[PEN-L:11769] A Flashback

["James Michael Craven" <CRAVJM@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This discussion on prostitution brought back a flashback. Years ago I
was driving a Taxi and it was about 3 am in the morning in Seattle
and I was coming back after dropping someone off in an area (14th and
Yesler for those who know Seattle) that is occupied mostly by poor
African-Americans.

As I was at a stop light, an African-American woman jumped into my
cab. I asked her where she wanted to go and she said "Please mister,
I need to feed my children, I'll do whatever you want just $5.00 or
$10.00 if you can spare it. You can come to my house and see that I
have children, this isn't for dope--honest." She didn't know if I had
some disease, she obviously couldn't afford even a condom and didn't
ask if I had one or would use one. She was desperate, pure and simple.

I gave her some money and she said "what do you want?" I said right
now, I'd like to see you off the street at home with your children.
She just couldn't believe that somebody didn't want something except
that she and her children would be out of a dangerous situation and
as I tell my daughter your job is to grow up "healthy and happy and
strong".

When I read this disgusting crap about "voluntary exchanges",
"alternative work arrangements", "just another kind of whoring" or
whatever--typical libertarian crap--I am forced to relive that night.
This woman was not the exception, her situation was the rule--and not
only for women of color or women in the "Third World" but prostitutes
in many cases--they get used, abused and then thrown away just liike
any commodity. It is not "petit-bourgeois morality" to call for an
end to such abuse, it is rank petit-bourgeois metality--and worse--to
be inpervious to such pain and exploitation, all in the name of
carving up facts to fit some bullshit--and publishable--theory.

BTW, since it has been asserted that "We are all whores" I suggest we
all create a kind of list of the week titled "My Tricks for the Week."
Should be interesting reading.


                                Jim Craven

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