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Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:00 AM

Misadventures in logical reasoning -- and lessons learned from the Spitzer scandal

Nothing obliterates rational discourse like a titillating sex scandal.

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  • Wednesday, March 12, 2008 02:57 PM

    Prostitution and factory work

    Not the same thing.

    Prostitution is not just another "unpleasant job" people do "in order to support themselves, rather than because they enjoy it".

    If you're an unemployed Nevadan and go to an employment agency, how come the person behind the counter might suggest a career in fast food, but will never say: "I've got a great job offer for you here: how about becoming a prostitute in the local brothel?"

    For all those people who think prostitution is just a normal job that simply isn't as enjoyable as being, say, a lawyer: What if you had a daughter (and prostitution were legal); if she were asking for career advice -- she was doubting between a career in fast food and a career in the escort business, which would you recommend? Exactly.

    The truth is, prostitution is very problematic. Many women are being exploited or abused, or have other issues. Legalization doesn't solve anything. They legalized it in 2001 in the Netherlands, and the problem (with sex slaves) only became bigger, so they are now thinking about criminalizing it again (pimping, that is, not prostitution).

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