Katherine wakes up at 10:00 AM, reaches into a solid gold box studded with rubies for a small wooden container, scoops a little ball of the finest opium paste on earth, and smears the paste with her little finger on the back of her teeth. She lights her Davidoff cigarette with an S. T. Dupont solid gold diamond studded lighter—Piaget and Cartier are low life, she says—and drinks her favorite cheap tea (Twinings’ Prince of Wales). Then she opens a small cocaine (100% Columbian Disco shit) solid gold case, uses the cute little gold spoon attached to the container with a gold chain, drops a scientific amount on a mirror and shapes a perfect morning line using…yes, a solid gold razor.
When Katherine wants to see you, she sends a limo, a private jet, and sometimes, a yacht. Like the rest of her few friends, I only get to see Katherine once every year or so. Her family name is high on the top one percent income list. Katherine is in her late forties, single, opinionated and a true feminist. The birth of more than one male heir years ago stopped the family’s pressure on Katherine to produce one. Katherine loves her freedom, she doesn’t want a boyfriend; Katherine fucks any man she wants.
She has a hierarchy of three personal assistants—each runs a small company of “professionals”—whose job is to keep Katherine’s identity and whereabouts unknown to all the politicians, government officials and corrupt private entities she owns. For more power, Katherine has dirt on all potential enemies, including members of her own family. Katherine gets anything she wants; she is, literally, above the law. Yet, there is only one thing she cannot accomplish: her most cherished goal.
She gives generously, yet anonymously, to many good causes including feminist organizations. Most admirably, Katherine finds and saves abused children, women, prostitutes and crack whores. As long as Katherine does her saving quietly, which she does very well via professionals, she is barely tolerated by the strong few who know. Yet if she decides to support public exposure of the problem, put her money behind legislation to legalize/regulate drugs and prostitution, Katherine goes down. Because this is one of these expensive causes that gets people assassinated, including politicians.
Millions of women, young women and children suffer physical abuse, rape (illegal and legal), sex slavery and murder by dealers, pimps and sportsmen every day. Moreover, there is a vicious rumor that prostitutes are forced to have sex with policemen. I don’t believe that, do you? When a prostitute, a crackwhore or a runaway child prostitute-crackwhore is found raped and dead in an alley; officially, in this cuntry, she’s declared “someone who won’t be missed.” These crimes are a direct result of the faulty laws against drugs and prostitution. The statistics, both official and unofficial, are obscene. The case for regulating drugs and prostitution is solid. The argument is impeccable; the evidence is overwhelming.
That recreational drugs or prostitutes are illegal is an illusion, a hoax. There are a few million Americans, much less powerful than Katherine (say, among the top 20%), who have unlimited access to illegal—recreational or illegally prescribed—drugs and the 3, 5 or 7 thousand dollar hookers. They all have their drugs and prostitutes delivered. None of them will ever be caught, let alone prosecuted. Prostitutes and drugs are illegal only for the poor.
Every now and then you see some politician or a rich guy on TV going to jail for drugs, prostitution or corruption. This is pure red, white and blue fabricated bullshit; it has nothing to do with the law. He simply pissed off some entities wealthier than he is; and “he’s gotta go,” is what they decided.
All Law enforcement resources wasted on the wars on drugs and prostitution should be reallocated to the prevention and punishment of violence, rape and murder. The obscene amount of money saved by legalizing drugs and prostitution should be spent on health care, education and rehab.
The new laws must severely punish the few pimps and drug dealers left after sex work and drugs become legal. A sex worker who pays taxes is a respectable member of any civilized society.
Can Your Child Buy Cocaine From A Pharmacy?
I ask any parent to go to a neighborhood where they sell illegal drugs. They won’t sell it to you. Now send your 8-yr old or teens. Not only will the children buy any illegal drugs they want, they will be given safe passage in the most dangerous of neighborhoods. If you want to keep the little bit of respect your child still has for you, don’t ever ask her where she got the drugs. Illegal drugs are sold around schools; rich kids get their illegal drugs delivered. Because of the current laws, children have the easiest access to illegal drugs. Commenting on searching students for drugs in schools, a teenager once told me, “Are these fucks really that stupid? I’ve never done drugs at school. I always buy and do my drugs after school.”
Say it with me now: If drugs are legal, it is impossible for my child or his friends to buy drugs from CVS/Walgreen. Moreover, CVS will not rape my drug-addicted child and sell her as a sex slave.
Unless all of you Middle-Class adult non-drug user folks leave your jobs and stand in line at the pharmacy to buy cocaine, the plan leaves only poor adult drug addicts. What possible damage to society can a poor man, whose excruciating physical pain disappears after a $2 dose of opium, do? What would you do if you become pain free for the first time in twenty years? Would you go find that heartless, coward, terrified of losing his job, no-narcotics-memo worshiper, riffraff emergency room “doctor” who, even though saw you shiver in pain, still accused you of trying to score drugs and gave you some fucking Tylenol, and burn him alive?
Are Americans Stupid Or Evil?
Why do folks, especially parents and feminists, keep voting against drugs and prostitution? When religious fundamentalists finally started, one by one, to come out and admit that the sole reason they support the war is to kill Muslims, I began to admire their honesty. Why don’t the rest of us just admit we enjoy hearing about these rapes and murders? We thrive on the misery of the weak. We love the delusion that we are better than crack whores. We can stop these atrocities by a simple vote, and yet we don’t. Folks who don’t know that the existing laws are killing women and children are stupid; folks who know are evil.
I dare anyone to prove that a business person is morally superior to a whore.
“Punishing the prostitute promotes the rape of all women.”
Margo St James, quoted in the San Francisco Examiner (29 April 1979)
“The whore is despised by hypocritical world because she has made a realistic assessment of her assets and does not have to rely on fraud (a regular practice between the sexes) to make a living.”
Angela Carter, British author. The Sadeian Woman, “Desecration of the Temple” (1979)
“The women who take husbands not out of love but out of greed are whores in everything but name.”
Polly Adler, A House Is Not a Home (1953)
In America, through their strong influence on women’s vote (and subsequently men and young voters), feminists have earned an undeniable and a decisive legislative power. I, humbly, ask feminists—as the strongest political power—to consider, as a priority, saving this severely abused segment of society. All it would take is a few new pieces of legislation.
This piece is dedicated to Katherine, a kind soul, and a most honorable human being.
Thoth © 2009
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Comments
You asked what harm an addict can do, and you gave the example of a sleepy old man. My father was a sleepy old man, retired, drug-free, minding his business in his own home. Two crack addicts planned his robbery. One beat him to death. They left him to bleed for hours. My dad had taught the one who beat him how to read. We could not look at my dad's face for the funeral. They came back to rob again, right across from the dead body. You have a quote about greed and whore in everything but name. These people took a life. That is the worst kind of greed, the worst kind of theft.
The sleepy old man who just wants his opium is not the usual addict, in my opinion. I would agree with legalizing pot because I think alcohol is worse than pot. Look at how easy it is for kids to get alcohol that their parents keep. If crack were legal, even MORE of them would be on crack, because it would be everywhere. If you think rehab usually works, watch Intervention on A and E. Talk to my family members. Scrub a relative's blood off the floor.
I think an overwhelming number of prostitutes were abused as children. Many are runaways. Most are cold and hardened to an extent before they become prostitutes. The fact that they get used even more is wrong, and I do believe that the rich get what they want. I hate that drug cartels control so much, but if we didn't have a parliament of whores who could be bought out, we could do a lot more to take cartels down. I think a nation of addicts is not a nation of responsibile citizens. I know a crack addict who prostituted herself with her three children in the house. We don't need more of this in society. By and large, they don't work. Their job is to steal from you.
See jimmymac's post about what he has gone through with his daughter and about his recent day in court. I believe there should be people who fight to make the rich accountable, instead of allowing drugs to ruin the lives of more poor people.
Fine piece. R
This is my point. Drugs will be so cheap and the number of policemen on the streets will increase exponentially. Violence will decrease dramatically. Individual crack addicts could only harm themselves at that point. We will still have enough money left for their rehab.
Most importantly, we will stop the rape, abuse, and murder of drug addicts.
Good argument, thank you.
You are right. I am not blaming the feminists at all; it's the whole society, especially parents. I am calling on the feminists, first because most of the victims are women. Second, I think that feminists can kick the republican party's ass any day of the week.
Thank you so much for your informed comment.
Yes we do; for example, you.
Thank you.
And your right. This is exactly why drugs are illegal.
Thanks for the visit and comment.
I love your comment., not only because I agree, but also because such logic and rationale is humane and calming.
Everyone, Please read WalkAway's comment. I am borrowing it for my post. Thank you, WalkAway.
Thank you for your support.
I know, it sucks doesn't it.
Thanks, man.
It needs more than you and me; but we will keep trying, my friend.
Thank you for being who you are.
It's the best I can do my friend.
Thank you, as always.
Prostitution should be legal, period. I also think weed and other drugs should legal as well. It just makes sense. On the other side of the coin, I've seen what street drugs (Meth mainly) can do to a person, but overall, I think its time to legalize stuff.
Rated (I'm PM'ing you)
You are right about the ghettos too. I know we need more than the Fems, but they are the strongest and quickest to act.
As always thanks for the right opinion.
Yours are words of wisdom. I am glad these words are on my blog.
Thank you so much.
I guarantee when drugs and prostitution are legal the streets will clear up. These addicts will be in hospitals or rehab.
Thanks as always for the kind words.
But that aside, I do understand the argument to legalize drugs and prostitution, I'm just not ready to jump on that bandwagon yet. Prostitution would be legalized rape, wouldn't it?
Yes, and we need more and more people, like you, to find and tell the truth; just tell it like they see it. One day we'll all see.
Thanks man for your gracious visit and informed comment.
This is why your comment is very valuable. I agree that you should not believe the RF issue; I just know some real hard core Evangelicals.
Sex is never rape unless forced. A woman is FREE to WANT to be a sex worker. She is FREE to CHOOSE her clients. She is also FREE to CHOOSE to what to do with her body and take up sex work rather than marine biology. And she is FREE to--if you would like to put that way--rape a man out of $3000 in one hour. Finally, she is FREE to stop having bad sex for FREE.
I respect your opinion and I, sincerely, want you to believe that a woman's freedom is THE goal of my argument.
Thank you for your gracious visit and insight.
I am simply honored; thank you.
Four of my five sisters were at one point addicted to drugs. Two of them were also prostitutes (I am very serious). They were not the kind who went to the hotels and private residences of famous athletes or politicians. Sometimes we didn't know if they were dead or alive - for years at a time. I can't say if their lives would have been better if they could have gotten their drugs from Walgreens or charged a hefty fee from a big basketball player. I also know someone who buys pain killers illegally...but I don't know where. I picture some dark alley. Will this person be mugged? Shot? I don't know, but I wait for the call saying it has happened. How much should a doctor prescribe? I don't know. There are so many factors here. Abuse will continue whether or not they are legal, I believe. Addiction breeds addiction. It's like being rich - how much is enough? You want, or in the the case of drugs, need more. So where do you cap it?
Whew. I have many more thoughts swirling about this. I just don't see where "they" set the limit of legality. How much is enough?
I do agree that drugs ruin lives. What is of prime importance is to understand that drug addicts are sick; they simply need help, not punishment. Drug addicts and prostitutes are unprotected by the law; we need to stop their rape and murder first.
I understand your point perfectly, and respect your opinion.
Thanks as always for your kind words.
I always go back to the core problem in American society -- we do not value education of our children. We don't really value our children, either. When and if we ever begin to put our children first, our goals will change. Our children will grow up knowing they are valued. The majority of people I associated with when I was using drugs, were all either physically, sexually or mentally abused by their parents. All the years I spent trying to destroy myself were based on a self-loathing I picked-up from being ignored and reviled by my father. (I take full responsibility for my actions, but I spent a lot of time trying to be the whore he always said I was.)
For the record, I did drugs in school all the time.
Lastly, I don't know what kind of help your friend Katherine gives these women, but I know that no amount of money could have saved me from the horrible mess I made of my life at one point.
Good post.
Rated
Oh Katherine DOES A LOT. First she finds them, usually in jail, she pays for their lawyers, gets them out of jail, gives them money, and finds them jobs and if they choose, she pays for their rehab . When they go back to jail, she does it all over again.
Katherine is in a different league than you and I.
I am so sorry that you went through hell, but sometimes stopping the rape and murder helps.
Thank you so much for your insight; valid points.
Thank you so much.
There will never be legalization across the board. Nothing we say will ever make it so. The real mind blowing trip fest will comes when you take a look at what's in most ADHD meds. Take a look at the chemical composition.
We're all crack babies, baby.
Rated.
I am quite sure I do not know Katherine, but I agree with you that the consequences of the War on Drugs are worse than drugs. No, I don't think people should be on drugs that can fuck them up, that are taken to feed addiction. However, I agree with you that the money spent on the drug war is obscene. Obviously the PLAN isn't working. Did we learn nothing from Prohibition? Clearly the answer is no.
The nation, the world, could be doing so much better with that money (debt) including providing opportunity and resources such as what people need to get off drugs that keep them from sucking the life out of their families and communities.
The reality that there are people in prison, in some states for LIFE, for having a marijuana (a plant for God's sake, not a man-made super bomb) cigarette in their pocket, seems insane to me when there are pedophiles and rapists freely walking around doing the worst humans can do. As they say in sophisticated circles, "I don't get it."
Thank you for materializing the pain and adding an even higher moral ground. Stopping the violence against the helpless is just a step toward humanizing the weak.
Emotional, fitting and effective insight.
You are 100% right about the reason drugs are illegal. And I agree that "legalization across the board" will not happen. May be we can't do it alone; yet, I still have hope that the Emperor Prophet Andy Heizeler can leads there.
Thanks, man.
There were many wrong things about our laws and politics that I never understood, until I was TOLD the real reasons by others. Many of the comments here, for example, explain a lot.
I commend your thoughtfulness and rationale. Thank you.
Did we learn nothing from Prohibition? Clearly the answer is no.
I intended to ask, "Did we learn ANYTHING from Prohibition?" No, we did not. There is so much more to talk about, so many sad "side bars" if you will, of huge importance. I think a beginning would be to take the war out of the war on drugs.
Thank you for this post.
You were right the first time, and you are right again. The people don't learn; they do what they are told by TV.
You already know that. Kudos and thank you.
Anyway, I'll make it short now. You are gifted in your writing and subject matter. I am in full agreement with your decriminalizing prostitution and drugs. Can you imagine what we could do with all the money saved? Education, health care, environment, start to pay back our trillions of dollars of debt? Etc.,etc. Too tired to go into it all again.
You are a thoughtful and provocative humanitarian. I can't rate you highly enough. I am bowled over.
Thank you for supporting the issue. The short version is insightful and informative all the same.
You are much too kind, back at you. I am flattered.
I do think prostitution should be legalized although again, I'm not convinced it will completely solve the problems. At least not all the problems, but it would definitely change the game.
As for the extreme rich and privileged above the law, they will still be extremely rich and above the law no matter what unless you know of a way to end greed. Their greed and the greed of those they "buy", i.e. politicians. I do like your recognition of the power of women a.k.a. "fems" ! :)
You've given me alot to think about though and you may be right, I just need more proof. Definitely rated for passion, making me think and cause I like your acronym. ;)
Yes, legalize drugs - the hypocrisy is outrageous.
Great post Thoth.
This is a really great post. I am going to go back and reread some of your older stuff. You're a very smart and kind person, I think.
Rated.
I wonder sometimes if we aren't reverting back to the dark ages in this country. Facts have little to do with perception and the billions could be far better spent on rehab for those who want it.
Forced rehab through courts have a dismal success rate and putting non-violent drug offenders in with the general prison population only makes them worse people when they come out. I don't see any rehab of non-violent prisoners there.
Building and filling prisons is big business, now that most prisons have been privatized. It's akin to slave labor.
This is the only statement I disagree with,
"Why don’t the rest of us just admit we enjoy hearing about these rapes and murders? We thrive on the misery of the weak.",
I don't feel most people feel this way, but a good political train wreck can be fun to watch. Real murder and rape are not laughing matters.
Those who don't realize that money interests run the country need to wake up. Double standards are everywhere. Legalizing and regulating drugs and prostitution would be a great thing for freedom and for Americans and most politicians know it. It's just not a very successful platform to run on. It seems the older an American gets, the more conservative they become and don't want anyone having any fun unless it is on their terms.
Maybe in another generation when this group of elderly conservatives die off there will be a chance for change, but their voting block is too large to fight at this time even as their own grandchildren end up on the streets and in prison as prostitutes and drug abusers, they fail to see the light.
Just look at the Stupak amendment that we just had to swallow to get the Health care bill through the house. We still want to restrict a woman's right to have an abortion and seem to be losing that battle a little at a time even though abortion has been legal for decades.
The odds of any federal laws in favor of prostitution or recreational drug use are a long way. off. Right and wrong have little to do with it.
I hate typing in this little window.
As for prostitution, I'd make it legal with incredibly strict controls. Anyone involved in child prostitution should - I'll just say be thrown in jail because I'd like to resort to something far more primitive.
In fact, anything that involves preying on children or the sick or the weak is absolutely under any and all circumstances so be met with - let's just call it fierce justice.
So - is everything to be made legal or is everything to be legal but controlled (which doesn't keep either drugs or prostitution free of potential corruption). I'm a bit torn but rated for an incredibly engaging story...
And while I cannot disagree with anything you say here, I also believe that human nature *can* be very base, animalistic, prurient. It will seek out the dirtiest, lowest, back alley, non-legal, forbidden (fruit), black market, *non-regulated* drugs and sex...better than one could ever get once legalized or decriminalized. The bad and badder stuff will always be there and there will always be a market for something one can't get legally or easily. The fun is in the chase; the hunt. We are animals. We need that on some level.
Having exposed my dark side, let me say, that I am all for legalizing the stuff of which you speak, whether or not it is ultimately good for our health or our souls. Quite simply it will put money back in the coffer. Sad to say it, but it will revive our state and maybe even save it. It will be good for our national economy. Heck, maybe even great! The old school in me does have concerns over the moral fiber of our culture and just what this all means to our intrinsic spirituality. That deeper inner voice still has questions.
Excellent, thought provoking and worthy post!
So, when are you going to push for legislation to legalize prostitution and drugs?
I believe in everything you are saying here.
The majority of prostitutes are and were abused in sometime of their lives. That is how it all start and they get into the cycle of drugs and prostitution. So why not legalize it and drugs, save the money that it cost the Americans to fight the war on drugs and prostitution, to spend more money on saving the lives and enforcing stronger laws that help or may stop the abuse/rape/murder of women, children, older people, and even men.
A sex worker will be a respectable member of society, no despair or confusion; just another tax-paying citizen.
Thank you for your insight and visit.
Evidence is strong that legalizing drugs and prostitution will greatly reduce the rape and murder. I would live with that. As far as greed, you are right, it is so deeply embedded in the system. Yet, there is no more money anymore; time is against greed.
Thank you for a rational comment and visit.
your entire comment is a logical statement of truth.
Thank you for supporting a good cause and for your visit.
Defending the weak is the most human of human universals: it is the ONLY reason Jesus, for example, lived and died.
Thank you so much for your support.
My response is this: Everyone, see Michael Rodgers' comment. This is why we love Michael.
You're a wise man, my friend.
I share some of your concerns on the drugs issue. Yet I fully agree with you and strongly support much harsher penalties for any form of abuse. Sex workers must be overly protected by the law and law enforcement.
Thank you for your visit and insight.
I always wait for you to make an argument beautifully philosophical. You sure have that gift.
Katherine pays for their legal fees, gets them out of jail, pays for their rehab, pays their rent, finds them jobs and rehab if they choose, and more.
Thank you as always for your insight, kindness and being Cathy.
Thank you for your support, kind words and visit.
That is right. That is all we want, to stop the abuse.
Thank you for your passionate input and support.
I really thank you for being the first to point out your reservations about Katherine. I will just assume it's about her doing drugs. And that is exactly my point. "Drugs are bad" is not scripture; it is a false statement and a ridiculous slogan. Drug users and prostitutes can be good, even better, people.
Surely, I agree with you on the strength of women's vote. I still believe that they are the only power that can change the law.
Thank you for your visit and comment.
On the one hand, her good works assure her most honorable status but at the same time her other behaviors get a free pass from the retribution we common folk can face because she occupies a position of privilege. The system destroys what little life poor people have when it catches them doing these illegal things and then demands that they reform, wear a "convict" label around their neck and lead an upright, lowly-paid life. For the mega-rich its a slap on the wrist and an assured and usually profitable redemption.
In the end I'm in agreement with the body of your post though.
I agree, noah. I have no argument there whatsoever. Like many or few she is protected by the system and that is WRONG. But she does more for the weak and forgotten than anyone I know. You're simply right.
Thanks again.
Right and right. Simple and to the point.
Thanks for the visit.
I especially liked the way you started with the story of drug abuse and sexual freedom , and slid down into the story of drug abuse and sexual slavery.
It started off reading like Jackie Collins, and ended up reading like some gritty urban author.
The power-broker and the crack whore are the same person, essentially, just born into different situations: if the power-broker was poor, she would have to become a prostitute, in all likelihood, to support her habit, and if the prostitute was that rich, she too could give herself away for free and use high-grade/purer drugs.
Should prostitution be legalised? Yes. A most emphatic "yes".
That, in and of itself though, will bring its own problems: not least in the form of all the stray ex-pimps roaming about, looking for something to do.
What about all the women and children sold into sexual slavery from other countries. Whenever a brothel is raided, there are *always* women rescued, women who were sold into slavery. People who, in a society with legalised prostitution, would be left undiscovered because they were in a "legal" place.
I've seen documentaries about the legal brothels in America.... but the people running and working in those brothels are not the same type of people who import victims from other countries. They *won't let the cameras in, they *won't be raided by the police. Legal businesses usually *aren't*. Those women will have to stay where they are.
Another reason prostitution will remain illegal: it's illegal. Although many prostitutes work for pimps, they usually claim the men as "boyfriends", and are so locked into the abuse they don't see it for what it is.
Under a system of legality, society would be powerless almost to put these men in prison. Under the present system, pimps can be jailed for *being* pimps, regardless what the women claim. "Oh I'm doing it for him " sayeth the woman with pimp inflicted drug addiction and numerous welts, doesn't wash if the man is found guilty of living off immoral earnings.
If you can jail the pimp, you have a greater chance of getting the woman away from the lifestyle.
Work out how to solve these problems, then legalise prostitution.
Anyway, good post Thoth, well written.
Webbi x
"Folks who don’t know that the existing laws are killing women and children are stupid; folks who know are evil."
You absolutely, 100%, hit the nail on the head Thoth. I wish I knew your friend Katherine right now, I could use her help.
The reason this is not legal, is the government wants you to think it is really "doing" something about it. That is a lie. Sex trafficking in the United States is on the rise. The children being trafficked are usually not US citizens (do you think our war with Mexico is really a drug war? Really? Still?), so there is virtually no trace of them. The ones who are "American" are usually home grown and under the radar. In other words, there are actually breeding grounds for these types of kids, right here on US soil. I have seen them. I have been in one. You would not believe what these "people" are into. Not only that, don't think it is only the low-life creeps, I assure you, it is blessed from up on high. And, they are up to everything, including sadism and murder.
Loud claim to put out on Open Salon, huh? Well, you know what? I'm too tired to be scared any more. I survived this long and I know I am going to make it through this and tell the truth about how real this problem is. In the 1980s, they began to expose the truth of the sadistic cult like behavior in this country? Do you know what happened? They said the way that the kids were questioned was inappropriate and changed the laws surrounding that instead of putting the criminals behind bars:
(see http://ritualabuse.us/ritualabuse/articles/mcmartin-preschool-case-what-really-happened-and-the-coverup/)
Citizens have to be concerned enough about the poor, indigent, and vulnerable. They have to be concerned enough about kids other than their own. They need to know this is an epidemic, this sexual repression, and it is now spilling over onto our streets, with alarming statistics - the estimate is 1 in 3 women sexually abused, 1 in 5 men. What other abuse would go unchecked by the government? Certainly not the flu?
AMERICA NEEDS TO WAKE UP ON ALL FRONTS.
I am scared, but I am confident. Please keep writing about this Thoth. I will be watching for it.
With your permission I would like to use my response to your comment to clarify one point in my post.
Pimps exist ONLY BECAUSE sex work is illegal. What we have is ORGANIZED prostitution. That is, sex workers are not protected by the police, and they need the protection of pimps.
ONLY INDIVIDUAL sex workers should become legal. Anything involving more than ONE sex worker should be illegal. For example, the prostitute will have her OWN place and her OWN Clients and she will pay her own taxes. That is it.
The law will be designed to PROTECT INDIVIDUAL SEX WORKERS from any entity. That is, brothels should be illegal. ONLY INDIVIDUAL SEX WORKERS SHOULD BE LEGAL. This argument is air tight. Law enforcement will hunt and bring down any entity that tries to control or abuse any sex worker.
The whole idea is to stop violence against sex workers: women should be free to do sex work without fear of any interference from anyone.
Why don't teachers, doctors and lawyers have pimps? Because their work is LEGAL; they are protected by the law.
Wonderful argument. Thank you very much for your insight and your gracious visit. Enjoyed your last post very much.
Kate Bishop
Everyone, please, read Kate Bishop's entire comment.
All I can say is thank you, Kate.
Correction: What other EPIDEMIC would go unchecked by the government? Certainly not the flu?
Again, please, please, please keep writing about this.
Thailand is an example of legalized prostitution - no one looks down on a woman for this choice. It is, again, judgment of sex. I mean, as long as someone (men) is making money off it, it is okay right? What is the pornography industry - why is this blessed but prostitution illegal? Control. Money. Power.
And, you can't put kids out on video, people might frown. So, talk real loud about it, make a few busts, control the media, and hope every body stay fast asleep about this, and much, much more. What does this create? The most lucrative crime ring of our times, sex trafficking.
Once a woman is an adult, it is her right to choose her life path. With enough incentives through social programs, the ones who wish to put their lives on a path to a higher purpose will. Steven Levitt, the amazing economist of the 21st century (blog on WSJ, wrote Freakonomics), can prove almost anything can be solved with the right incentives. We have been looking at most problems backwards - what we need are progressive, critical thinkers.
Waking up is only the first step, but I'll take that first.
First off, I'm a feminist who believes prostitution and drugs should be legalized. (I also believe prostitution is one of the oldest professions and that the only reason we aren't hunter-gatherer's is because we discovered fermentation.)
I've read your post three times and am trying to make all the connections. The brilliant comments are also thought provoking, so my mind is kind of bouncing right now.
I work in social services, one job as a counselor/advocate for a rape/crisis intervention agency. I'm running a support group where 4out of 6 of the participants are survivors of childhood sexual trauma and assault. I could go on about the hotline calls we get, etc. - but, suffice to say, it's intolerable the level that this is being hidden and not discussed.
I'll read through a few more times and maybe try to comment on the rest of your points...
Anyway, thank you so much for writing this out.
You are most welcome. Most of the data (not mentioned in the post) are all over the net; official and unofficial sources. As you said a lot of the comments here tell us that many people know about the abuse.
Thank you so much for voicing your informed opinion. You are always welcome to comment here.
Thanks for the visit.
In the meantime, re this line of yours,
“someone who won’t be missed.”
you can find more on this in my latest post about the poor women in Cleveland who were lured into a serial killer's home at the prospect of drugs and/or alcohol.
I find it a really interesting idea that drugs and prostitutes are illegal only for poor people. And that idea that the wealthy and powerful who are prosecuted for it are really tokens who are paying the price for some other deed.
I can't say that definitively that you've convinced me, Thoth, but you've got my mind reeling. This kind of provocation is what I like about OS. (And I'm having more trouble finding such posts these days.) Thanks.
"I wish we could make the safety of children, male and female, our biggest priority."
I couldn't have put it any simpler.
Thanks for your visit.
I was surprised to see your comment on my blog, but you are welcome to comment anytime. I hope you don't get in trouble with your friends for that.
I visited your post and commented. Although it is an unrelated (to this post) serial killer story, it is still a horrible example of violence, a very sad story and emotional.
Thank you, I guess.
As usual fine writing and a good read.
rated.
Thank you for your visit and comment.
But this article is more about drugs and the legalization. I am a bit vague on this. It is untenable to have thousands of people put in jail due to the usage of a substance. If in later years research finds cocaine to be crucial for treatment of some disease , restrictions will be lifted for the one with the disease. So if it is not universally a wrong it should not be treated so. AND it is still the causes that lead to addiction that should be dealt with rather than the substance.
In the end I believe it has to be knowledge that leads the way to educated choices.
You are so passionate about the topics you write about it jumps out of the page . Hats off!
One Brinna Nanda on OS had dedicated her work to legalizing drugs and might have some input or maybe has already weighed in.
If prostitution is legal and prostitutes are fully protected; a sex worker's life will be like that of other citizens with the good and the bad. If a woman decides she wants to become a sex worker, you and I have NO RIGHT WHATSOEVER to tell her what and what not to do, let alone, incriminate her. It is just how civility works.
Now , if there's a moral issue , it will be my greatest pleasure to address it (some in the post).
I tried to search for Brinna Nada on OS, but I get no results. There are many sites on the net that promote legalizing drugs, yet not from this post's angle. Otherwise, I wouldn't have posted it.
Thank you for your visit and valuable opinion.
Regarding prostitution, I agree it should be legal, as it's a victimless crime. I'm not sure, though, that that would protect prostitutes, unless there is other regulation (prosecuting pimps might be the ticket). I took care of a woman who worked in Nevada, where it IS legal, who told horror stories of how she was treated there. Kept in drugs and indentured servitude, in a job she didn't want.
It seems that wherever lots of money/profit is involved, abuse follows. Thanks for a thought-provoking post. Rated for thought-provokingness.
I cannot teach anyone anything other than a bit of biology hopefully!
So much has already been said about yours that I will be repetitious with my comments. Just want to let you kow though that it is an extremely compelling, passionate and thought provoking piece of writing that I enjoyed and will re-visit to read again.
Oh, I remember. As far as meth, I need an entire post to list the differences between medical (pure) and street meth.
Thank you so much, your insight will always be appreciated.
Oh, I agree with you and I don't believe you are moralizing. I just hope that society will accept and respect sex workers. I want my baby girl to have the best education/culture ever, marry for love and for life. But if my choices are either prostitute or Paris Hilton-Sarah Palin; I will definitely make the honorable choice: prostitute.
Thank you so much for your valued opinion and support.
Thank you, I recommend your post to everyone. I enjoyed so much how you raised the most intellectual question: do "think" we know history or do we actually know what really happened?
Thank you so much for your visit.
Thanks for the visit. Looking forward to your comments.
Your opinion is always appreciated. Thanks for the visit.
I agree that any step we take against violence is progress.
Thank you so much for your insight and visit.
Oh I did not mean to confuse you. I was merely stating the obvious. Yet, I did not mean to offend you. You are welcome here anytime, and your opinion whatever it may be will always be respected on my blog.
Not all prostitutes are addicts, nor doomed to a life of sex work. There are venues for choice. As for feminists getting involved, they have been since the mid seventies, but people just forget. The right to control our bodies is a constant struggle and should not be limited to feminists, but the evangelicals and other groups still want to control women and what they can or cannot do. This is a larger issue. When enlightenment comes to the masses, rich or poor there will be progress. I was with Margot St. James back when that quote was made. You want a quote..."If you want to get rid of prostitution, the government needs to subsidize it." BuffyW
We need drug rehab clinics, not more jails. Period.
Great post dear Thoth.
It's no secret that the very wealthy get away with whatever they want. I really don't think that will ever change. Money is power in society.
"When enlightenment comes to the masses, rich or poor there will be progress."
I don't think I need to say more. On both issues, I agree and agree.
Thanks, Buffy, for words of wisdom and gracious visit.
Yes, I know it will probably never change. Yet, like you said, we just hope we tone down the violence a bit.
Thanks, Gwen, for your visit and comment.
I think the development of what I call "Child First Feminism" (I've PM'ed you about this mental construct of mine) will be firmly against legalization of either any time soon. I see both drugs/prostitution presented as "individual rights" issues but neither is supported by the "family friendly" coalition of the left and the right.
but in the East, ignorance is the fatal sin,
wherein we
falter into herds
consumed by status quo safety first & foremost...
There are "safety" issues against these things:
prostitiution, drugs, etc...
I have said it many times in my
meager posts: we are in the Big Mother
State, which took over from the
Big Brother State in..um, 1989,
when the Berlin Wall fell...
Safety.. Think about it hard....
terrorism...antiterrorism...
All these influences: cholesterol, joint damage,
lung cancer...we are in a war for our saftey...
Mother is fiercely protective of her "children"..
She will NOT
permit certain things..with a firm but fair "NO"
That 22% figure is sadly low; it's dangerously close to to its counterpart polled in Afghanistan. Yet, I bet the Afghans would do better than us on drugs.
I know it's a long shot but it's the best I have until someone comes with a better idea to prevent the abuse and murder of drug addicts and prostitutes.
Thank you for the info and comment.
I agree with your analysis. I would add that this "Mother" is a fascist psycho that loves watching children being abused, raped and murdered.
Thanks for the visit and comment.
As to crack, cocaine, meth..etc. etc. these scare me. If we legalize them do we end up with more addicts thus suffering the trickle down effect in all aspects of life. Less production at the work place, the continued disintergation of the family unit, more addicts born every day, higher crime as drugs legal or illegal cost money. As you can see I struggle with this. I get that the more mysterious something is the more attractive it become, legalize it and take away the mystery, but at what cost.
I abhor the conditions that you so aptly note, the complete and total inequality between the have's and the have not's, who gets punished and who doesn't. The one thing that is clear is that the decisions we make must, must take the children into account...our little humans! S
I definitely agree. My attitude when it comes to my children is mostly the same as yours. Although both statistics and reality show that children have much easier access to drugs ONLY because drugs are illegal.
Thank you so much for your passionate and informed comment.
What can I say? I agree.
Thanks for a tight argument and your visit.
Yeah, I am adding this to my evidence.
Thank you so much for your visit and comment.
Thank you for bringing this to our (and my) attention. A lot to think about. Well-written.
This is exactly the point. It is a hundred times harder for children to buy drugs from a pharmacy.
Thank you so much for your visit and comment.
Any time, my good man, it will be my pleasure.
Thanks for the visit.
Sarcasm is the best answer in the face of obvious stupidity but what if that stupidity is being led by the nose by evil, an evil which is both organized and determined to write the future in its own image: ‘Are Americans Stupid or Evil?’. Drugs are a commodity a lucrative and traditional commodity that is as close to pure wealth as food and precious metals. The value of a commodity is the result of its availability. Diamonds would be worth less if their optimum production were permitted. Drugs have been the traditional cash cow of the pseudo aristocracy since before Britain fought the Opium Wars with China. Besides being a good historical marker the Opium Wars demonstrate the lengths to which these usurpers will go to protect their most precious resource. The war in Afghanistan is to secure the Opium pipeline it is no coincidence that Bush senior invaded Panama the axis of cocaine distribution and his imbecile son invaded Afghanistan the primary supplier of opium now that those annoying communists have made the Golden Triangle untenable, see Vietnam War, the Bush’s are if nothing else drug dealers of the highest echelon. Drugs will never be legalized under the current mercantile oligarchy they will not be forced to share the wealth in the stock exchange and they will not allow drugs to be cheapened by ready availability.
@ Everyone, please read Jack Heart's comment.
Thank you my friend for such an informative comment. Well said.
Still I wanna hear more from you.
Kim
We'll do. Thank you so much for your comment and gracious visit.
Bullshit! The laws of this nation, and most of the civilized world are draconian! I take morphine everyday, legally. I take percocets, everyday, legally. But I couldn't buy a dime bag of pot. POT vs MORPHINE, the winner is~~
Before that we had MDMA, the real ecstacy. We had pot everywhere. We had ludes, at pharmacies and none of us were in the top anything %.
Then the governments and corps took all the good non-addictive stuff away and we were left with just grass, if that. The poor according to you can get everything if they're willing to pay with their lives or killing others. It's the worst conspiracy because having no way out in this scurvy world is hard. Liquor, too much of it, sucks. Drunks suck. What helped our souls is gone.
What to do about the poor, the sex slaves, those who kill for crack? Tell us more. Because if we ban together we can help. But it's not under most of our eyes, the dirty stuff. And the clean stuff is gone. Because it helped us --MDMA most of all, Trust.
God forbid we should trust each other! Excellent post.
We are not the kindest or the brightest of nations. Thank you for your visit and objective comment.