LEGALIZED PROSTITUTION

2 PARAGRAPHS 4 LIBERTY: 437

The idea that “Laws Reflect Society’s Values” is basically true. But it is also true that, in many ways, “We Can’t Legislate Morality.” So in writing last week’s edition of our 2 Paragraphs about Costa Rica requiring school uniforms, it started me thinking about other programs in Costa Rica. And one of those is prostitution which, when I was there in the Peace Corps from 1966 to 1968, was totally legal for adults. They had houses where the women lived and “did business,” so we would never see those women on the streets. In addition, they had no need for “pimps,” and their lives were far less dangerous than they are here because they are shielded from confrontations by men in unknown areas. And, since their business was regulated, they were required to have checkups with a medical doctor every month, which kept them as well as their customers more free from disease. In fact, if we had that approach here, they would also be required to pay their income taxes.

Of course, prostitution is not called the “World’s Oldest Profession” for nothing: it has been around since the beginning of human beings. And if anyone in our country actually wants to be with prostitutes they are not difficult to find, whether it be in an upscale or lower economic area, or anywhere else in between. And, when it comes down to it, why should a consenting adult not be able to offer or accept services like this? I agree that this would offend many people’s sense of morality. But to Libertarians it is a matter of personal Liberty, as long as no one wrongfully inflicts him or herself upon anyone else. And, when it comes down to it, isn’t it more of a moral result for those involved not to be harmed nearly as much by violence and disease? And by being criminally prosecuted – particularly since it is almost always the prostitutes who are prosecuted instead of their customers? So I present this idea to you for your consideration, because it really did work in Costa Rica – which was at that time a totally Catholic country.

Question for the week (which I received from my correspondence with an inmate in a Texas prison): What do you call a horse being ridden by a ghost? Answer: A Night Mare .

Judge Jim Gray (Ret.) Superior Court of Orange County, California 2012 Libertarian Candidate for Vice President

Please listen to our radio show entitled All Rise! The Libertarian Way with Judge Jim Gray as we discuss timely ssues and show how they will be addressed more beneficially by employing Libertarian values and approaches. The series has concluded, but you can still hear any edition On Demand at https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/3883. And, by the way, these 2 Paragraphs columns are now on my website at www.JudgeJImGray.com, Facebook and LinkedIn at judgejimgray, Twitter at judgejamesgray, and wordpress at judgejimgray.wordpress.com. Please visit these sites for past editions, and do your part to spread the word about the importance of Liberty. In addition, my new book with the same title as my radio show is now available at Amazon.com., as is my wife Grace’s and my new novel centered about School Choice entitled 2030 KIDS: We are the Rising Heroes of the Planet. Please read and discuss them with your friends, and send in a review.