LEGALIZE MARIJUANA AND PROSTITUTION

[macbeth25]

Just to add my penny's worth -- You can find articles on the Internet both for and against prostitution and the places in some sections of Nevada.  I'm sure you can find support for whatever stand you might like to take. 
I think the girls would be safer working in a place like the Chicken Ranch with people looking at potential customers and security available, not to mention medical checkups and treatment if necessary than either being out on the street or working through Craig’s list or some other Internet program.
Painting all the women involved in this life as having mental problems, being drug addicts or some other horrible thing is, to me, the same as saying that all police officers are crooks and beat people for fun.  It's just as ridiculous.
Can't you see the possibility that for some of these ladies working in places like The Chicken Ranch, this kind of job represents good pay and benefits and that's why they do it.  They're providing a service and getting well paid.
My wife's father was a deputy sheriff and I literally trusted him with my life and those of my wife and children.  So don't dare tell me I'm against police. 
As far as "seeing" an officer beat anyone or take advantage of his/her position -- do you really think, if one did, he/she would welcome an audience, especially another LEO?  I'm certain we can find statistics which show that at least a minuscule number of police officers throughout the world fit this description.

[NotNow]

Again, I claim no experience in Nevada style bordello's, and my thoughts on the "mental" side of prostitution are just my opinion.  I have no medical or psychological training beyond the usual college courses and the law enforcement training that I have received over the years.  I base my opinion on the aforementioned training and a couple of decades of street patrol experience in "urban" neighborhoods.  There may very well be some very well adjusted, professional prostitutes.  I just haven't met them yet. 

I don't believe that you are against the Police just because you disagree with me.  If that was the case then everyone I know would be "against the Police."  Your opinion is just as valid as mine, more so if you have psychological training and have studied this lifestyle.

I am painfully aware that Officers have violated the trust placed in them in the past.  But most people base their frame of reference of the "Police" on what they see on TV, which is a gross misrepresentation.  Law Enforcement is a complicated business, but the rules are pretty black and white.  In reality, you won't last long in the profession if you are raping prostitutes, or beating people, or mistreating a class of people.  You can't hide things like that for long and the vast majority of Officers won't stand for it, because it makes our job much, much harder.  My personal experience is limited to just a few departments, but JSO is a well regulated and professional department IMHO.  Do Officers screw up and even violate laws?  Yes and it is dealt with as well as any organization can deal with such things.  New Officers learn quick where the lines are  and that this is at least a twenty year career.  You won't make it with personal agendas or animosities.

Think about your coworkers.  Does it become obvious within a few months who is honest?  Who you can trust?  Who does a good job and who is just there for the money?  i won't bore you with details but we look at prospective employees long and hard, under all kinds of conditions before they are let loose.  It ain't perfect but it is a good system.  The characters you see on TV are just that, fictional TV characters providing entertainment only.

[macbeth25]

I just came across this material and I have no idea how accurate it is, but it sure makes interesting reading if anyone would like to learn more about the Chicken Ranch- at least from one writer's point of view: http://www.textfiles.com/sex/crfaq.txt. One of the reasons I keep referring to that place is that I've watched shows on Dish and other places regarding it -- not only on the "sex" channels but on news or similar programs.  I've never been there, nor is it likely I'll ever go.  
Some people insist that veterans are heroes because we risked our lives to keep the United States free.  For most of us, risking our lives was a possibility, but, unless we were actively engaged against an enemy or in a position where attack was possible, even probable, it was just a job.  You wore a uniform and saluted and had to do KP or some other detail but that was part of the job. I did it for 23 years and many have done it far longer than that.
NotNow, there is no need for you to so actively defend police officers.  The actions of a very few has no effect on the respect I have for LEO's in general. Any person who puts his/her life on the line every time he/she goes to work is worthy of respect.
As I said, my wife's father was a very good deputy sheriff and well respected among his peers and by the courts in his area.  I knew him for quite a few years before he passed away.  To me, every law enforcement officer is a real hero and deserving of respect.  
To say that none are at fault, however, is not realistic.  After all, LEO's are human beings just like me and none of us is perfect.

[NotNow]

Thanks for complimenting the profession and our military.  Thanks for your service.  Don't forget that REMF's are in danger too these days.  Don't forget the Khobar Towers:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khobar_Towers_bombing

and the Scud attack during the first Gulf war:

http://articles.latimes.com/1991-02-26/news/mn-1889_1_iraqi-scud



I made it clear that some LEO's have violated the trust placed in them.  I am simply stating that it happens much more rarely than is perceived by many.  And of course, you are right, none of us is perfect.

[macbeth25]

I also remember 9-11.  I wonder when the next one will be.  There was a TV series on for a while which I think might really be a possibility -- Jericho.  Readers might also want to read Orson Scott Card's Empire.  I really think that's what's in front of us and I only hope our nation will survive it.   

[macbeth25]

Just wanted to mention --  and I don't know how to pull it up -- CNBC did a show about the Marijuana:Industry on Dish Channel 208.  The show was on 081509 from 7-8 pm.  Another item.  I noticed a comment somewhere that using a hookah for a typical session (20 - 80 minutes) was the equivalent of smoking more than 100 cigarettes.  I mention that because I've been told that hookahs are not as bad as cigarettes.  The article mentioned that there were eight places in Gainesville which had them -- have no idea where.  I've also been told that there are some in Jacksonville, as well.

I've just been doing some checking and here's a web address which discusses Marijuana and this show: http://www.cnbc.com/id/28281668.

[urbanlibertarian]

Making something illegal doesn't make it go away, but it does create the opportunity for a black market to develop.  Black markets usually lead to violence and corruption of police and politicians.  Activities engaged in voluntarily by competent adults should be regulated rather than outlawed.

[downtownparks]

Making something illegal doesn't make it go away, but it does create the opportunity for a black market to develop.  Black markets usually lead to violence and corruption of police and politicians.  Activities engaged in voluntarily by competent adults should be regulated rather than outlawed.

Beautifully said UL.

[Coolyfett]

I say make it legal. People use weed all the time. The law is about the money the big dealers make. It would be nightmare for drug dealers. As far as hookers go....It already legal. thousands of porn sites on the net. Any category you need is there. And there are millions upon millions of women willing to do things for attention and for the buck. Google anything...it exist. As for the homo dudes, hey they can do as they please, until they start the yelling and protesting. I never really had the eww yuck feeling some men get when around them. Its their life, they can do whatever makes them happy.