[Porsche-O-Phile]

Government treats EVERYONE like chattel and is really otherwise not much different than the pimps she decries. If you stand up to either, you get beaten. Both keep most of what you earn and toss you a few scraps. Both live ostentatiously on your money. Both promise "protection" as their core justification for existence (protection racket) yet often turn away from really standing up for those they protect in the face of trouble. At least the pimps are more entertaining and have a sense of humor occasionally - and are more honest about themselves.

It's pure delusion to think that government is much better. I also no longer think that just because something will "pay taxes" makes it a good thing. I'm starting to respect people and institutions that don't - just because they're helping to starve the slavering, bloated beast (speaking of the government as a whole here, not just HRC). I say good on anyone standing up for themselves and who's doing what they can to keep the money THEY have earned, but I digress... Back to prostitution:

We need a fundamental transformation in the way we think about government funding. And fwiw I don't entirely disagree with FP's views here on prostitution. It's unfortunate but if the criminal element can be removed (there are examples of societies that have done this with general success at it) it can be demystified and won't be taboo: the "unintended consequences" (such as the cheapening of sex) aren't bad things - they're honest. People should be together because they want to be, not because they feel they have to be (for sex - men; or for money / security - women). Both sides benefit from a healthy societal view of sex and sexuality, not the corny, religion-driven, puritanical, sex-is-dirty undercurrents that so much more harm to our society and women in particular (obsession with self-image, tremendous social pressure to marry / have kids / conform, etc.)

I say legalize prostitution but regulate it and crack down on traffickers and pimps HARD. I wouldn't be opposed to that. It beats the system we have now ("illegalize the world!") which largely only benefits the lawyers and law enforcement industry (and yes, it is most definitely an industry - a big one).