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Originally Posted by EmilyHemingway
Good gravy, that reads like some sort of civil rights nightmare. Call me a cynic, but what I don't see is mention of being read their rights, allowed attorney counsel or that the medical services are voluntary.
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Oh, I'm sure that they're read their rights and the medical services is voluntary. Maybe. There was a huge cover story about this in The Dallas Observer in the fall. It's pretty big news and is being done in other cities.
There's also a lot of prideful breast beating with judges and certain law enforcement agents who are promoting this program.
I know of two sex worker advocates who are not in favor of this program. I would only be in favor of it if someone wishes to get out of the business and they don't have the wherewithall to do so in any other fashion and I can see that has happening.
But my thoughts are that many women LIKE being on the streets and they don't feel that they are less then "us" who are internet escorts. In fact, many streetwalkers make more money then the internet ladies. It's all the same just in a different form.
In the book, "Working" by Delores French, she liked learning about streetwalking. I've always been curious about it. But if I did it, I believe that I would rather be in Paris where it's not a crime! (Or rather, it's tolerated)
Point being, it's disturbing that law enforcement is wishing to help us poor souls to get out of the business. I have a dear friend who really DOES wish to get out of escorting and she has found some really good support groups in Dallas to help with the different problems (lack of extra money, isolation, etc.) that happens when women get out of this business.
But she has her head together, doesn't have a drug problem and being an escort was her choice, it certainly wasn't forced.
To force a woman to do something to stay out of jail is morally just wrong. Period. Of course, we could segue into another topic about legalities and different moral compasses but there's no point to that.
It just rubs me the complete wrong way to read about these programs and have women tell ME that this is the way to go. And don't even get me started about having to be with civie friends and have them make comments about "bad women" or "hookers" and they haven't a clue of what they're saying or more especially, who they're saying it around.
The whole situation makes me curse under my breath.
Good topic!
Elisabeth