don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

"The big difference between sex for money and sex for free is that sex for money usually costs a lot less." ~Rodney Dangerfield

On April 30, 2005, I published an article at this site favorable to legalizing prostitution. I did so because, in addition to all the fun that legalization would make possible for tens of millions of customers and a good living for others who might choose this line of work, I was convinced that it would lead to a far healthier society, in my humble, non-faith-based opinion, than we have now. Nothing has changed my mind about this matter since that time, in fact, I think the need for easily accessible, affordable and safe sexual activities for all who desire such is greater now than ever, judging from continued high levels of deviancy driven in part by the frustration of natural desires. Besides that, sexual activity is a natural and good human desire and function and should be abetted, not discouraged or made difficult and/or dangerous to arrange and enjoy.

If you missed my earlier piece, may I suggest you have a look. The title of the essay/interview is,  A Wellness Perspective on Prostitution, Freedom, Religion and More--An Interview with Jeannette Angell, Author of Callgirl: Confessions of an Ivy League Lady of Pleasure. 

Many books have been written about prostitution pro and con, and scholarly articles and journal tomes of vast depth and erudition are required to do the complexity of the issues justice. I don't have the space or patience, discipline, interest or time to address even most of the arguments for and against legalization. If my brief overview comments spark your interest in the matter, I'm sure you will have no trouble finding wonderful sources for in-depth assessments of the issues.

Here's a short summary of a few of the reasons I'm so enthusiastic about legalizing sex (well, prostitution):

• Freedom should include the opportunity for consenting adults to do as they like, other things being considered.
  
  
• Too much public funds are spent by law enforcement agencies harassing, arresting and prosecuting prostitutes and their customers. Of course, ANY funds spent on this purpose is too much, but the costs are actually astronomical. There are much better uses for scarce tax dollars than enforcing laws that would not exist save for the political power of organized religions intent on making illegal activities they believe are sinful.
  
  
• Organized crime flourishes in this underground industry, and pimps and others exploit women and others in the trade. Safeguards and regulations of many kinds would protect those who are hurt by the criminalization of something that will exist in dysfunctional forms despite suppression. Naturally, working conditions would be improved with legalization, as seen in nations (Denmark) that have legalized the trade. Also, underage youths would be protected, as would those currently pressured to engage in prostitution under duress and dreadful circumstances.

On a personal note, I suspect my sweet, beloved, gorgeous and wonderful wife would have no objections to my occasional expenditure for a risk-free good time, provided all the conditions were right. Among these would be a sensible price, assurance that I would take precautions (absolutely), a promise that I would not fall in love with the service provider and confidence that I would always have the good sense not to utter something stupid to my dearest on our marital bed. You know, something like: "Darling, LulaBelle does such and such-how come you can't do that?"

Finally, I should note that at age 70, it's becoming harder and harder to find gorgeous babes in their twenties interested in having sex with me, despite the fact that I'm cute, fit, friendly, disease free and still in possession of functioning faculties, including those traditionally associated with this particular endeavor. I think the opportunity to have a memorable experience now and then would make the golden years of one's life a hell of a lot more fun.

Just knowing that such a thing might be possible without getting arrested would give many an old goat a reason for living -- and staying as fit as possible. Of course, there are plenty of reasons to keep living for most seniors, even at very, very old ages, but this would surely be one more that most geezers would welcome. At least that's true for geezer guys. Women have more sense than to bother with this sort of thing at any age, since they can readily get these kinds of needs met any time they like, at any age. 

That's how I feel about prostitution. What are your thoughts?

Be well and, like me, always look on the bright side of life.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MEANING DOMAIN under the skill area of relationships. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

 Send e-mail to Don Ardell