thisfire

Let's talk about prostitution and marijuana...

How are they connected, you ask? Follow me down the winding path of insane discovery (and democratic capatalistic politics) and find out.

Technically, both prostitution (and the solicitation thereof) and possession of marijuana are illegal. This applies to the vast majority of both American and Canadian states and provinces/territories respectively, and most of the free world.

However, they are, in the end, victimless crimes (please no sob stories of the oppressed women and what forced them into prostitution. I know, and it sucks. I've gotten over it. And yes, I'm a prick about some things), and generate very little income for the governement. One must weigh the cost of the police and administrative staff associated with the arrest (of both prostitutes/Johns and possessors of marijuana), and the administration of punishment and one will find that the inherent governmental costs FAR outweigh any meager ticketing "profit."

And thus, the government should legalize both these things. Through legalization, one takes away the stigma associated with acts, and makes them less desirable. Believe me, if they legalize prostitution, a young girl aspiring to be a doctor will not say "Hey, it's easier to be a hooker, I think I'll do that instead."

Should these things be legalized, then the North American governments stand to make a FUCKLOAD of money. Idealy, prostitution and the growing/selling of marijuana can be licensed. This generates licensing fees, and switches the fines issued for prostitution into fines associated with not being licensed. Therefore, the government can see profit from the licensing of legal prostitutes and growers of marijuana, PLUS the fines from people who break said laws.

Most significantly, the government can tax and regulate these acts. Licensing can limit marijuana growth and control the additives etc, and can, most importantly, create laws regarding the safe testing of all prostitutes (covered in the licensing fee) and limit the spread of STDs. It also makes the income from these acts TAXABLE!!!! Criminals don't pay taxes, but if these profits become legal, then they can be claimed as INCOME TAX!!!! Think about how much money that would generate for communities! I care very little for the "morality" of the acts, because sex and pot are not immoral in my mind. In high marijana output communities (one would assume rural areas), the school systems could be VASTLY improved (yeah, I know school income is based on property tax, but think about how valuble marijuana fields would be!).

Legalize it. It makes things easier, and makes money for the countries, and will push the economy that much more. Plus, think of the tourist money!

Why are we so hung up on the "morality" of these issues? One cannot seriously think it's o.k. to keep cigarettes and alcohol legal, but say marijuana is dangerous.

That being said, I've never been to a hooker, and I don't smoke pot anymore. I just think that the government is hung up on antiquated notions of Christian "morality."

I said my piece,

J.R.