Prostitution by any other name - Reader comments at The New York Sun

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Prostitution Case Features Prosecutors of Corruption

Submitted by Joel A. Robinson, Mar 10, 2008 10:44

ATTENTION: MR. JOSEPH GOLDSTEIN

In today's NY Sun it was reported that a public official could be linked to a prostitution ring operating out of New Jersey, which seems odd on several levels except one. The public official was alleged to be making $112,000 a year and possibly spending $3,500 for sexual favors. On that basis this investigation makes sense because it would seem logical that this official was making additional income and potentially misusing his office.

On any other level the issue of a consenting woman and man engaged in the oldest profession seems out of date at the very least. The operative issue is "consenting" on the part of the woman – and if this is the case, where is the crime. People that accept benefits other than money could be alleged to be partaking in the same enterprise as the woman that exchanges sex for cash.

Many couples live together outside marriage and if a woman of modest means chooses to live with a wealthy man would this be called prostitution? If a woman consents to have sex with her employer who is to say this is not a romantic relationship rather than an economic relationship.

An escort service such as the one described in the NY Sun is clearly and exchange of sexual favors for money, but hardly a crime if both parties are consenting adults in today's climate of tolerance in sexual matters.

The bluenose line of thinking that prostitution is evil fails to consider activities that are no different except in definition. Why is taking money for sex more reprehensible than a person entering a relationship for reasons other than romance? Is anyone so naïve that they believe all associations between couples is based solely on love? What about a woman that wants to get ahead in politics and marries a man who might be the Attorney General, or Governor of a state. It may be a loveless marriage but both parties are enjoying other goals from the association.

This is not a defense of prostitution; it is simply to point out that pursuing people and their chosen profession can be a double edged sword when applied to the activities implies the same activity where only the name has been changed to protect the guilty.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
any of these escorts? Also, I wonder if any investment (insider) info was givin out? Where is the National Inquire... [MORE]	billybob	Mar 16, 2008 18:42
Why did they only release Spitzers name? There must be hundreds of clients, all rich and powerful. [MORE]	Dan	Mar 12, 2008 14:17
If a public offical can afford to pay 5000.00 an hour -Then our public servants are overpaiid [MORE]	james	Mar 11, 2008 23:45
$5,000 an hr? insane, for 3 hrs thats more than some pple make in a yr!! [MORE]	ANON	Mar 12, 2008 21:35
While this "event" will undoubtedly have a negative effect on Mr. Spizer and his family, sadly, it will also filter... [MORE]	Anonymous	Mar 11, 2008 17:11
As a highly-paid escort in New York City, I have to say that I'm completely unsurprised by the events... [MORE]	Ava Xi'an	Mar 11, 2008 14:00
I wonder how much, if any, of the tab for the room was paid for using NY State funds. [MORE]	Bob	Mar 11, 2008 12:44
he's a criminal---taxpayer time and money for fun and games,,,,,,,,jail [MORE]	john g stevens	Mar 11, 2008 11:26
Since Elliot won't be using the left over deposit, would it be possible to auction it off on EBAY? [MORE]	Ben	Mar 11, 2008 10:01
if he's going to be paying for with our tax $ then he ought to be sharing with the new... [MORE]	rich	Mar 11, 2008 08:29
To all the Liberals who come to his defense (starting with Alan Dershowitz): It sickens me that a Harvard Law... [MORE]	Nick	Mar 11, 2008 07:58
What do you expect. With the introduction of the Internet, escorts are available everywhere. It's not like you have to drive... [MORE]	Mark West	Mar 11, 2008 03:26
If we take a close look at many of our elected officials we'll find as Voters, we're pretty pathetic. Or... [MORE]	Hunter	Mar 10, 2008 19:44
forgot to add this... Yes..America is a purely service based economy.... [MORE]	Joe	Mar 10, 2008 16:33
$5500 per hour???? at this rate working 8hrs/day = $44,000 5 days / week = $220,000 50 weeks (2weeks vacation) = $11,000,000 Enough money... [MORE]	Joe	Mar 10, 2008 16:30
I'm sure he was just investigating any price fixing. I'm outraged these hookers are getting contingency fees! What comes around goes around. [MORE]	Brad in Omaha	Mar 10, 2008 16:29
Prostitution should be legal such as other countries in Europe! La prostitucion debe ser legal como en otros paises de Europa!!! [MORE]	Ray	Mar 10, 2008 15:51
That is why we are a better society than Europe :) [MORE]	anonymous	Mar 10, 2008 19:33
He probably thought it wasn't cheating if he paid for it. [MORE]	justlooking	Mar 10, 2008 15:51
What about the other "Public Official", quoted a few years in saying "I never had sex with that woman"? And... [MORE]	Gary	Mar 10, 2008 16:11
Spitzer was asked to go under the covers and he thought they meant under cover...he was doing what he thought... [MORE]	Cliff	Mar 10, 2008 19:27
"Ok, lets see if I have this bill right. $75,000 in Corn Futures, $50,000 in Barley, short 1,000 Citibank common... [MORE]	Les Redmon	Mar 10, 2008 15:30
Great!!! Now what am I going to do this weekend!!!! [MORE]	Bill Clinton	Mar 10, 2008 15:26
did you give Spitzer your gift card? [MORE]	Hillary Sadom	Mar 10, 2008 20:46
I'd be surprised if they caught any on whore mongering alone, there must be more graft. So if you get a... [MORE]	Smitty	Mar 10, 2008 14:56
ATTENTION: MR. JOSEPH GOLDSTEIN In today's NY Sun it was reported that a public official could be linked to a prostitution...	Joel A. Robinson	Mar 10, 2008 10:44
Our career politicians, both Federal and State Gov't are failing America and its tax paying Americans. We need to make... [MORE]	Jay	Mar 10, 2008 16:12
I agree with Jay's comments. We, the voters, are the failures. We've become complacent and tolerant of our abusive politicians... [MORE]	Tom	Mar 10, 2008 16:22
I hope Eliot's wife divorces him and that his name is mud, but then again, maybe she will stick with... [MORE]	Emily Barlow	Mar 10, 2008 16:46
I want blood shed..I want to take this country over..I want a revolution...Screw this outing of officials, they just laugh [MORE]	Ron	Mar 10, 2008 17:33
All politicians wearing trousers[and panties] find the "world's greatest profession" acceptable and necessary to enhance their careers. $5K of taxpayers... [MORE]	Lindy Bell	Mar 11, 2008 00:56
Ladies: A few truthful random thoughts from a guy who sees nothing but danger and tragedy in monogamy: Have a great life... [MORE]	Russ-Washington.DC	Mar 11, 2008 09:34
Frankly, laws should change to control the enteprise privately and tax it to fund health insurances or anything else that... [MORE]	Michael Pobjecky	Mar 11, 2008 10:59
Emily, what business are you in where you never have to sell yourself? I can only hope that if this mass... [MORE]	Anthony	Mar 12, 2008 01:56