Editor,
This letter is in response to the articles covering the scandal involving former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and a call-girl service. As a result of the scandal, the issue of prostitution is again being discussed.
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 or escort and a person who uses his or her physical beauty to attain a lifestyle that others labor very hard at 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.
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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 streetwalker or 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 is not that we are a nation of laws, but rather a nation that continually contradicts itself when it comes to morality.
Joe Bialek
Daily Lobo reader
