Letter to the Editor
Sex and soldiers
Published Thursday, May 1, 2008
April 28, 2008
To the editor:
An April 24 article titled “Prostitution bust could nab solders,” caught my eyes. Right away, I thought what a splendid way for the U.S. Army, the FBI and the Alaska State Troopers to use our tax dollars. We all know it is right to send teenagers into combat where they might, and often are, killed or maimed. But heaven forbid they give in to sexual urges and visit a prostitute. They might contract a sexually transmitted disease and perhaps that might render them unable to fight. We all know that soldiers, sailors and airmen of all nations should always refrain from such sinful activity — namely paying for sex. I do hope that the state troopers (peeping toms?) who observed the scantily clad women engaged in suspicious behavior turn over to the U.S. Army and FBI the necessary evidence enabling the authorities to make a stern example of these sinful warriors. I, for one, cannot think of a better way to spend the taxpayers’ money. (I am kidding, of course.)
Community Discussion
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Prostitution is illegal for a reason. It is not a victimless crime. We also no longer have an Army made up entirely of men. The women that serve should not have to go to war next to men who have no respect for women. I certainly hope the Army will prosecute the offenders. (and I'm not kidding)
Fact: Soldiers enlist. No one currently serving has been drafted.
Fact: Being a soldier is a job, no different than being a fry cook, fireman, police officer, janitor, or a doctor.
Fact: These soldiers get paid to do what they do because it is a job.
Crab fisherman have the most dangerous job in America. Should they also be allowed to see prostitutes because of the dangers they face at work?
Should we afford soldier more rights than the rest of the Americans they defend because of the choice they made to go into the special forces?
You clearly have a soft spot for these soldiers. Might I suggest that you, or someone you know, perform the duties for free that these soldiers have paid for? That way, it isn't illegal and the outcome is the same.
Prostitution is most definately a victimless crime and should be leagal. No party involved is there against their will (unless it is forced prostitution, which is a whole different issue). Our law enforcement officers should spend time working to prevent actual crime, and we should repeal our prostitution laws.
"Victimless crime"...i'm so tired of that! I believe If men could regulate the sex trade then it would be ok! There are far too many women on the planet ill-eqippped to make it in this world and therefore they use what they got! It's not new this SIN, and it's never going away! As far as I can see those women weren't victims...and as far as those men serving our country I think get a life folks! I personally think it's gross to pay for sex...but then I've never been w/o a partner and not had sex, nor or my urges similiar to a mans! These young soliders have put there life on the line to fight and die for us...give 'em a break! I personally believe if there was more SEX to BUY then those individuals in our society who have difficulty forming relationships may not rape, molest, expose, etc... they need an outlet folks! Get real! As far as MEN working beside WOMEN and having no respect! What a croc...don't you think women have already been reduced in the media, in music, etc...as objects, as sex toys, as obsessions to acquire...paying for sex is a lot safer than going to a bar an picking up a woman who is probably drunk and doesn't know how to have sex responsibly! I'm quite sure the women of NP massage are more responsible than that and BOYS it's your 'Business'...if you want to keep it then cover it up! It is a waste of TIME MONEY AND ATTENTION!
It is certainly better than them going out and raping someone...
sherry29, your logic is flawed. Allowing people to participate in one crime because it prevents another is not a solution.
Should they be allowed to take out their frustrations and assault someone because it will be better than them commiting murder in the future?
Should they be allowed to steal food from Safeway because it is better than them burglarizing someone's house for food?
Should they be allowed to rape an adult because it would be better than them molesting a child?
Prostitution is illegal in Alaska, and for good reason. Again, why don't you offer your services for free so that these men may get what they need without commiting a crime? Maybe you could even form a club consisting of men and women that are willing to service soldiers at no cost? It isn't prostitution if money/goods aren't exchanged.
I think it's stupid that the soldiers are being pin-pointed in this deal. They are the same as anyone else and have needs and urges like anyone else. For the topic of prostitution...what a woman CHOOSES to do with her body is her right. If she chooses to exchange sexual favors for money, that is her choice. I do not beleive in underage woman in prostitution or woman being made to stay in a situation they are not comfortable with; but if it is their choice to be there, who are we to judge? Prostitution cuts down on rape and abuse in relationships. A person is going to fill thier needs no matter what, so the better choice is to find somebody willing than to force a woman agaist her will!
Whoa I think a huge point is being missed. The law enforcement officials now this is a front for prostitution, so why is it still operating???? Lets see, known lawbreakers, law enforcement knows it, lawbreakers continue to operate? Maybe the owners should be well lets say....hmmm...arrested???
I was just out travelling - how refreshing it was to talk with normal women again. Men have been buying sex in Alaska since it began. Thank God for those wonderful women who sell it!
ecray says - "Prostitution is illegal in Alaska, and for good reason."
Really? And what is the reason for that? I'd love to hear it, because I've asked on this forum before and no one has a valid reason.
In my opinion (as I've stated before) prostitution really should be legal - it has always been around and will always be. Legalizing it will remove any potential harm to the public good.
BTW - the place has been busted, but, it was in operation for a few decades before that. Why was it busted? Because some officer with a stick up his butt forced the troopers (who had been ignoring it for decades) to finally bust it. I've heard more details, but I probably shouldn't put those forth here...
Can anyone tell me if Elliot Spitzer was ever in the Army?
Legitimize prostitution, provide those employees with health benefits and proper management, they pay taxes on income, where's the downside? There's a reason it's called the world's oldest profession and it will likely be the world's last profession. Everyone pays for sex, people have always paid for sex, whether it's with dollars or a wedding band. Anyone who thinks differently is only fooling themselves.
I too would love to hear why it is illegal for a "good" reason. Keeping it illegal keeps those women in jeopardy, keeps pimps in business, and costs taxpayers money in law enforcement, prosecution, and detention.
that dinner and a movie date cost money...thats legal...like ACman says, "everyone pays for sex" I agree. In some form or another everyone has at one point paid for it.
Why are Soldiers being singled out. Last time I checked it wasn't just Soldiers visiting the business. Either way in down economic times it is infusing money into the local economy one way or the other.
Has anyone ever been to Ft Benning GA? You should see what goes on down there! We dont have a problem here..............
Newsreader, I'd love to hear your details on this one because unfortunately, the man who wrote this letter is grossly misinformed...
Haven't read the article and will go back to the archives to do so,but on the note of legalization, legalizing sex work (or prostitution, if you’d rather) may promote safety for all people.
Sex workers are often the targets of rape or murder, being thought of as a lower tier group of people by much of society. Many people who indulge in criminal behavior often view sex workers and their customers as easy targets for robbery or other criminal acts. This is partially a product of people being disinclined to report those crimes for fear of retribution from our system.
Sex workers (and therefore their clients) are also often at high risk for untreated medical issues. Clients of sex workers aren’t always unmarried, nor do they always use prophylactics with all of their sex partners. This can create risk for all parties involved. Legalizing, regulating, licensing, and insuring sex workers leads to better over all health for society. It also creates a standard of service which protects the sex worker and the client. One can be more discerning about who ones clients are if a code of conduct is in place.
In some European cities, prostitution is allowed in designated areas. People who choose to purchase sex can then go to those designated places and keep the trade out of neighborhoods that don’t wish to have it occurring there. Prostitutes are also safer because they are in a more closely regulated environment. Seems to me this creates safety for the community as a whole.
For those of you who like to bring personal freedom into every debate and advocate for as little government intervention as possible, I’d propose that legalization of sex work also promotes privacy. It makes no sense for the government to tell people they can’t charge or pay for a service that they are free to give away whenever they choose to.
Fairbanks used to have the largest red-light district in Alaska!
Our soldiers die and suffer while we sit, eat, and get fat at home with our warm cars, warm houses, and MTV.
Let our soldiers have their vices, in other words:
Mind your own damn business, I don't see them telling you what to do with your sex lives! Good lord.
Nothing will change human nature and instincts anyway, especially all of you, get-over-it.
My Grandmother used to say "Every woman is sitting on a gold mine" I have long believed that prostitution should be legal and regulated, just like any service offered. Massages, haircuts, pedicures, they are all a service that makes us feel better.
Our society allows grown men to get in a ring and beat the crap out of each other for our "entertainment", will allow women to roll around in mud or jell-o in bikinis, but will not allow a woman to use her body if she chooses, to have her own little "cash cow"
Well, gentlemen, I'm sorry that you have so little game that you need to put money out in order to impress the fairer sex so that they may sleep with you. Not everyone has that problem.
This letter isn't about legalizing prostitution; it is about soldiers breaking the law and needing to pay the consequences.
FACT: Some soldiers broke a law and got caught in a sting.
FACT: They should pay the consequences. They are no better than us.
Please remember that those soldiers, while appreciated, also signed up for what they are doing. I repeat: they chose that career line. There is no draft. While it may be a noble profession, by no means should they be given any special breaks because they (gasp) might die at work.
If you want to argue about making prostitution legal, I suggest you write a well thought out letter to the editor and make your case.
authenticalaskan, you choose to sit at home and get fat. Those soldiers CHOSE to enlist and get shot at. They made their own choice. Why should we treat them differently? I have an idea: if you want to sit at home and get fat, do not enlist in the army.
Thanks Julia -- you are quite eloquent!
Hope things are well with ya! ;)
I don't see why this couldn't be a forum for discussing legalization of prostitution. Debate is organic.
And thanks, newsreader. :)
ecray --
I never defened the soldiers or asked for speical rights...
I simply asked why you said that prostitution is illegal for a "good reason". The question has been echoed by others, and, this seems like as good of a forum for you to enlighten us as any.
So, I ask again, what is your "good reason"?
[wow - didn't proofread that one very well "defended" "special"... sorry folks]
Ecray: I was talking about you getting fat and watching MTV.
We, those not fighting overseas, should have a the freedom to choose what they do sexually if they want to-especially if both parties consent to it freely (or costly $).
And yes, if I choose to sit home and be fat, at least I'll be happy which seems to be something you don't have ecray. Go out to that massage parlor and relax (get) some- get fat too-be happy. Take it ez, cripes.
I surprised that the Army isn't just turning a blind eye to this whole thing like they do with most of the crime that goes on in and around the Olive Drab ghetto.
"Crab fisherman have the most dangerous job in America"
They have a dangerous job, but not as dangerous as soilders face.
I think it is absolutely ridiculous that anyone would single out the soldiers. It wasn't just servicemen that were keeping the massage parlor in business, was it? If not, then is it really necessary to say that it may bust soldiers? Was there also an article saying "local business men may be in trouble for visiting massage parlor"? Whether or not we should legalize prostitution is for a whole other comment, so I'll keep my opinion to myself on that note. Everyone have a great day!
We Soldiers are nothing more than a microcosm of America, while the article singles out Soldiers, I wonder how many fine upstanding citizens of the FNSB are going to be charged for prostitution?
Once again, the actions of a few are viewed as representative of a large group. The image of soldiers being sex-crazed animals is hopelessly outdated. There may have been a small element of truth to it long, long ago but it's far from today's reality.
sherry29 said, "It is certainly better than them going out and raping someone..." That's so offensive it's hard to descibe how insulting it is. People who rape are NOT modern military professionals. They're pathetic scum who somehow managed to sneak into the service and disguise themselves as soldiers, sailors, or airmen.
Fort Wainwright has thousands of soldiers and Eielson has almost as many airmen. There is no way one small whorehouse could service that many men. The simple fact that it isn't larger or there aren't more indicates the stereotype differs drastically from reality.
honeyhi - I haven't been to Fort Benning but I've been to other areas in the South. In far too many cases, the prevailing social environment forces women into subservient and demeaning roles. Women experiencing economic difficulties and, especially, those considered "lower class" are often forced into prostitution to survive simply because the local culture doesn't offer any alternatives.
Fairbanks has a relatively young population, with a significant number of single females. This provides soldiers with numerous opportunities to meet young women and develop normal relationships, which is obviously what most soldiers prefer.
outraged - You have an interesting take on the Army - how exactly do they "turn a blind eye" to crimes? This has not been my experience. I've seen groups of soldiers punished for the actions of one, for example...
Beyond that, I understand the ideas that are behind prostitution being illegal, but I'm in agreement with Julia and newsreader on this one. Prostitution, and the purchase of services being offered, falls into my "freedom of choice and responsibility" category.
Ah yes, and hi to Julia. Nice to "hear" your voice here. :)
They could make prostitution legal in Fairbanks and it would still be illegal for military members to be involved. The prohibition against prostitution lies in Article 138-34 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Military members cannot utilize prostitutes regardless of where they are.
However, I'm not sure how this was pulled off but when I was in Korea in 1984 prostitution was encouraged and facilitated by the military. Young women wore tags with numbers that corresponded to their health records that were kept behind the bar. Clients were able to look at the girl's records before making a deal. The health records were maintained by and the girls examined by health care workers on the base. As we processed into Kunsan AB for a Team Spirit exercise we were briefed on the process by a member from bioenvironmental health. This was 25 years ago and I don't think it works like that anymore.
Not sure how this was done seeing as the UCMJ prohibits prostitution.
I too am eager to hear the good reason for spending my tax money on prostitution!!
Who cares if you want to pay for sex with a man or a woman. I don't and I can't figure out why my pay check cares. Although, I would like to correct those of you that think that prostitution will/does cut down on rape--rape is about domination. It is not about wanting sex and not being able to get it.
As for soldiers, they are no different than anyone else in this world. So as I asked before--why are spending are time and money on this issue?
Oops! "why are we spending time and money on this issue?"
there arent many availible women here. most of those that will go out with soldiers are often looking for a husband, and lets be honest Fairbanks isnt know for pretty women. we are warned about these husband hunting women who are always looking for the benefits of Army life. Most have one, two or even three children and are single mothers with very little in the way of a future here, so anything to get out of here looks pretty good. the lack of women is something most soldiers dread about being stationed here, well maybe not all of them but, i will be happy to see my girlfriend again, down there she is just pretty but up here she would be like a centerfold or something.
my girlfriend is in Arizona and I will be here for quite some time. i remain faithful as that was our agreement. people tend to forget the amount of disease spread by pay for sex stuff. but if that is what some adult wants (to risk their life for a thrill) heck why not?
Just in case it's important:
To clarify, I'm not sure that legalization of sex work will _directly_ cut down on how frequently sex workers are raped, but I do think that creating safe spaces for sex workers to do business could contribute to their overall safety and thereby put them at less risk. Sex work, legal or not, does not limit the occurrence of sexual violence in our society.
Sexual violence will continue to exist regardless of how we treat sex workers. lagirl is correct - it's about power and control. (PS National statistics show that 1 in 4 girls and women and 1 in 6 boys and men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime - it's an epidemic.)
Also, I didn't notice this comment earlier, "going to a bar an picking up a woman who is probably drunk and doesn't know how to have sex responsibly!" and feel the need to comment.
The issue is not about "having sex responsibly" but rather one of consent. So, what is consent?
Consent is:
Based on choice.
Active not passive.
Giving permission for sexual contact to happen.
It is illegal to have sex with someone who is considered, by law, to be too intoxicated to give consent.
one more thing, where do the female soldeirs go to pay for a good time? why are soldiers always considered to be men and the women are never mentioned? they party pretty hard too.
Lee's Massage Parlor is an off-limits area for Wainwright soldiers so that is why they are being singled out. More civilians could use the establishment but they are apparently left alone.
Those who object to prostitution do so for religious and "moral" reasons. Keeping it illegal increases the amount of crime as