OT: CBS Basketball analyst and former NBA player, Greg Anthony, arrested for soliciting a prostitute.

So, there's no need for morals police. This is proven by the fact that there is no crime when two (or more) consenting adults make adult decisions. It may be a moral or immoral decision, but it is their decision, and no one else needs to be involved.

The problem, as noted by another poster above, is with the sex trade itself. The number of women who are largely slaves, physically and violently abused, denigrated, and the like is terrible. When minors are involved, it is even worse. Maybe the industry should be legalized, to eliminate the degradation of women and children by traffickers.

Perhaps I am cynical enough to believe that legalization would not eliminate the problem. Or maybe this is because I live in the Chicago area, where corruption among politicians is endemic. Money often corrupts.

I think (but don't know) that it is legal in Thailand and the Philippines. The legality (or near legality) doesn't help tens of thousands of girls (and boys)  who are sold into a sordid life of slavery, often by parents, to slake the sordid thirsts of adults from elsewhere.

I suspect that legalization and regulation would help a little bit. The demand will always be there. But I think it is less the oldest profession and more a dangerous form of exploitation.

Here's a few fun facts you might not know.

• Workplace homicide rates for women in prostitution are 51 times that of the next most dangerous occupation for women. (NIH, 2004.)
• Average life expectancy of a prostitute is 34 years old. (NIH 2004.)
• 85% of clients/prostitutes reported history of sexual abuse in childhood, 70% incest. (The Council for Prostitution Alternatives, Portland, Oregon Annual Report in 1991.)
• 80 - 95% of all prostitution is pimp controlled. Pimps earn between $150 - 500k annually. 52% left some of their girls/women with no money. (“The Prostitution of Sexuality,” 1995.)
• 70% of street youth engaged in prostitution in order to meet their daily needs for food, shelter, or drugs. (Univ. of Penn. School of Social Policy.)
• About 80% of women in prostitution have been the victim of a rape. Prostitutes are raped, on the average, eight to ten times per year.

I've never solicited a prostitute. I was clueless enough while a student at Michigan that I didn't realize when a prostitute was soliciting/seeking me. But I am troubled by what goes on in terms of exploitation, and believe that we too often turn a blind eye to those on the margins of society who are victims.

I completely agree with you that we should not be shocked, and that this will never change. Demand from men will always drive the trade. Where I completely disagree with you is the implication tha a majority "like doing it." I'd agree that a significant number "choose" this profession, but only because they don't see another way to earn as much money quickly. And once they come under the control of a pimp, that sadly changes radically too.

I feel no shock, no indignation, and no surprise at what happened with Greg Anthony. I do feel compassion and sympathy for the girls and women who are driven to this trade because they see no other options.

For a classy film depiction of challenges facing women over time, just watch Les Miserables and Anne Hathaway. Those with power and position and no moral scruples are often tempted to exploit those who are desperate.

If the perp was not a well known announcer/commentator with ESPN, your point would stand. As it is, because he is well known in sports, and because we are past the football season, the mods are more generous in terms of allowing OT posts to go up.

FYI, if you go to the tab labeled "MGoBoard," and click oin the "FAQ" subtab, you will find comments on appropriate posts. Here is a cut & paste from Brian:

What's the offtopic policy?

In the offseason, offtopic posts are tolerated. During football season they are discouraged and may be subject to removal depending on how alert the moderators are. What counts as on- and off- topic?

ONTOPIC

• Anything Michigan sports related
• Anything related to other Big Ten teams or upcoming opponents
• Stuff about the blog itself
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GRAY AREA

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UNWELCOME, KTHX

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• Drew Sharp, Ace Williams, Mike Valenti. Saying stupid and/or false things about Michigan in order to get Michigan fans upset is a tried and true way to phish for clicks. Let's not feed the trolls.

OFFTOPIC

• Pro sports of any variety
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We will let pro sports topics slide even during football season but "everything else" posts are likely to get the axe.

This is not true. I have a friend who has no problem meeting or having sex with women. Good looking, normal (aside from this), not shy or anything. But the man just loves prostitutes.

We've been at the bar with a couple of women, having fun, when he decides to leave at 1:00 am so that he can go to the strip club to pay for some. He literally left a girl who was likely a sure thing just to go pay for it.

I've asked him why he does it. He just likes the way the prostitutes conduct themselves -- the fact that there is no pretense to their discussion turns him on. I've wondered if he cares that the women probably hate him, or that he might be taking advantage of a damaged psyche. Don't know. He just likes to be able to talk to someone who is really open about sex and presumably does it well.