First, I'm not having a meltdown. I'm simply arguing with you in rather measured terms. In fact, characterizing a woman's reaction as "hysterical" is a fairly sexist thing to do.
I know you weren't just talking about prostitution, but you were also talking about prostitution. So, what you're saying is that if prostitution were decriminalized and reformed (though I'm not clear what this reform would be about), then progressives (which is also a little fuzzy), but let's just say "people who believe in the inherent value of justice, freedom, and human dignity" ...these people could go visit a prostitute, pay her money in exchange for sexual favors, and walk away maintaining their belief in the value of justice, freedom, and human dignity. Is this what you're saying?
> >
> >>You don't have to like what other people do with their bodies, but as long
> >>as they respect the integrity and the sensibilities of other people, I
> >>don't think that their personal sex lives should be an issue for
> condemnation.
> >
> >Please explain to me how I am respecting the integrity and sensibility of a
> >woman (or man) whom I pay for sex....not to mention my own integrity or
> >sensibility.
>
>Well, you tell me how I am NOT respecting the integrity and sensibility of
>the cashier at the local Wal-Mart when I pay for groceries. In this
>system of capitilism EVERYTHING is commodified; why should sex be any
>different??? Of course, in a different system, maybe sex would be freely
>sought and freely given; but in the meantime, sex work is for most people
>the only means to satisfy their legitimate sexual urges. If you don't
>happen to believe that these urges are legitimate, then that's your
>position; I simply happen to disagree.
So, you assert that commodification and alienation are bad, but since everything is commodified and since we are all alienated, then why should we not also commodify and alienate our sexual selves?....well, given a choice, why should we?
As for "sex work is for most people the only means to satisfy their legitimate sexual urges"....most people? really?
Do I believe that sexual urges are legitimate? That's not the issue. They exist: people get horny. But there's no direct link between sexual urges and visiting a prostitute that I can think of.
Joanna