DISCLAIMER - This blog is an assignment for CMP 272 Summer 2008 to allow students an opportunity to present a valid argument, generate feedback (pro and con), post responses, and practice moderating skills in a technological environment.

Stop the Wars on Whores!

In order to free up millions of tax dollars spent on prosecuting and jailing "offenders", control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and generate money in a dying economy, prostitution should be decriminalized.

Think prostitution is a big city problem? Check your local newspaper and think again.

After a three year federal and state investigation, Donna Darlene Duelley, "Morgantown Madam" and owner of Fascinations Escort & Entertainment Service Inc., was convicted of conspiracy and racketeering this month by a West Virginia jury. She faces a prison sentence of up to four years. Consider the amount of manpower and tax dollars that must have been spent to pursue and prosecute this case, not to mention the cost of housing the now convicted "Morgantown Madam" in prison for the next four years. Is this really a "crime" that West Virginians want to foot the bill for?

According to San Francisco's 1996 Prostitution Task Force Report, over 3 million dollars is spent annually to run the Tenderloin Task Force, which is in charge of enforcing the prostitution laws. In addition to the 3 million dollars, another $4,425,098 is spent on court costs and in processing, booking and incarcerating the accused. This means a total of more than 7 million dollars is spent annually to enforce laws against an illegal act, which if done for free is legal.

It is a common misconception that prostitutes contribute a high number to the STD population. Statistics show that only 3% of prostitutes have a sexually transmitted disease, while 30-35% of sexually active teenagers have an STD. In the early 1900's, when the Texas brothel was closed, the rate of venereal disease in the town actually increased. Currently the spread of STDs in brothels in the United States is not a big problem. The women are tested every one to three months, the brothels are stocked with condoms, and clients and workers are protected.

Although prostitution has been decriminalized in the Netherlands, an individual must be 18 years of age or older to be a sex worker. At last report, Parliament was expected to legalize brothels in the Netherlands, thus making the brothels taxable. It was projected that taxing the sex industry could create more than 500 million dollars in revenue.

Decriminalizing prostitution would allow the millions of tax dollars spent on punishing this "crime" to be allocated to more important areas, such as education or health care. It would create a safer environment for both worker and client and create revenue for the United States' flagging economy. Don't misunderstand our position - decriminalizing prostitution would NOT mean "working girls" would appear on every neighborhood street corner. Much like the Red Light District in Amsterdam, designated areas could be set up where prostitution was allowed, workers would be regularly tested for STDs, and taxes could be collected on the money paid for services.

Sex itself is not a crime. If people want to pay for it, why should the U.S. government criminalize them and use your hard-earned tax dollars to pay for it?

Do you feel that prostitution should be decriminalized?

If prostitution were decriminalized, would you personally consider prostitution as a career opportunity for yourself?

If prostitution were decriminalized, would you personally use the services of a prostitute?

Do you agree with the prosecution and conviction of the "Morgantown Madam"?

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Thursday, August 21, 2008

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Monday, July 28, 2008

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