, I know. I also have 8 sisters, and I don't know any woman who isn't working because her husband doesn't want her to. I would love to have mine stay home, I'd love to own a Jaguar also. My wife stayed home for 15 years, that's why my 3 boys are on their own for college education. In most instances, some sacrifices must be made for the woman to stay home. All the women I know that had the luxury of staying home, did so in spite of what their husbands wanted. We must be living in different sections of the country or different economic classes.

It's hard for me to feel sorry for women, they brought this on themselves with the women's lib movment of the 70's. They found out that once they got what they wanted, they didn't really want it after all. When my wife complains to me about having to work, I tell her to blame her 'sisters'. They 're the ones that flooded the workforce and devalued jobs. My dad raised 9 children with the mother staying home. That was much more common 30 years ago.

Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.