Previously there was a post with respect to abortion.  There have been other posts with respect to how politics plays in this hobby.  Let me state that the reason for posting this here is that no matter how we slice it, the above issues impact our participation, ability and enjoyment of this, our chosen hobby, whether we provider or hobbiest be.

First, please allow me to be honest about my positions such that no one feel that I have a “hidden agenda.”  I am a fiscally responsible republican.  Has “w” given us fiscal responsibility?  I think that we would all say that to continue the tax cuts without major changes in government expenditures is fiscally foolish.  So, no, he is not, IMHO.  I support the rights of the individual – in all aspects of his/her life – that is a conservative position – and an historical republican position.  Does the Republican Party of today resemble the R party of Lincoln (Emancipation, infrastructure improvement to enable individual enterprise, etc.)?  I would argue that is does not - simply put - it is now supporting multi-national companies above our own security and national self interest.

“Religious Zeal” is at the heart of our “war on terror.”  If one looks at what the extremist Muslims believe, and then looks at what Jerry Falwell believes, I begin to wonder, why are we fighting – the only difference that I can see is the fundamentalist Muslims want to go back about 500-600 years – to the 1400-1500’s and the fundamentalist Christians want to go back about 180 -250 years to the 1700-early 1800’s.  Both believe in the suppression of women, both believe that a woman’s place is to be owned by men, and both believe that the way to convert others to their faith is to do so by imposing their will.  Coincidentally, they also believe that if you do not believe exactly as they do, you are a doomed person (witness: Catholics vs. Baptists, Sunni vs. Shiite) and worthy of elimination.

It is this, that strikes me as interesting and to some extent frightening.  Once I asked, “How many participants in this hobby are conservative (or if you will, republican)?”   I received a muted response.  I believe, with no data, that there are more R’s as men, participating in the hobby, but there are two factors that prevent me from gathering an accurate count.  First, R’s, because they tend to be “conservative,” may see participation in this hobby as going against their avowed belief premise.  To admit, what conservatism would label a “character weakness” (the enjoyment of sex with a women for the pure enjoyment of the act) is difficult for them.  Second, they hide their participation because they feel it would weaken their position in other areas of conservatism.  Does it?  It depends on who you are a conservative for…. Doesn’t it!  

Passing laws that take away choices, that sounds like liberalism to me.  Why?  Because at its core, liberalism, within the process of government, makes decisions about what is in the best interest of the individual and society.  Conservatives, at their core, espouse that individuals have more information relevant to their own circumstance that permits better choices for themselves and thereby society as a whole.  Therefore, applying this logic, conservatives should embrace abortion rights (which I do) and liberals should ban them.  But voila, the positions are switched.  Why?

I believe that it has more to do with the individuals running the parties, than with the philosophy of each party.  Let’s face it folks, both parties are morally, intellectually and emotionally bankrupt.  They have no good candidates to propose (as I have often ranted, “W” and Kerry – both “D-C” Yale grads – first what does that say about Yale and second where are the “A-B” Students!?).  Neither has good ideas that will appeal to the majority of voters, unify the electorate and ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of this country.  Worse, they focus on trivial things – like this hobby – to garner acclaim for a “job well done.”  

I also believe that the ladies in this hobby, probably have more political power than they realize and could work to change laws that affect the rights of women in all walks of life – if they unified.  And this is why I am posting this on the “General Discussion” board….  Persuasion can be powerful – when the one doing the persuading is pleasuring at the same time!  

Oh, what got me thinking along these lines…. “Freakonomics” – in which the author discusses the decline in the crime rate during the mid to late 1990’s and links it to Roe v Wade.  Granted – we increased the incarceration rate leading up to the mid 90’s but that did not alone account for the decrease in the crime rate…  I won’t spoil the book for you – get it, read it, think about what it says.  Another message from this book – and from Michael Crichton’s book “State of Fear” – is the unintended consequences of actions taken today and future developments.  In both books several examples are give….  Big example;  the treaty at the conclusion of WWI – led directly to WWII.  

Just my rant – if we really think about things – ask the correct questions and do our own research, maybe we may see things a bit differently and start to actually get better leaders in the future – rather than the pre-media digested garbage candidates we are now fed.  That is all….  Flame away.

However, I disagree with your take on 'taking away choices' being a liberal position.  Right to choose an abortion? Repubs oppose, Dems support.  Right to choose your own religion? Ditto - repubs and conservatives are trying to choose for everybody...  Etc., etc....  MA

ps  I was just yanking your chain in the many previous posts....

Going back to the founding points of the 2 parties, the Repubs were for freedom, and the Dems for protecting.  Somewhere along the road to today, they traded sides.

Personally, the Libertarians are most appealing to me as well.  Particularly, this little blond one I know...

I put the espoused position of each forward first - and then provided the argument that they supported the opposite of that which they espoused.  

And for the record - you have done a disservice to me, and caused me some trouble with others.  I hope that provides you with some satisfaction- as it has caused me harm.

particularly good mood!  but - then again - this lady I know - could put a smile on my face!

Glad to help...this particular libertarian provider puts a smile on my face every time I talk to her.

To make you feel even better, I'm gonna call her today, LOL.

Superdude, I am right there with you in terms of rep vs dem and cons vs lib.  I tend more toward conservatism because it seems to be the only viable choice.  Since I consider myself to be a libertarian I want the gov't off of my back and out of my wallet as much as possible.  There is an awfull lot of liberalism that is patriachal.  You know the "let the gov't take care of you because you can't take care of yourself" kinda stuff.  And send the gov't most of your money in taxes because we know best how to spend it.  Having said that I am getting fed up with the moralizing of the conservatives.  I can make a cogent argument for legalizing both drugs and prostitution.  Having said all that I am not an anarchist.  We need laws, but just not to many.

I don't want to get into the whole abortion debate, because it is something I am very uncomfortable with, but have you ever noticed that generally speaking those that are "pro-life" also favor the death penealy, and those that are "pro-choice" do not?

I've been a provider for 7 months and a frustrated sociologist, so I ask the gentlemen about their political affiliation and approximately 85% say that they are Republicans.

I voted for Ralph Nader. I consider myself to be a libertarian/liberal but with Republican views in some areas (less government).  It is funny how the Republicans now seem to be the ones who want more government control over our everyday lives.  The extreme right wing religious section is taking over the Republican party. The arrogance of the current administration is reminiscent of Nixon/Watergate and Reagan/Iran-Contra. So, in my opinion, arrogance and relgious zeal are ruining the Republican party.

I LOVED that book Freakonomics.  Yes!!  Read it if you haven't.

I'm getting ready to read State of Fear by Crichton, I've read all of his books.

Everyone should see Control Room, a fascinating 2004 documentary that will make you disgusted with our media and with government/media/war propaganda.

less government position - stated by repubs but then in performance - practiced as the opposite...  thanks for that....  as it does demonstrate that both parties have shifted "what they do" as opposed to "what they say"

will see "Control Room" sounds good.

WHERE DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR POLITICAL STANCE TO BE?
9%   Very Right
30%   Right
31%   Middle
19%   Left
8%   Very Left

Between the lines being drawn so specifically for the parties as our society becomes more polarized (of which religion contributes mightily to) and the number of media outlets and investigations into anything and everything relating to a candidates "character", it is hard to imagine people of a real unifying vision running for office and being elected nowadays.

I think you are not a Republican...or at least, not what this party has become.  I am a lefty Democrat, but I suspect you and I would support the same causes, or at least enough to make progress.  You are not ranting.  You are making sense.  No flames from me.  Your post is provoking a political dialogue that has been absent for far too long.

....I'm making an exception to my customary practice to state that this is one of the most well written & thought provoking 'political' posts I've seen in a long time.

I doubt your analysis of the two major parties is far off base, if at all.  To my mind the Democrats & Republicans are more alike than they are different.  Put either under the magnifying glass & a person is almost certain to see things they really don't like.  

Sadly it seems the extreme factions of both parties are currently weilding too much influence.  A moderate candidate is usually unlikely to receive his party's endorsement.  I believe there is a very large segment of the population that feels almost 'disenfranchised' as a result...hard not to feel that way if 75%(or more) of the time you feel you're simply casting your vote for the lesser of two evils.

Thanks for the post...a refreshing approach.

Bizarro,

I so agree with you about the women in the sex trade needing to be more agressive in the political arena!  I once heard a woman say to me "trying to get the women in this business to unite and work together is like trying to herd a bunch of cats"!  and she is so right.  What I have found based on my own experience is that 50% of the women in the industry don't want their trade to be made legal as they fear it will be legislated to death and they will lose the ability to set their own prices, or that prices will come down some how.  There are also women in this industry who have said to me they wouldn't allow their daughters in this biz even if it were legal!  The other 50% would like to see it made legal but feel its somebody elses job to do the work to get that done.  There is quite a bit of apathy and indifferance among some of the women and men in the hobby.  Yet it is easy for them to complain.  Yes, we do need better leaders for our country, and I do feel that sometimes we as a society are so quick to judge people on their past mistakes (or their youth) that we pick apart candidates who could quite possibly be a very good if not great leader for this country.  By the way  I loved the book "State of fear".

However, if I did, I apologize.  Was only done to taunt you for being a little self-righteous.  

Anyway, your argument was bogus.  The Repubs are cock-sucking scum sucking sucking suckheads, at best.  They want to impose a theocracy on this country, and what with Incurious George in the White House, and the Senate and the House under their control, and the Supreme Court packed with idiots...... well, all I can say is, be afraid...be very afraid.....  Adios, Mudderpucker.  MA

I knew I wasn't going to be hounded and put in jail. I've had an Orlando paper and A Current Affair write and ask me to speak to our side of this business. A California based publishing company wanted me to "write" a book about this profession and my view of what we do. I've asked the wise ones, what do you think? NO way Anneke. Can they guarantee that they will not roll over and betray you to the powers that be? Probably not.

I have been a political activist in my past when I resided in an all white country in a southern state. We were in chaos and going through the throes of national and international publicity. It was not a pleasant place to be but I wouldn't have gone to jail. After I saw what the media did to our county my political activist days were over.

I don't trust these f---ers in either party. So, I keep my mouth shut and so do all the rest of the girls. It's not about apathy for those of us who care. It's about fear.

I'm sorry but I think it's YOU men in the hobby who are in positions of power who are the only ones who can make the changes. How many advocates do we have in public? NONE! Are you wiling to speak out on our behalf and risk ruining your marriages and your careers? So, YOU start taking that first step and relate HOW important this service is (and it is) and maybe we'll stick our necks out too.

If there was a good libertarian candidate to support and vote for I'd do it in a heartbeat.  I'm a registered Republican but I am ashamed and disgusted with what is happening to our country. I leave for the U.K. next week. I'll be in London, Edinburgh and Dublin. I can't wait to hear what they think about what is going on here. I had a civilian date last night with an Irishman from Cork. I asked him how he thought I would be received by the Irish. I wasn't talking about as a provider but as a guest in their country. He said, "they love Americans, but they hate George Bush". This is gonna be interesting.

Keep smiling and hobbying as long as we can,
Anneke

candidate. We get the government that we deserve because it reflects the amount of effort and soul searching that we invest in analyzing positions and track records. I once saw one of the bravest and honest politicians that I have seen in my lifetime drop out of a presidential race early due to lack of support and ultimately money to run his campaign. People of strong convictions and ethical rectitude are becoming rarer in both politics and all other facets of society because the populace in general does not reward those personal characteristics.

get power, hand out tax payer-funded goodies to their supporters and get more power. Did I mention get more power?

The people who would legislate or jail you in a heart beat. The 50% of women who really make this business work for themselves is more like 20% and that in like saying a minority of nothing. The majority of ladies don't want to come out to their families or communities because they know the rage that people will feel everytime they walk in the grocery store. And Anneke, men really don't want their wives or families knowing either. So no matter the group, the most that you'll find is more government legislated brothels in other states besides Nevada and the current underground that now exists. I for one would rather pay the prevailing rate and keep things much as they are... My only lament is the throng of EROS types giving the biz a bad name and all of these "I wish I stayed at home" reviews.

to you.  Your lack of class and ability to communicate is self-evident.  If you wish to disagree with anyone, that is your right.  If you wish to joke or tease anyone, that is your right.  What you have no right to do is to interfere with the communication of others, to appropriate the identity of others or to do so in less than the spirit of moving things forward rather than backwards.

Your poor command of the English language is demonstrated by your quick reliance on vulgar language to make your point.  I have repeatedly told people, in both my private and public life that when one resorts to vulgar language one reveals that he/she is either stupid or ignorant.  Our language is blessed with a richness beyond compare.  It has borrowed from almost every known language, living or dead, on the planet.  To resort to a relative handful of words to express oneself is to reveal either a limited ability to draw upon the richness of the language, or a limited exposure to the language.  Stupidity being the first and ignorance the latter.

Sadly, I can no longer communicate with someone because of your interference.  You have ruined a pleasantry in my day.  I ask that you leave me alone.

a sane and intelligent debate.  I posted this in part because, for the most part, I find that this board is populated by gentle and thoughtful souls - and that is the best way I can think of the internet boards to be - a gathering of souls.  We see not the body - for the most part.  We have angels - to be sure - our lady friends - but I am always surprised when I meet a fellow provider in person who I knew through only the boards previously.  They are not what I would have thought them to be.  They are though in their minds.  Ladies - you truly are angels because I think most of you see our souls and not our bodies.  For that, I thank you.

Intelligence - we have, what we lack is voice.  That is what the vast majority in this country have lost.  When our politicians talk of the "silent majority," the "moral majority," the "soccer moms,"  I look around and what I see is that they are trying to talk about how I feel.  and they almost always get it wrong.

Years ago I used to take part in polls.  After a bit, as I am a recovering scientist, I noticed that how a question was asked, and the choices of answers that were allowed, almost always were predetermined to provide the poll taker the answer that they wished to see.  I now refuse to take part in polls.

I suggest that we start over.  New parties, but we draw the issue lines differently.  I would also make investigations into the conduct of the media an ongoing activity.  If a story is to be reported as news, it cannot contain any bias.  I would also mandate the reporting of stories of the triumph of the human spirit.  We lack real stories of inspiration - and when they do appear, they are too quickly smeared.

But alas, as many of the providers have pointed out, we are too comfortable and will do little to change the channel.  Thanks to all, at least in my thoughts I am not alone.

-- Modified on 2/24/2006 10:21:42 PM

I certainly agree that the average voter doesn't put in a proper amount of time & effort into learning what should be known before casting his vote.  Some will vote strictly party lines & never sway from that.  Some will let the media do their thinking for them.  It was said a long time ago that democracy wouldn't work because it required an informed populace.  There's a certain amount of truth in that.    

But you have touched on what I feel to be one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, problems when you mentioned the honest politician who had to drop out of the race due to lack of support & money.  At any level beyond possibly a small city, it simply takes too much money to run an effective campaign.  By election day anyone left on the ballot with a snowball's chance of winning has received some major financial contributions & that's the problem.  The money comes with strings attached & favors to be repayed.

If a third party "independent" is by chance wealthy enough to finance his champagne without owing such favors the singularly run two party system will make sure to find a way to discredit, impugn, indict and possibly even arrange a “tragic accident" to rid themselves of an unacceptable "wild card" reaching high office.

they would eventually be taken over by Congress, the Senate and by commercialization.

Hugs,
Ciara

...Lexatarian. I unwaveringly vote in my own interests.

think that they would use for their position is that it is "they" who make the life/death decision.  I am even not sure which shoe my kids should wear that will be the best for their feet... so who am I to say who should live or die.  There are very rare circumstances that I support the death penalty - but in those I do support it.  Similarly, I do support abortion rights, not that I would ever choose to exercise them, but I do support the right of a lady to choose to bear and give birth - and cannot understand why the conservative right would not grant a personal right.  It really makes no sense to me.