I'm crying inside, quite honestly. This is incredibly ill-thought out and a poor example of our elected officials' intelligence and ability to reason. Congratulations, AZ Voters, you've elected yet another Official who cannot reason and cares little for its society.

Instead of working with the core problem; oftentimes poverty and homelessness on the street, they punish the symptom of an issue they themselves have ignored for decades in this country. The "eyesore" of street-prostitution is a problem in this country because of this country has turned a blind eye to poverty, homelessness, and other symptoms of this demographic. I guess it's difficult for our filthy rich elected officials to imagine that for many in this country, the education, VA, and minimum wage requirement has failed so many. I'm only addressing the homeless, there are thousands living just above the poverty line who are barely surviving. Perhaps we ought to next sign into law, bills that make it illegal to be poor and struggling in this, the "wealthiest,"  most influential country in the world.

Sadly,

Megan

PS It should be mentioned that in most other "civilized" nations, prostitution is either legal or decriminalized and in those countries where it's regulated, the subsequent crime associated with this occupation is also cut in half.

Blech. I'm disgusted with our system, once again.



-- Modified on 5/9/2006 1:29:38 PM

I've tried to influence public policy in this state (on behalf of organized labor) for many years now.  If you aren't from either Big Business or Big Religion, most legislators won't even listen to you.

I am disappointed, however, that the Governor signed the bill.  Frankly, I think that the Republican Party was hoping she'd veto this one, because they've forced her to veto a record number of bills this year, and they're starting the PR machine against her.  I don't think she could afford the political baggage that would have come with disapproving of this bill.  (And don't forget that she used to be a prosecutor.)

Remember, even after arrests, charges often don't get filed, and many cases still get dismissed, because LE uses these laws more for photo-op P.R. moments and often cut evidentiary corners.  If you continue to be as careful as always, you'll never care that this bill became law.

Be safe everybody.

I can see a scenario where, armed with a new law during an election year, political pressure mounts for both sides to show they are strong in law enforcement.  This could lead to a short-term increase in LE  activity against prostitution in all forms.  

I agree, that once a case is brought forward, it will likely end up in a charge that doesn't end up in jail time.  That is OK but does not mean that being processed through the legal system comes without a price.  Even before this law, being processed through the legal system costs a lady thousands of dollars.  Hopefully, more ladies won't have to experience this.  

I don't live in AZ but have a very good friend that is a provider in AZ.  If she asks my thoughts, I will tell her to use some extra caution for a while.

These posts are all very well thought out. This whole situation is very political and very unfortunate for all concerned. It goes against the character of this great country. It goes against your beautiful Constitution and your myriad of freedoms.

Now, to take things a step further and to be "realistic", after the lady is released; how do you think she raises the money to pay the exorbitant legal fees for legal services that are-more likely than not-provided by some shyster who is member of that special “gaggle of golden boys” that Megan is fond of mentioning? Why, she’s out on the street again, working overtime and under more stress than ever!! She’s forced to turn even more tricks to pay off the rotten, sleaze ball scum.

For the most part, prostitution is situational, and I am pleased to see that we are in agreement about a major causative factor. Poverty and abuse. Poverty and abuse leaves many ladies and girls alone and vulnerable. The ladies are insidiously drawn into the profession. Many times this is accomplished at the behest of predators who are slick and systematic. The ladies are manipulated. They get in too deep and they just can’t get out. Eventually they become beholding to a bunch of lousy, manipulative, predatory, sleaze ball scum.

For survivals sake, many of the ladies become consummate actors, but they disassociate and loose the ability to feel. Over a period of time, many develop a defense mechanism that is something akin to a philosophical rational to justify their life style. It protects their self-esteem… (And, dearest, Megan, please don’t get upset with me, but this process exists in escorting as well in street prostitution.). Anyway,,,

Power to the people and working girls unite!!   

I love you all and peace,

FATIMA


-- Modified on 5/9/2006 9:00:04 PM