I have to admit to being infatuated with Maureen. I've been reading the NYT op-ed pages for a couple of years now, and one of the primary drivers was to read the fantastic writing that she pours on to the page.

Men are necessary. Being a member of that demographic allows me to believe this with great conviction. I look forward to reading this book and don't believe that Maureen literally questions the future existence of the coarser gender. I envy the man that will one day force her to recant her existential questioning.

The following is an open letter posted on my Blog to Congressman Rob Simmons. The point? Stop complaining on message boards and start complaining to your elected representatives. It's easy to do and BTW, nothing beats a phone call. You can find their contact info at Senate.gov and House.gov.

Don't just sit there: Do Something!

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Dear Mr. Simmons,

I am writing to you to let you know how I feel about the behavior of the President. When President Bush originally ran for President, one of his positions was to restore dignity and honesty to the presidency. He has failed on both counts. It is time to take action. It is time to Impeach President Bush.

It is my feeling that it is time to begin impeachment proceedings against this president and his administration, including vice-president Dick Cheney. I ask that the President and Vice President be investigated and prosecuted for High Crimes against the American people. He has failed this nation and it is time for him to go. This can only happen if a majority of the House makes it happen. It can only happen if Republicans, like you, take a stand for our country that trancends your party affiliation.

President Clinton was impeached for lieing about having sex with his intern. Shouldn't we hold President Bush to the same high standard of truth and integrity? President Bush lied us into war in Iraq, has broken the law, and has consistently demonstrated a lack of regard for the Constitution. This president is a danger to our nation in a greater sense than any terrorist ever could be and it's time to stop it.

I am asking you as a constituent and a real American patriot:

Stop letting this administration abuse its powers, hurt our country, and get more American soldiers killed. It's time to impeach President Bush.

Sincerely Yours,

David Sanabria

cc: Rob Simmons, http://philozopher.blogspot.com/

People sell their bodies every day when they get in their cars and drive to work. It's fine to rent the parts between your ears, but not those between your legs? It's a stupid, pointless, moralist distinction and the only reason it's still a crime anywhere is becuase men are still in charge.

Should we allow hedonism? Why not, we allow overeating. Should it be a crime (or even a taboo) to provide an ego boost or a physical outlet to men (or women) who, becuase of circumstance or choice, find it more convenient to pay for sex rather than scan the local bar scene for someone drunk, desparate, or risky enough to take out for anonymous sex? Who Cares? I don't.

Like every "social ill," prostitution is really only bad when its exploitative. If sex workers are denied the same labour protections granted to office workers, there will always be a dark side to the profession and explotation will thrive as will the criminals that buy women from desperate circumstance and bring them to market in places where they profit from the women's work.

Exploitation is bad, prostitution isn't. Legalise Prostitution, send the slavers to jail. Problem solved.