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A Little Weird

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17. I used to believe that legalizing/regulating prostitution was the answer

Sun Aug 10, 2014, 10:48 AM

Aug 2014

But it seems that it hasn't made it safer for women in areas where it's been tried. From what I've read (sorry I don't have links), human trafficking has actually increased in countries where prostitution has become legal. I think that may be due to increased demand - when it's legal, more men are willing to pay for sex.

If women (and some men) weren't forced by crushing poverty and lack of any real alternatives, I don't think you would find many who were willing to work as prostitutes. It's often kids who have run away from home, people with drug dependency, etc. that resort to this type of work. If you are making a decision out of desperation, is it really a truly free decision?

It's a complicated issue and I don't know what the answer is, but the OP makes sense to me.

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What Drives Most Prostitution is Men. [View all] MineralMan Aug 2014 OP

I do not believe it will go away Duckhunter935 Aug 2014 #1

People keep repeating this as though it's true mythology Aug 2014 #6

Did global human trafficking go up, or did human traffickers go to Germany instead of elsewhere? anti partisan Aug 2014 #8

Do you really believe that open up large markets for trafficked people will not increase the Squinch Aug 2014 #26

Yes I am OK with trafficking going up in one country if it decreases more in others anti partisan Aug 2014 #36

And what in god's name makes you think that if you open up the US for trafficking, trafficking will Squinch Aug 2014 #60

It says so much about the left that this industry is treated so differently. nt redqueen Aug 2014 #65

I just can't believe the stuff I am reading! They all just pulled the idea out of the air that Squinch Aug 2014 #70

I agree. redqueen Aug 2014 #81

because knuckleheaded proponents have made it into a "Hip vs. Prude" argument Scootaloo Aug 2014 #116

+100! MineralMan Aug 2014 #119

Great point indivisibleman Aug 2014 #125

Great point! Its happened to me here several times. 7962 Aug 2014 #133

Truth is, I don't know anti partisan Aug 2014 #142

And you are just A-OK with increasing trafficking in the US because of this bullshit strawman Squinch Aug 2014 #144

I never said that anti partisan Aug 2014 #168

"...best judgments based on actual research which is applicable to the discussion..." chervilant Aug 2014 #121

Why would that be Okay? Trafficking is trafficking is trafficking. Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2014 #160

It's not OK, but when presented with the choices of A) less trafficking and B) more trafficking anti partisan Aug 2014 #169

I'm assuming you mean well but whatever argument you're making is not well articulated. Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2014 #170

Up in Germany ismnotwasm Aug 2014 #32

Never Used One liberalmike27 Aug 2014 #92

Yet another fallacious argument, mike... chervilant Aug 2014 #135

So, forced prostitution should be illegal. rickford66 Aug 2014 #157

So, you think it's harmless to pay for sex? chervilant Aug 2014 #165

I said "unforced" rickford66 Aug 2014 #166

This red herring continues to reek... chervilant Aug 2014 #171

I used to believe that legalizing/regulating prostitution was the answer A Little Weird Aug 2014 #17

Post removed Post removed Aug 2014 #45

Really? A Little Weird Aug 2014 #54

It won't, because the demand is a result of biology, not culture. conservaphobe Aug 2014 #68

I coulddn't agree more jamzrockz Aug 2014 #111

Sorry, you're wrong. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Aug 2014 #153

And there's these bullshit arguments Scootaloo Aug 2014 #123

The Europe comparisons are not reasonable, here's why: elehhhhna Aug 2014 #130

Once adults reach the age of majority they have agency. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #2

But - the demand is for a young looking woman, which often translates hedgehog Aug 2014 #25

If a adult man or woman wants to buy sex with young as in < 18 persons DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #33

ditto. It takes two to tango. nilram Aug 2014 #141

I don't think anybody should be coerced into anything. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #143

It amazes me there is anyone willing to risk their health like that treestar Aug 2014 #3

Agree! It just seems so incredibly risky. I think there are something like about 25 STDs now. I RKP5637 Aug 2014 #7

That's exactly it treestar Aug 2014 #154

Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2014 #34

The joke is they're not paying to get a woman. jeff47 Aug 2014 #35

Nice satire taught_me_patience Aug 2014 #4

Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2014 #10

Replace "drugs" for "prostitution" and re-read taught_me_patience Aug 2014 #12

Hence the world's oldest profession Zambero Aug 2014 #39

Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2014 #58

Not satire. I do post satire sometimes, MineralMan Aug 2014 #15

"Some men apparently believe that they must have sex with some other person." rug Aug 2014 #5

Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2014 #14

Most women who are prostitutes are not doing that on a MineralMan Aug 2014 #24

Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2014 #41

I specifically said "other people" rather than "women" in my OP. MineralMan Aug 2014 #47

Lots of people are "coerced" into crappy jobs out of economic necessity. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #51

Not all of those jobs carry the risk of them ending up with PTSD. nt redqueen Aug 2014 #66

Then we should outlaw jobs like the police and military where the incidence of PTSD DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #72

That you rank the entitled attitude of men to have whatever kind of sex they wish alongside redqueen Aug 2014 #79

I didn't denigrate the service of these brave men and women DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #85

What are you even talking about? I didn't denigrate them, I lambasted your idea redqueen Aug 2014 #95

You implied that sex workers suffer the same incidence as do soldiers and policemen and policewomen. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #98

No I didn't. You inferred that on your own. And your sickening comparison stands. redqueen Aug 2014 #109

Your ad hominem is showing but I digress. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #118

Do you know what "ad hominem" means? redqueen Aug 2014 #137

Yes I know what an ad hominem attack is... DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #138

Are you seriously equating police and military PTSD ismnotwasm Aug 2014 #88

I actually lived in the same home with someone who served in Korea and Viet Nam DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #91

I'm actually an RN ismnotwasm Aug 2014 #101

My dad was a WW ll Vet. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #112

Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2014 #103

You consider it a privilege to have sex with strangers for money? MineralMan Aug 2014 #105

Most people who work are not doing that on a DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #42

That is not the logical extension of my argument at all. MineralMan Aug 2014 #80

It is NOT a black and white issue. safeinOhio Aug 2014 #9

Yeah because making the punishment more severe has stopped every other crime davidn3600 Aug 2014 #11

Don't give the OP any ideas DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #13

If this isn't satire... 99Forever Aug 2014 #16

My satirical posts all are sourced at: MineralMan Aug 2014 #19

Well then... 99Forever Aug 2014 #43

From what I understand, edhopper Aug 2014 #18

I see...nt MineralMan Aug 2014 #20

Really, edhopper Aug 2014 #28

Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2014 #48

Content of this reply is deleted. MineralMan Aug 2014 #59

Do you really believe this? ismnotwasm Aug 2014 #94

I think there is some truth to this. delta17 Aug 2014 #134

iI have read this from legitimate sources edhopper Aug 2014 #172

What drives most sports leagues are men... brooklynite Aug 2014 #21

That's already illegal and it hasn't removed the demand. Iggo Aug 2014 #22

Exactly. And law enforcement uses decoys disguised as buyers and sellers of sex to ensnare offenders DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #27

The demand will disappear?? mokawanis Aug 2014 #23

We should outlaw the exchange of currency for ANY business transaction Orrex Aug 2014 #29

I think the best deterrent is to publish names. hedgehog Aug 2014 #30

Why does it matter to you if two consulting adults consent in acts that are none of your concern? Shoulders of Giants Aug 2014 #151

Or get Biggie Shorty to smack them around betsuni Aug 2014 #158

Really? You think copying the drug war would lead to success? jeff47 Aug 2014 #31

Prior to Lawrence V TX there was a man in a GA prison for performing oral sex on his wife. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #37

SEX Rhinodawg Aug 2014 #38

I have this CRAZY mixed up idea that consenting adults should be free to do what they want to do Douglas Carpenter Aug 2014 #40

Disclaimer: this is an internet poll. PowerToThePeople Aug 2014 #44

The solution to all our problems: Build more prisons and put people in them The Straight Story Aug 2014 #46

America....Land of the Free!!! davidn3600 Aug 2014 #50

Why women? ismnotwasm Aug 2014 #53

A fair point The Straight Story Aug 2014 #61

There's a lot more coercive sex in the hoosegow than there is on the outside. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #57

Demand. We already know supply side economics is bogus. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Aug 2014 #49

That is true, of course. MineralMan Aug 2014 #52

So you think you can stamp out the world's oldest profession with modestly harsher punishments? tritsofme Aug 2014 #55

The "world oldest profession" ismnotwasm Aug 2014 #64

+1 LiberalLoner Aug 2014 #107

There are parts of the world where the penalty for unmarried sex, paid or otherwise, is death. LadyHawkAZ Aug 2014 #56

I'd argue but I can't help worrying that your humor is flying over my head. Gidney N Cloyd Aug 2014 #62

No humor is intended. So argue away, if you like. MineralMan Aug 2014 #63

Should it be a felony ? Should the three strike law apply? DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #69

I'd say it depends. I'd be fine with paying for an underaged prostitute MineralMan Aug 2014 #74

Paying for sex with an underage prostitute is already legally and culturally prohibited DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #77

And yet, you can find an underaged prostitute in any sizable city. MineralMan Aug 2014 #89

Engaging in sex with a minor is a felony and rightfully so. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #96

Most prostitutes actually don't have agency over themselves. MineralMan Aug 2014 #97

That's against the law, too... DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #100

Again, very simply, demand drives this. MineralMan Aug 2014 #102

How is your campaign to criminalize prostitution DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #115

Uff da! I believe we are having two different conversations here. MineralMan Aug 2014 #117

In both instances, the prohibitionists profess to know what is best for other people. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #124

Not at all. It is not just one body that is involved with MineralMan Aug 2014 #127

Unless you are talking about RU486 there are two people involved. DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #129

Prostitution is known as "the oldest profession"... ljm2002 Aug 2014 #67

"Personally, I cannot even imagine what possible benefit I could get from paying for sex." Silent3 Aug 2014 #71

how tiresome The Second Stone Aug 2014 #73

Sorry to bore you. MineralMan Aug 2014 #75

You want to throw consenting adults into prison because you don't like what they're doing? Iron Man Aug 2014 #76

No, I do not think you read it right. MineralMan Aug 2014 #82

I think I did. Iron Man Aug 2014 #113

Consensual is the key word, Iron Man. MineralMan Aug 2014 #114

When it is regulated, yes it is consentual. Iron Man Aug 2014 #132

Some men must have sex MyNameGoesHere Aug 2014 #78

I did not say that, did I? MineralMan Aug 2014 #84

You don't consider circumcision to be genital mutilation?????? dickthegrouch Aug 2014 #120

I don't consider circumcision to be genital mutilation, no. MineralMan Aug 2014 #126

No I said it. MyNameGoesHere Aug 2014 #136

Interesting idea. Perhaps this approach could hughee99 Aug 2014 #83

Some drugs are legal and others are illegal. MineralMan Aug 2014 #86

I have worked as an 'escort'. You want to throw my clients into jail for paying me mwrguy Aug 2014 #87

Just legalize it for goodness sake 99th_Monkey Aug 2014 #90

Yes. See Amsterdam. MineralMan Aug 2014 #93

What Amsterdam is doing is tweaking its regulations. former9thward Aug 2014 #99

+100! n/t 99th_Monkey Aug 2014 #147

I agree, and I wish it was true, but it is the 'world's oldest profession.' joanbarnes Aug 2014 #104

Everyone keeps saying that. I'm not sure it's true, though. MineralMan Aug 2014 #106

I'm sure it's not true betsuni Aug 2014 #161

Honest question: Why would this drive demand down? LostInAnomie Aug 2014 #108

It is illegal, but not particularly risky. MineralMan Aug 2014 #110

I can't believe somebody wants to make it a felony, mind you, not a misdemeanor DemocratSinceBirth Aug 2014 #173

Do agencies such as Emperors Club VIP antiquie Aug 2014 #122

I don't know the answer to that question. If you do, you could MineralMan Aug 2014 #128

It is a famous agency for high-price, high-class call girls. antiquie Aug 2014 #131

I pretty much agree with you indivisibleman Aug 2014 #139

The only thing I have against it is that it very often is slavery, criminal human exploitation. Quantess Aug 2014 #140

The demand for prostitution will never go away pfitz59 Aug 2014 #145

Prostitution has existed throughout human history. hifiguy Aug 2014 #146

Money is not part of human biology. There might be some truth to a claim that hedgehog Aug 2014 #148

I believe in "legalize, tax and regulate" for alcohol, drugs and prostitution (nt) Nye Bevan Aug 2014 #149

Please don't ever refer to yourself as "pro choice" Shoulders of Giants Aug 2014 #150

Really? It's fascinating that you found some post of MineralMan Aug 2014 #159

It took 30 seconds to find that post with a simple google search. Shoulders of Giants Aug 2014 #162

The post you linked was about reproductive rights, MineralMan Aug 2014 #163

So you are selective about where you think the government should stick its nose in private business Shoulders of Giants Aug 2014 #164

Yes, your mistake. MineralMan Aug 2014 #167

Truly a Man-made dilemma, as is misogyny . orpupilofnature57 Aug 2014 #152

people need to mind their own business. this is fucking amazing.... bowens43 Aug 2014 #155

Well actually it's either desperate or lazy women in a comination with men. You can't have customers craigmatic Aug 2014 #156