Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped.
Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises.
This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

Sorry, Ian, which country?

Ian wrote:
Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

Same applies to weed. Never gonna stop it, regulate it, tax it (using the tax to improve public services - not wars we don't want), educate people on it.

Job dne

No better & no worse than a lot of other conniving wannabe celebtities or Wags who like to make a bit of money on the side, or backs, & then sell the story to the media. There also seems to be a never ending supply of good looking women only to willing to strip off, or more,for photographers in return for money.
I sometimes wonder who is exploiting who.

Chong wrote:

Ian wrote: Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

Same applies to weed. Never gonna stop it, regulate it, tax it (using the tax to improve public services - not wars we don't want), educate people on it. Job dne

Agree with both of you - why the powers can't appreciate this simple logic is beyond me.

What a waste of Police and judicial resources. It is time the law was changed. Better to have prostitutes legally available, than to have men going round raping and abusing innocent victims. We should learn from the Dutch who seem to have developed a correct and controlled attitude to prostitution over many decades.

PS: Haven't the WI called for the legalisation of prostitution recently? If the jam and "Jerusalem" brigade don't have a problem, why do the police?

think about this !
if a prostitute gets caught soliciting & brought to appeare in front of a judge in a court of law & she is found guilty & has a big fine impossed on her ,how is she going to get the money to pay her fines ?yes , by doing more prostitution , therefore making our police , courts & judges her overall pimps

so who is the real pimps ?
what a vicious circle the justice system really is.

GL wrote:
What a waste of Police and judicial resources. It is time the law was
changed. Better to have prostitutes legally available, than to have men
going round raping and abusing innocent victims. We should learn from
the Dutch who seem to have developed a correct and controlled attitude
to prostitution over many decades.
PS: Haven't the WI called for the legalisation of prostitution
recently? If the jam and "Jerusalem" brigade don't have a problem, why
do the police?

Um. I agree with your sentiments, mainly, but I must point out to you that men who do not get laid do not turn into rapists, and availability of prostitution won't have an effect on rape statistics. Rapists rape for other reasons, not because they're desperate for sex

But indeed, if even the WI are in on the "legalise it" act, why not the constitution?

Just to clarify my earlier comments, the Dutch have significantly lower rape cases than the British, The Dutch government contribute this to the existence of legalised brothels.

I have not viewed these statistics myself and agree that men rape for a wide range of reasons, but the Dutch continue to claim that there is a direct link between the two.

Ian wrote:
Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue. Surely it would be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to write a cheque or use their credit card.

Did you know that there are men and women in this country who have sex in return for money and that other people make even more money as a result? There is plenty of evidence in the form of film or video images. The resulting DVDs can be bought quite legally in licensed sex shops. What I can't understand is that it seems to be illegal for one woman to profit from running a brothel whereas reasonably large companies can make money from other people having sex at their behest but are immune from prosecution. It's a very strange law. Perhaps this "madam" should have filmed her girls at work.

Cynic wrote:

Ian wrote: Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue. Surely it would be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to write a cheque or use their credit card.

Many business that take cash (small shops for example), allow their customers to remain anonymous but they still pay tax (VAT or income).

Taxing this form of business would be no different - and frankly I would have every expectation that those controlling it would take more care of personal data than HMRC.

A different view wrote:
Did you know that there are men and women in this country who have sex
in return for money and that other people make even more money as a
result? There is plenty of evidence in the form of film or video
images. The resulting DVDs can be bought quite legally in licensed sex
shops. What I can't understand is that it seems to be illegal for one
woman to profit from running a brothel whereas reasonably large
companies can make money from other people having sex at their behest
but are immune from prosecution. It's a very strange law. Perhaps this
"madam" should have filmed her girls at work.

I bet the difference is that **** stars are paid for their appearance on film, rather than the sex itself. Not a bad workaround you've come up with there!

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue. Surely it would be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to write a cheque or use their credit card.

Wonder where you would swipe your card?

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue. Surely it would be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to write a cheque or use their credit card.

I wonder where you would swipe your card?

I have been reading the comments posted on this site with great interest and have learnt a great deal. I will soon be opening Southampton's first self-service massage parlour.

Rich wrote:

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue. Surely it would
be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to write a cheque or
use their credit card.

I wonder where you would swipe your
card?

Shut up Rich, this is no joking matter

Hiram Hackenbacker wrote:

Cynic wrote:

Ian wrote: Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue. Surely it would be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to write a cheque or use their credit card.

Many business that take cash (small shops for example), allow their customers to remain anonymous but they still pay tax (VAT or income). Taxing this form of business would be no different - and frankly I would have every expectation that those controlling it would take more care of personal data than HMRC.

--- and they are so honest they would declare it ?

I suppose the Taxman could always assess them on the basis of possible number of turns per night, with suitable tax allowances for ugliness, disease or old age.

No, it is not likely. Besides, the Government would then be living off immoral earnings !

Hiram Hackenbacker wrote:

Cynic wrote:

Ian wrote: Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue. Surely it would be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to write a cheque or use their credit card.

Many business that take cash (small shops for example), allow their customers to remain anonymous but they still pay tax (VAT or income). Taxing this form of business would be no different - and frankly I would have every expectation that those controlling it would take more care of personal data than HMRC.

--- and they are so honest they would declare it ?

I suppose the Taxman could always assess them on the basis of possible number of turns per night, with suitable tax allowances for ugliness, disease or old age.

No, it is not likely. Besides, the Government would then be living off immoral earnings !

Appologies Denzil. I didnt realise you were a pimp.

Cynic wrote:

Hiram Hackenbacker wrote:

Cynic wrote:

Ian wrote: Is
about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old
profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular
health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets,
reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the
Government.

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue.
Surely it would be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to
write a cheque or use their credit card.

Many business that
take cash (small shops for example), allow their customers to remain
anonymous but they still pay tax (VAT or income). Taxing this form of
business would be no different - and frankly I would have every
expectation that those controlling it would take more care of personal
data than HMRC.

--- and they are so honest they would declare
it ?
I suppose the Taxman could always assess them on the basis of possible
number of turns per night, with suitable tax allowances for ugliness,
disease or old age.
No, it is not likely. Besides, the Government would then be living off
immoral earnings !

Are you saying that prostitutes are, by nature, dishonest?

Interesting what some of you have said.

Firstly it is suggested that the offender, Sharon Moir, would have to pay lots for her fines and therefore the courts the would be her 'pimp'. This woman has thousand's of pounds and will have those items confiscated, so already has the money.

Someone even suggested that weed (cannabis) should be made legal and then taxed. Weed as we know is incredibly addictive and is the biggest cause of schizophrenia with 1 in 6 that use the stuff getting it. This causes misery to everyone around them.

Now the interesting part, many of the girls that become prostitutes are there because of their addiction to drugs, and their need to pay for those drugs is why they are prostitutes. They started on so called harmless drugs such as weed, and then progressed to heroin or crack.

Now some of you will say, "Thats a load of rubbish, my mate (or even me) take cannabis and we're not like that," and others will say, "You're just a bore, it chills you out, it's great." Let me tell you that 100% of those that take cannabis get paranoia, if you say thats rubbish, then you've never taken the stuff. So, not so harmless? Just ask those in prisons that committed a crime whilst under the influence of the stuff.

Now going back to drugs = prostitution, I happen to know one of the "girls"/"prostitutes

" that Sharon, of the above story used. Firstly Sharon is an evil, evil woman preying on young girls with a particular problem, to fulfil the sexual desire of some sweaty, fat, sexually deficient loser. This causes untold misery to the prostitute which all started because the prostitute needed more and more money to pay for her drug habit. Oh and yes, I'm sure there are those that are not on drugs but see it as an easier way to make money, I have no sympathy for them. Now imagine your sister, daughter, friend, mother going into a room with a fat, sweaty stranger with bad breath. They get undressed and she has to perform felacio on the man whilst he lies there groaning and grunting. Now if you feel anything for the person you imaged HAD to perform that act on said bloke, then you will realise that almost every prostitute Sharon used felt the same. Thats reality!
I know some of you will say, "That's over the top," or "Who cares" but it is reality.

Oh, and not being one that is ever politically correct, lets stop calling an "Escort" an "Escort" but rather a "Prostitute" which is what they ALL are. I've heard many escorts bleating on about not being prostitutes, but reality is they all, yes thats 100% of them, are. They say they're not in order to appease their parents and friends when they feel they have to give credability to their new employment.

Rich wrote:
Appologies Denzil. I didnt realise you were a pimp.

I'm not. This subject is close to my heart because of my mother

Know it all wrote:
Interesting what some of you have said. Firstly it is suggested that
the offender, Sharon Moir, would have to pay lots for her fines and
therefore the courts the would be her 'pimp'. This woman has thousand's
of pounds and will have those items confiscated, so already has the
money.
Someone even suggested that weed (cannabis) should be made legal and
then taxed. Weed as we know is incredibly addictive and is the biggest
cause of schizophrenia with 1 in 6 that use the stuff getting it. This
causes misery to everyone around them. Now the interesting part, many
of the girls that become prostitutes are there because of their
addiction to drugs, and their need to pay for those drugs is why they
are prostitutes. They started on so called harmless drugs such as weed,
and then progressed to heroin or crack. Now some of you will say,
"Thats a load of rubbish, my mate (or even me) take cannabis and we're
not like that," and others will say, "You're just a bore, it chills you
out, it's great." Let me tell you that 100% of those that take cannabis
get paranoia, if you say thats rubbish, then you've never taken the
stuff. So, not so harmless? Just ask those in prisons that committed a
crime whilst under the influence of the stuff.
Now going back to drugs = prostitution, I happen to know one of the
"girls"/"prostitutes
" that Sharon, of the above story used. Firstly Sharon is an evil, evil
woman preying on young girls with a particular problem, to fulfil the
sexual desire of some sweaty, fat, sexually deficient loser. This
causes untold misery to the prostitute which all started because the
prostitute needed more and more money to pay for her drug habit. Oh and
yes, I'm sure there are those that are not on drugs but see it as an
easier way to make money, I have no sympathy for them. Now imagine your
sister, daughter, friend, mother going into a room with a fat, sweaty
stranger with bad breath. They get undressed and she has to perform
felacio on the man whilst he lies there groaning and grunting. Now if
you feel anything for the person you imaged HAD to perform that act on
said bloke, then you will realise that almost every prostitute Sharon
used felt the same. Thats reality! I know some of you will say, "That's
over the top," or "Who cares" but it is reality. Oh, and not being one
that is ever politically correct, lets stop calling an "Escort" an
"Escort" but rather a "Prostitute" which is what they ALL are. I've
heard many escorts bleating on about not being prostitutes, but reality
is they all, yes thats 100% of them, are. They say they're not in order
to appease their parents and friends when they feel they have to give
credability to their new employment.

Utter drivel. Weed isn't addictive, and the link between it and schizophrenia is tenuous

Divy George, Weed is addictive, you obviously don't take it. But you are entitled, as i am to your opinion, only thing is, I not stating an opinion but fact and have to work with all the pratts that take the stuff and say, "Utter drivel, it's not addictive." LOL

It isn't a matter of opinion, I'm afraid. Is it opinion that the Earth orbits the Sun? But since you're incapable of disagreeing with someone without calling them names, I think we can discount most of your "opinions" forthwith

Someone even suggested that weed (cannabis) should be made legal and then taxed. Weed as we know is incredibly addictive and is the biggest cause of schizophrenia with 1 in 6 that use the stuff getting it. This causes misery to everyone around them.

I stopped reading your post after this part as you obviously talk complete bo11ox.

Ian, a turkey wrote:
Sorry, Ian, which country?

and your point is?

What wrote:

Ian, a turkey wrote:
Sorry, Ian, which country?

and your point is?

Ian is commenting on a story in the UK, but is in Turkey. He says that prositution should be legalised in this country, I was asking for clarity on whether he meant the UK, or Turkey, since he is ambiguous about that. And your point was?

George wrote:
It isn't a matter of opinion, I'm afraid. Is it opinion that the Earth orbits the Sun? But since you're incapable of disagreeing with someone without calling them names, I think we can discount most of your "opinions" forthwith

Quite agree George. You saved me having to type a response to that plethora of inaccurate nonsense.

Know it all wrote:
Divy George, Weed is addictive, you obviously don't take it. But you are entitled, as i am to your opinion, only thing is, I not stating an opinion but fact and have to work with all the pratts that take the stuff and say, "Utter drivel, it's not addictive." LOL

i have taken it a few times, didnt think much of it and dont take it anymore, so id hardly call it addictive!

It is not the cannabis itself that is as addictive, although it is. It is the feeling you get from it. As I've said to both Divy George and his cronies with no intelligence, who probably take too much of the stuff, it causes misery and is illegal and addictive. Please note all of you that as my name suggests, I know it all. Your wrong, I'm right as usual. My FACTS are based upon FACTS and not silly opinions of the local chavs. Nuff Said me thinks!

Actually 'Know it all' does have a point. It is addictive and does cause misery to those around those that use it. It also frys the brain.

I notice no one said anything about his/ her comments on the prostitute situation or that Cannabis leads onto harder drugs.

for once I think there is someone worthy of posting a blogg, well done 'Know it all.

For once King Mush and I actually agree on something. Know it all is right.

My brother took cannabis and turned into a monster. he really needed the stuff so those that say its not addictive are talking nonsense. He's now in prison for hitting someone he was stealing from. Why? Because he wanted money for his drugs. I agree with Know it all and King Mush.

I symathise with Jane, I too have not got anything to say good about cannabis. You're right, i work in the department of psychiatry in Portswood and most of those here are because of drugs and the majority started on Cannabis

My daughter was one of the girls used by Sharon as mentioned in the story above. Her story is horrendous. Don't legalise it, it will just cause more problems. The person above said it all really.

Will you stop arguing. Everyone knows cannabis is grown by the devil for his children. So stop arguing!!!!!!

I'm offended.

"Know it all" is right, prostitution and cannabis causes misery and nothing else except disease, death, bancruptcy, schizophrenia, lung disease etc.............. Can't wait til they make cannabis a more serious crime again.

King Mush wrote:
Actually 'Know it all' does have a point. It is addictive and does cause misery to those around those that use it. It also frys the brain.

I notice no one said anything about his/ her comments on the prostitute situation or that Cannabis leads onto harder drugs.

for once I think there is someone worthy of posting a blogg, well done 'Know it all.

Alright then... i will.
Why do you assume that all those who visit prostitutes are fat, sweaty, and sexually deficient. Charlie Sheen used them, and he married Denise Richards (the woman the phrase "Oh-my-god" was invented for. Hugh Grant was hardly lacking in the woman dept either.
I think "know it all" was actually turning himself on as he wrote that little bit!
Men do it for the buzz... Simple as!
Now the drugs. i know adults that smoked Cannabis in their youth and then stopped when they started a young family, because they had to.
Also it's ****, not felacio (i think he was an Italian racing driver)
P.S are'nt you supposed to grunt and groan during ****?, even if only to let her know you're still awake!

ask big nose and company about bucketbombs?made him the moral compass of the scumbag soap dodgers,while making out hes a socialist,its the devils herb,bringing them to hell.

King Mush wrote:
Actually 'Know it all' does have a point. It is addictive and does cause misery to those around those that use it. It also frys the brain. I notice no one said anything about his/ her comments on the prostitute situation or that Cannabis leads onto harder drugs. for once I think there is someone worthy of posting a blogg, well done 'Know it all.

people have probably not commented on the rest because there are so many ridiculous comments it would take all day to argue against. I don't think anyone will attempt to deny cannabis can cause harm and obviously has it's downsides but it is the way 'Know it all' and those types use it to imply that it is bad and evil and will send you crazy if you even dare to go near it. That is just pathetic propaganda. Because there are some people that abuse a drug and may or may not have the capability to 'handle' a drug, does it mean it should be labelled so negatively? I know it is blindingly obvious but you only have to look at the legalised drugs to know where I'm coming from.

'Know it all''s comments about the link from weed to harder drugs are understandable and I agree that a lot of prositution is drug related but the picture he/she paints of a fat, sweaty sexually deviant customer is a little niave. How about successful businessmen who are bored or away from their wives? How about single men that can't be arsed with dating and just want sexual gratification?

It sounds like Jane from Winchester has had some bad experiences with her brother but I really would be interested to know if that is the full story...I find it extremely difficult to believe that her brother smoked weed and turned into a monster. Sounds like he is in prison for many more reasons than just the weed. Her argument is far too simplistic.

'Enough Said' is also using extreme cases as an argument to apply across the board. I would hope even he/she would agree that mental inllness is far too complicated to be brushed under the carpet with 'it was the weed'.

The debate continues I guess. I hope people can reply/join in without any silly comments. JUST SAY NO.....to Trolls ;-)

Know it all wrote:
Divy George, Weed is addictive, you obviously don\'t take it. But you are entitled, as i am to your opinion, only thing is, I not stating an opinion but fact and have to work with all the pratts that take the stuff and say, \"Utter drivel, it\'s not addictive.\" LOL

you work with all the prats that take it! I can see that you must give them the support they need, by not judging and also the advice they warrant by not filling them with sensationalist clap trap.

I have had recent experience with drug councilling and alcholic councilling (seperate bodies) and both have advised that a joint is recommended for relaxation if you are a user. So what is your profession that you have been so directly involved with the 'prats' that take cannabis (never heard that one! Cannabis usually smoked not taken).

Jane wrote:
My brother took cannabis and turned into a monster. he really needed
the stuff so those that say its not addictive are talking nonsense.
He's now in prison for hitting someone he was stealing from. Why?
Because he wanted money for his drugs. I agree with Know it all and
King Mush.

Sorry, I must have missed that meeting where we decided that your personal experiences were to be used as the root of all truth. Your brother's experience, whilst unfortunate, isn't representative at all. There are millions of people using cannabis regularly in this country, that do not react this way

I knew a woman once who didn't trust men with clean fingernails, because "Jack the Ripper had clean fingernails". Was she right not to?

Batty wrote:
"Know it all" is right, prostitution and cannabis causes misery and
nothing else except disease, death, bancruptcy, schizophrenia, lung
disease etc.............. Can't wait til they make cannabis a more
serious crime again.

Please note that cannabis isn't heroin or crack. What disease does it cause? Who has it bankrupted? You're talking a load of ill-informed nonsense, I'm afraid

Enough Said wrote:
I symathise with Jane, I too have not got anything to say good about
cannabis. You're right, i work in the department of psychiatry in
Portswood and most of those here are because of drugs and the majority
started on Cannabis

That's as may be, but that doesn't make the link any less tenuous. What about the millions of users who never graduate to stronger substances, and never develop any problems? This is just reefer madness all over again, a load of reactionary tosh. And nothing to do with the story, either. But then, why let "relevance" stand in the way of good old propaganda, eh!

Know it all wrote:
It is not the cannabis itself that is as addictive, although it is. It
is the feeling you get from it. As I've said to both Divy George and
his cronies with no intelligence, who probably take too much of the
stuff, it causes misery and is illegal and addictive. Please note all
of you that as my name suggests, I know it all. Your wrong, I'm right
as usual. My FACTS are based upon FACTS and not silly opinions of the
local chavs. Nuff Said me thinks!

Arguments from corner cases are not facts, they're blatant logical fallacies

But I agree with your last point. You have said enough

Satanist wrote:
I'm offended.

Stop offending then. lol

P Smith (Smithy) wrote:
My daughter was one of the girls used by Sharon as mentioned in the
story above. Her story is horrendous. Don't legalise it, it will just
cause more problems. The person above said it all really.

I'm sorry your daughter went through that, I really am. But don't you think that, were this profession legalised and regulated, that maybe her situation would have been avoided? With legalised prostitution, there would be much less of a market for the Sharon Moirs of this world, and the scumbags that put girls like your daughter in that position wouldn't have the drugs-prostitution-d
rugs cycle to make them money. Just a thought

I think you all need to bill up a doobie and chill the hell out...

King Mush wrote:
Actually 'Know it all' does have a point. It is addictive and does cause misery to those around those that use it. It also frys the brain. I notice no one said anything about his/ her comments on the prostitute situation or that Cannabis leads onto harder drugs. for once I think there is someone worthy of posting a blogg, well done 'Know it all.

You're really up yourself King mush.

'Well done'!!!

And as for everyone else who is incapable of posting a decent blog (according to mush' law, anyway) please refrain for any further activity, because your posts have no place here.

What a crock!

Having never taken drugs myself, I can safely say that I know all there is to know about them.

GL wrote:
What a waste of Police and judicial resources. It is time the law was changed. Better to have prostitutes legally available, than to have men going round raping and abusing innocent victims. We should learn from the Dutch who seem to have developed a correct and controlled attitude to prostitution over many decades.

PS: Haven't the WI called for the legalisation of prostitution recently? If the jam and "Jerusalem" brigade don't have a problem, why do the police?

According to recent reports legalising brothels isn't working in Holland, there is a rise in people trafficing and child prostitution. many countries now are arresting the men who go to prostitutes while helping the prostitutes find a better life.

All wrong, all wrong.

Give her the best office in the Civic Centre and a copper-bottom pension.

And I'm sure she would have a better use for the Mayor's Parlour.

I think these debates are interesting but I think the points raised have not really been answered. i note people go on about it not being fat, sweaty people all the time that visit prostitutes. I suspect the people answering that blogg use prostitutes. However the person "know it all" goes on about the misery it creates for the women, no one has addressed this or denied this is the case, who cares about Hollywood actors, think about the girl that has to work as a prostitute, i think he has a good argument.

As for the cannabis issue, I've never touched the stuff or even seen it but have never heard much thats good about the stuff. Someone above says its the feeling that people are addicted too rather than the drug itself. I can understand that, yet I have not read one person disgree with this case put forward.

All good stuff and bery healthy to debate. Keep it up!

up until about 3 years ago i was and escort/prostitute/ho
oker/whore call it what you will! and i was in my "job" for 7 years i stopped because i wanted to get married and have children and my husband and family know all about my past, i have never been a drug addict and i would class myself as honest enough - i earned just about enough money sleeping with people and i rather enjoyed it if im honest yes there were some sweaty individuals but hey! there are also some really nice people! i have never in my life claimed benefits of any kind and i have never lived in public housing - i have always paid my taxes in one way or another and dont see anything wrong with the sex trade sure legalize it and make it safer for both punters and workers alike!

sonja wrote:
up until about 3 years ago i was and escort/prostitute/ho oker/whore call it what you will! and i was in my "job" for 7 years i stopped because i wanted to get married and have children and my husband and family know all about my past, i have never been a drug addict and i would class myself as honest enough - i earned just about enough money sleeping with people and i rather enjoyed it if im honest yes there were some sweaty individuals but hey! there are also some really nice people! i have never in my life claimed benefits of any kind and i have never lived in public housing - i have always paid my taxes in one way or another and dont see anything wrong with the sex trade sure legalize it and make it safer for both punters and workers alike!

Your post started off ok Sonja, but you ended sounding guilty and seeking some sort of forgiveness?

You made a choice in life to go the route you took for whatever reasons. You don't have to answer to anyone on this forum.

But I agree.. legalise prostitution and weed. Less waste of police reources "policing" these and maybe use that time to concentrate on matters that really need it.

Batty wrote:
I think these debates are interesting but I think the points raised
have not really been answered. i note people go on about it not being
fat, sweaty people all the time that visit prostitutes. I suspect the
people answering that blogg use prostitutes. However the person "know
it all" goes on about the misery it creates for the women, no one has
addressed this or denied this is the case, who cares about Hollywood
actors, think about the girl that has to work as a prostitute, i think
he has a good argument.
As for the cannabis issue, I've never touched the stuff or even seen it
but have never heard much thats good about the stuff. Someone above
says its the feeling that people are addicted too rather than the drug
itself. I can understand that, yet I have not read one person disgree
with this case put forward.
All good stuff and bery healthy to debate. Keep it up!

It's more the nicotine in the tobacco most people smoke cannabis along with that's addictive. You haven't heard anyone disagree with the "case" put forward because the "case" is so ill-informed and reactionary it's not worth disagreeing with. Whoever still thinks like that cannot be reasoned with

King Mush wrote:
Actually 'Know it all' does have a point. It is addictive and does cause misery to those around those that use it. It also frys the brain. I notice no one said anything about his/ her comments on the prostitute situation or that Cannabis leads onto harder drugs. for once I think there is someone worthy of posting a blogg, well done 'Know it all.

Sorry folks - this is a fake post

'frys' the brain? lol


Mind you - I am in agreement with Know It All and have often banged the same drum about 'harmless' weed that is well proven to lead onto stronger stuff.

sonja wrote:
up until about 3 years ago i was and escort/prostitute/ho oker/whore call it what you will! and i was in my "job" for 7 years i stopped because i wanted to get married and have children and my husband and family know all about my past, i have never been a drug addict and i would class myself as honest enough - i earned just about enough money sleeping with people and i rather enjoyed it if im honest yes there were some sweaty individuals but hey! there are also some really nice people! i have never in my life claimed benefits of any kind and i have never lived in public housing - i have always paid my taxes in one way or another and dont see anything wrong with the sex trade sure legalize it and make it safer for both punters and workers alike!

****

King Mush wrote:

King Mush wrote:
Actually 'Know it all' does have a point. It is addictive and does
cause misery to those around those that use it. It also frys the brain.
I notice no one said anything about his/ her comments on the prostitute
situation or that Cannabis leads onto harder drugs. for once I think
there is someone worthy of posting a blogg, well done 'Know it
all.

Sorry folks - this is a fake post
'frys' the brain? lol
Mind you - I am in agreement with Know It All and have often banged the
same drum about 'harmless' weed that is well proven to lead onto
stronger stuff.

Sorry, KM, have to take issue with the "gateway" fallacy. Got any sources for that? It was debunked decades ago.

GL wrote:
What a waste of Police and judicial resources. It is time the law was changed. Better to have prostitutes legally available, than to have men going round raping and abusing innocent victims. We should learn from the Dutch who seem to have developed a correct and controlled attitude to prostitution over many decades.

PS: Haven't the WI called for the legalisation of prostitution recently? If the jam and "Jerusalem" brigade don't have a problem, why do the police?

A high percentage of 'rapes' are the result of remorse the following day when the hangover clears.

Load o bull - not my post you ranted about.

There has been some sensible points made on these two (linked )subjects and I'm too busy to write an essay on it.

Prostitution? Never been a major problem in our fair port, although there is the downside of drugs and pimps etc.

Not all hookers are the stereotypical minging streetwalkers and there are many levels of professional girls.

Some are very high class and make small fortunes although centred on London etc

They pick and choose their clients and often have a regular database without having to endure a fat sweaty chav etc.


Many clients are married guys who do not wish to get involved with a mistress, which mostly leads to family breakdowns, loss of homes etc.

Whats wrong with a fairly anonymous no strings attached session?


Before anyone jumps in - NO I have never needed to use this avenue but have no problem with those that do. I'm also concerned that working girls have a safe environment and Im surprised that this country has not yet sorted this problem out.


You can buy OTT p o r n over the counter - some of which might have a negative effect on certain types. So why not follow the more liberated countries on the question of legalised brothels away from residential areas?

We have had out of town 'shopping' for ages, so why not add to the list of retail outlets?

George - I would enjoy a face to face chat with you on the 'Gateway' subject as you talk sense.

Again, I am making an effort not to spend too much valuable time in here but have often made my points clear.

Can you please tell me your sources for the 'debunking' of the Gateway effect? This is a massive wide ranging topic and many studies have been conducted although one has to be sceptical of agenda laden 'statistics'


In a nutshell - surely most hard drug users started out with that little puff under peer pressure?

Not all dope smokers will progress down this road to hell, but the ingestion of the weed does have an effect on the chemicals and electrolytic balances.

Fact

I have known many 'old school' cannabis users over many years and have seen the debilitating effect on their sensory perceptions.

I gather that dope smokers enjoy 'chiling out' and relaxing along with the right kind of music but I feel sorry that some of us need to 'escape' from reality. Easy to then get suckered into going one step further as they will be surrounded by like minded individuals, some of whom use this as way to make money by dealing in harder stuff.

It goes with the territory.

King Mush wrote:
George - I would enjoy a face to face chat with you on the 'Gateway'
subject as you talk sense.
Again, I am making an effort not to spend too much valuable time in
here but have often made my points clear.
Can you please tell me your sources for the 'debunking' of the Gateway
effect? This is a massive wide ranging topic and many studies have been
conducted although one has to be sceptical of agenda laden 'statistics'
In a nutshell - surely most hard drug users started out with that
little puff under peer pressure?
Not all dope smokers will progress down this road to hell, but the
ingestion of the weed does have an effect on the chemicals and
electrolytic balances.
Fact
I have known many 'old school' cannabis users over many years and have
seen the debilitating effect on their sensory perceptions.
I gather that dope smokers enjoy 'chiling out' and relaxing along with
the right kind of music but I feel sorry that some of us need to
'escape' from reality. Easy to then get suckered into going one step
further as they will be surrounded by like minded individuals, some of
whom use this as way to make money by dealing in harder stuff.
It goes with the territory.

The facts speak for themselves. There are millions of people in this country that smoke dope, and never go on to anything harder. Millions. You say you have known many old school users. How many of them were also smack heads? You say "surely most hard drug users started out with that little puff under peer pressure". Yep, that's pretty likely. However, think about that statement. It's not actually the same thing as "cannabis leads to something stronger", it's a variant of the "All crows are birds, therefore all birds are crows" fallacy.

To be honest, there's this misconception that everyone who smokes dope does so to get out of their skull, and sits around giggling. The truth is somewhat different, and dope smokers vary as much as drinkers do. There are casual tokers for whom a joint is much like a glass of wine. Pleasant, and relaxing, rather than a way of forgetting something. The kind you describe as sitting chilling out to music are but one section, and those who wish to escape reality are another, cross-cutting section. There are others for whom it's a small part of a larger more drug-centric lifestyle. Roughly analogous to the hardcore alcoholic. Some people smoke at home, some at parties, it's impossible to lump the entire dope-smoking community into the one set, much like it's impossible to describe all people who partake of alcohol in terms of the purple tin brigade.

The statistics are, as you say, almost always tainted (aren't all statistics?). But if you're at all acquainted with cannabis use, you know it's not a gateway drug. Those who graduate, would have done so with or without cannabis.

In any case, cannabis has no place in this discussion, as - despite what some may think - cannabis is not addictive, nor expensive, and as any pimp will tell you, cannot be used in any way to coerce someone into prostitution.

Cynic wrote:

Hiram Hackenbacker wrote:

Cynic wrote:

Ian wrote: Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

I very much doubt it would be taxable revenue. Surely it would be "cash in hand". How many customers would want to write a cheque or use their credit card.

Many business that take cash (small shops for example), allow their customers to remain anonymous but they still pay tax (VAT or income). Taxing this form of business would be no different - and frankly I would have every expectation that those controlling it would take more care of personal data than HMRC.

--- and they are so honest they would declare it ? I suppose the Taxman could always assess them on the basis of possible number of turns per night, with suitable tax allowances for ugliness, disease or old age. No, it is not likely. Besides, the Government would then be living off immoral earnings !

I don't see how in a regulated, legal market they would operate any less honestly than plumbers, corner shops or self-employed accountants.

If the market were legalised and regulated these would hardly be immoral earnings.

Fact and Myth

Myth: Marijuana's Harms Have Been Proved Scientifically. In the 1960s and 1970s, many people believed that marijuana was harmless. Today we know that marijuana is much more dangerous than previously believed.

Fact: In 1972, after reviewing the scientific evidence, the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse concluded that while marijuana was not entirely safe, its dangers had been grossly overstated. Since then, researchers have conducted thousands of studies of humans, animals, and cell cultures. None reveal any findings dramatically different from those described by the National Commission in 1972. In 1995, based on thirty years of scientific research editors of the British medical journal Lancet concluded that "the smoking of cannabis, even long term, is not harmful to health."

Myth: Marijuana Has No Medicinal Value. Safer, more effective drugs are available. They include a synthetic version of THC, marijuana's primary active ingredient, which is marketed in the United States under the name Marinol.

Fact: Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in AIDS patients, and reducing intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. There is also appreciable evidence that marijuana reduces muscle spasticity in patients with neurological disorders. A synthetic capsule is available by prescription, but it is not as effective as smoked marijuana for many patients. Pure THC may also produce more unpleasant psychoactive side effects than smoked marijuana. Many people use marijuana as a medicine today, despite its illegality. In doing so, they risk arrest and imprisonment.

Myth: Marijuana is Highly Addictive. Long term marijuana users experience physical dependence and withdrawal, and often need professional drug treatment to break their marijuana habits.

Fact: Most people who smoke marijuana smoke it only occasionally. A small minority of Americans - less than 1 percent - smoke marijuana on a daily basis. An even smaller minority develop a dependence on marijuana. Some people who smoke marijuana heavily and frequently stop without difficulty. Others seek help from drug treatment professionals. Marijuana does not cause physical dependence. If people experience withdrawal symptoms at all, they are remarkably mild.

Myth: Marijuana is a Gateway Drug. Even if marijuana itself causes minimal harm, it is a dangerous substance because it leads to the use of "harder drugs" like heroin, LSD, and cocaine.

Fact: Marijuana does not cause people to use hard drugs. What the gateway theory presents as a causal explanation is a statistic association between common and uncommon drugs, an association that changes over time as different drugs increase and decrease in prevalence. Marijuana is the most popular illegal drug in the United States today. Therefore, people who have used less popular drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD, are likely to have also used marijuana. Most marijuana users never use any other illegal drug. Indeed, for the large majority of people, marijuana is a terminus rather than a gateway drug.

phew glad we got that cleared up!

great thats my saturday night ruined now then!

Gemma wrote:
Fact and Myth Myth: Marijuana\'s Harms Have Been Proved Scientifically. In the 1960s and 1970s, many people believed that marijuana was harmless. Today we know that marijuana is much more dangerous than previously believed. Fact: In 1972, after reviewing the scientific evidence, the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse concluded that while marijuana was not entirely safe, its dangers had been grossly overstated. Since then, researchers have conducted thousands of studies of humans, animals, and cell cultures. None reveal any findings dramatically different from those described by the National Commission in 1972. In 1995, based on thirty years of scientific research editors of the British medical journal Lancet concluded that \"the smoking of cannabis, even long term, is not harmful to health.\" Myth: Marijuana Has No Medicinal Value. Safer, more effective drugs are available. They include a synthetic version of THC, marijuana\'s primary active ingredient, which is marketed in the United States under the name Marinol. Fact: Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in AIDS patients, and reducing intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. There is also appreciable evidence that marijuana reduces muscle spasticity in patients with neurological disorders. A synthetic capsule is available by prescription, but it is not as effective as smoked marijuana for many patients. Pure THC may also produce more unpleasant psychoactive side effects than smoked marijuana. Many people use marijuana as a medicine today, despite its illegality. In doing so, they risk arrest and imprisonment. Myth: Marijuana is Highly Addictive. Long term marijuana users experience physical dependence and withdrawal, and often need professional drug treatment to break their marijuana habits. Fact: Most people who smoke marijuana smoke it only occasionally. A small minority of Americans - less than 1 percent - smoke marijuana on a daily basis. An even smaller minority develop a dependence on marijuana. Some people who smoke marijuana heavily and frequently stop without difficulty. Others seek help from drug treatment professionals. Marijuana does not cause physical dependence. If people experience withdrawal symptoms at all, they are remarkably mild. Myth: Marijuana is a Gateway Drug. Even if marijuana itself causes minimal harm, it is a dangerous substance because it leads to the use of \"harder drugs\" like heroin, LSD, and cocaine. Fact: Marijuana does not cause people to use hard drugs. What the gateway theory presents as a causal explanation is a statistic association between common and uncommon drugs, an association that changes over time as different drugs increase and decrease in prevalence. Marijuana is the most popular illegal drug in the United States today. Therefore, people who have used less popular drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD, are likely to have also used marijuana. Most marijuana users never use any other illegal drug. Indeed, for the large majority of people, marijuana is a terminus rather than a gateway drug. phew glad we got that cleared up!

Good points well made Gemma. The most interesting is the gateway point. What 'gateway' theorists don't understand is exactly what you put in your comment. It's like saying a shandy will lead you to whisky

Chong wrote:

Ian wrote: Is about time prostitution was legalised in this country. A very old profession which will never be stopped. Legalise it, with regular health checks and certified premises. This will get it off the streets, reduce kerb crawling and also be a taxable revenue for the Government.

Same applies to weed. Never gonna stop it, regulate it, tax it (using the tax to improve public services - not wars we don't want), educate people on it. Job dne

WHOA!!!!

Can't help but feel I kicked something off by my earlier throwaway comment about weed (I'm a little proud too.)

For what it's worth I smoked, hard all through my teenage years and eventually kicked it. I think it is addictive and potentially dangerous TO CERTAIN PEOPLE and only WHEN CONSUMED DAILY FROM AM TO PM.

People here are trying to give a one-size fits all answer. It is dangerous to some but not to all. One person may be able to smoke all they can in their waking hours and have no adverse reactions, if another smoked a fraction of that it could mess them up.

My point was, like prostitution it is gonna happen no matter what, same as weed smokin’. End of. If it was legalised and regulated by the Government they could educate people on it, make it less of a taboo subject (i.e. when I was a nipper it was quite exciting chasing around to score then hiding in bushes ‘mokin it up). The Government could also regulate how potent skunk is (it’s getting stronger and stronger.)

And above all else, instead of Mr Big getting richer and richer from it, the Government could put this profit to good use. Instead of Mr Big (whose criminal gang could perceivably be involved in bigger and better things) making all the cash the government could put it back into our shocking health system / state pensions / infrastructure etc etc.

Chong makes some good points from a personal perspective and I'm glad that he has come through it OK.

Many dont and that is what I tend to bang on about.

The proliferation of skunk is a long way from the old 60s dope emergence and Chong also refers to this.

Gemma's informative post also gives food for thought - isnt this the upside of a news forum in between the dross?

So I was right all along!

Know it all wrote:
So I was right all along!

Not in the slightest, no. Shame that that's what's important to you, as well.

QUOTE:

"Professor Robin Murray, professor of psychiatry at London's Institute of Psychiatry and member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "There is no doubt that cannabis-related psychiatric problems have increased substantially.

"This might be down to better recognition, but I would say these figures are just the tip of the iceberg. Its only more recently that psychiatrists have understood the importance of cannabis use."

He said cannabis use was a contributing factor in up to 10% of schizophrenia cases, yet this was under-recognised.

Psychiatrists have been telling us that 80% of patients admitted with their first episode of psychosis have been taking the drug

Marjorie Wallace of the mental health charity SANE

"There are probably 1,500 new cases of cannabis-related schizophrenia a year," he said.

Paul Jenkins, chief executive of the Rethink mental health charity, said: "These figures show that there is an urgent need for a properly funded campaign to help young people realise cannabis use is risky."

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of the mental health charity SANE, said: "Psychiatrists have been telling us that 80% of patients admitted with their first episode of psychosis have been taking the drug.

"We strongly urge the government to heed the growing evidence and take urgent action to warn young people that some of them are risking lifelong mental illness - that they are playing Russian roulette with their minds."

Scientists have found that some of the active ingredients in cannabis can have an impact on the symptoms of many diseases, including asthma, glaucoma and muscle spasms, as well as loss of appetite and nausea due to AIDS and chemotherapy treatment."

Plenty more where this aspect is concerned.

FACT CANNABIS CAN SCRAMBLE SOME BRAINS!!

Go on you dope-heads - start arguing about it