I read this story this morning while reading the U-T. As true hobbyists, I don't think any of us would support interactions with minors, or at least I hope not.
While you can go to countries outside of the United States and likely engage in this type of behavior, if you are so inclined, doing so here in California as one would do with an adult but with a minor is clearly against the law.
The very well written story, its implications and the facts that were presented is also a clear warning to our favorite ladies and each of us, that the sweep up to stop this type of crime against children will likely catch some of the older pros and hobbyists. Sure, some of this is LE efforts to intimidate the public to stay away, but since they can't do selective enforcement without weakening their cases, they will hit all levels of the hobby.
Read the story closely, and take the right precautions.
This story was on MSN "Local News" about a month ago.
Dr. Lee is the main person who makes sense in this story. As she says, "Teenage prostitution is nothing new...it is just getting more attention now." My own sister ran away from home when she was 15, and she had some stories to tell me (when we were adults) about things like this.
The idea of there being these large scale rings run by gangbangers that pander to the average Joe is a bit farfetched for me. I am sure there are a few girls out there in this scenario, as there have always been. However, I have a hard time believing it is something as organized as what full on crime rackets or smuggling rings set up. The bit about the illegal smuggling ring doing this seemed much more plausible.
I used to cruise the streets from Downtown SD to La Mesa all the time from about 1990 to 1997. When have been out there the past few years, they were ghost towns compared to what they were in the early to mid 90's. The concept of there being a streetwalker problem in this city anymore is laughable. The few girls out there were mostly ones who obviously had a "habit" they were supporting. Most girls have gone online these days.
My take on this is that it is good publicity. Serious bad issue (teenage protitution) mixed with "catch all" problem (gangs) and blown out of proportion = political mileage!
Seriously...take a drive on El Cajon Blvd. between Texas and Fairmount, or on Market St. between 14th and 25th, or on Univeristy between 35th and Frimount, and tell me how many streetwalkers you see in a night.
Check out the NY Times Magazine from this weekend. There was an even worse story there... Basically, 10-20k sex slaves are being smuggled into this country every year, where they are being held by various organized crime groups. A lot of them come through the TJ border...one wonders if any end up in local establishments.
there was a story on fresh air yesterday too but i missed it due to work. there were discussions on redbook a few years ago about the girls in the amps there too. the times articale is called the girls next door. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/25/magazine/25SEXTRAFFIC.html i think you have to register (free) to read it...
Discussion on Fresh Air was with the author of the NY Times story. Interview was more distubing than the article. I will never be able to see a provider(esp. eastern european or hisp.) again without wondering if she REALLY is a willing participant, or has she been brutalized into submission.
Unfortunately it looks like your attempt to purchase VIP membership has failed due to your card being declined. Good news is that we have several other payment options that you could try.
VIP MEMBER
, you are now a VIP member!
We thank you for your purchase!
VIP MEMBER
, Thank you for becoming VIP member!
Membership should be activated shortly. You'll receive notification!
