Resolved: This house would legalize prostitution in the United States

In consideration of the Resolution: Resolved: This house would legalize prostitution in the United States

Note: I am arguing a position in this debate with which I personally disagree, so I either have no skin in the game, or I am entirely condomned. This is a personal challenge.

Thank you, RationalTheist, for this debate.

I Argument: There are a few reasons why legalization of prostitution would be beneficial to the U.S. 

I.a They are: 

I.a.1 Heightened economic growth.

I.a.2 More cultures, more sources of efactulating innovation.

I.a.3 In a society of waning devotion to religious principles, and an expanding attitude toward sexual experimentation, and resulting happy-ending satisfaction, we in the U.S. are aphrodisiacally stimulated to get it on.

I.b Forget your cares! "Join the holy orgy Kama Sutra everyone!"[1]

II Argument: Our economy could still use a leg-up in economic recovery, and it might as well start with the first private industry, ever.

II.a Spread the word: The U,S, is back, but we can now coin a now-common phrase to the purpose: a franchise arousal tariff for all visiting foreigners. Just the one stationary figure in an arousing web-video of people in the Rose Garden dancing and gyrating suggestively demonstrated he, the stationary one, was not up to the task.[2] This needed new presidential wood. The stationary was just not up to going down on all fours to be entered in a staged dog-pony soldier show competition. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17ZqNOyLz2E

II.b We are reminded of the urgency of release imposed by W.B. Yeats, in his modified verse, "The Second Cumming:"

"And what rough beast, it's hour cum round at last,

Couches toward the House of Red to be boned."[3]

II.c All ribbing aside [and some ribs are in greater shape than others], let's face it: America, the Beautiful:

"Oh, beautiful for spacious eyes,

For Amber's waves of skin,

For supple mountains' majesty,

Above our fruited whim!

Oh, Erica! My Monica!

On thee we do our deed.

And crown thy good with hardened wood,

From seed to shining seed."[4]

III Argument: As a diverse nation of mixed cultures, and being a premier nation of innovation, sex-work is an area certainly due re-erection in its techniques in the U.S. 

More cultures, more sources of efactulating innovation.

III.a The U.S. is called a melting pot, and that is direct reference to the multiple cultures that have been, over centuries, drawn to America to make a home here, making the best of sharing our living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms with one another, which is nothing if not neighborhood fundraising. 

III.b We are truly a nation of immigrants, and we are, as the plaque on the base if the Statue of Liberty declares, "Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"[5] The lamp fixture, and the door, themselves, may, indeed, be golden, but the light is prostitating red.

III.c It behooves us, modern Americans, to recognize the wealth of knowledge had by representatives of our varied cultures, to bring the vital knowledge of expanded heights of consciousness achieved by our varied skills of bringing pleasure to the bone of the masses.

IV Argument: In a society-expanding attitude toward sexual experimentation, and resulting happy-ending satisfaction, we in the U.S. are aphrodisiacally stimulated to get it on.

IV.a No one doubts the decline of the second estate in America. It began in the 60s, at a time when the youth of America began to doubt government authority in the thick of the Vietnam war. People who once embraced the idea of a benevolent God who would not allow such suffering began to breakdown under the observable dismissal of the end of suffering. Result: people started a generations-long progress toward dismissal of religion as an essential element of U.S. life.[6]

IV.b In its place, we in the U.S. have bare-back ridden a wave of revolution that is centuries in the making with the specific aim to enhance both the female and male form to their best alluring, sexual advantage, emphasizing the upper body torso by use of the lace corset.[7] The effect, of course, leads directly to the ecstasy of la petite mort, as the French call it, "the little death," which is the culminating physical/mental orgasmic throw of abandon unto near loss of consciousness, so overwhelming is the experience. 

IV.cThis is actually a healthy, medically substantiated experience for both sexes which should not diminish even with advancing age.[8]

IV.d What better method have we than sexual professionals to guide the general public in this pursuit of better health? Do we not seek professionals of other disciplines? Why not, then, prostitution? What better way to stimulate our economic, innovative, and health-enhancing society? Therefore, THB the obvious answer to these dilemmas in the U.S. is the legalization of prostitution.

I pass R2 to Con.

========================================

R1 Sources:

[1] "Sodomy," from "Hair," Steve Curry, RCA Victor, NYC, 1968

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17ZqNOyLz2E

[3] Modified by Pro from https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43290/the-second-coming

[4] original lyrics to the music of https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/blogs/education/america-the-beautiful-lyrics?srsltid=AfmBOopzPhzd-CEX8AC3NGrZ9A1H3Ydln-Of3R7wS6mHvXfx0ms3_7N0

[5] https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/colossus.htm

[6] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-who-stray/201708/overcoming-religious-sexual-shame

[7] https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1122&context=sprinkle

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20832160/

In consideration of the Resolve: Resolved: This house would legalize prostitution in the United States

V Rebuttal: Pro R2: "C.1 legalization of prostitution increases trafficking"

V.a Pro cites 3 countries as examples of the increased trafficking claim. Of them, only the U.S. is included in the Resolve. Therefore, I declare the others, Poland and the Netherlands, as Resolve creep, and failure to disprove the Resolve. Further, I dismiss all arguments made for these 2 countries, and will address only arguments made for the U.S.

V.a.1 Pro's [R2 [3]] source does a shallow job of defining a clear distinction between sex work [prostitution] and sex trafficking, and the two are not synonymous. Prostitution is consensual sexual contact as a commodity for trade which, in 7 counties of Nevada of less than 700,000 population, is legal.[9] Sex trafficking is sex by involuntary coercion, and typically involves minors with whom sexual contact is a nationwide crime, and should be, plus, typically, transport, and usual enslavement of the minors in such practice.[9,10] I do not discount that adults are also trafficked.

V.b Only 10% of prostitution in Nevada is legal, in 7 of the 17 counties of NV, in which there are approx. 200 prostitutes working in 21 legal brothels as of 2021[11]. These women have regular medical check-ups, are registered with the local sheriff's office, pay income tax, report earnings to the IRS, and condoms are required for intercourse [oral, or otherwise].[11]. About 10% are men.[11] 

V.b.1 90% of prostitution in NV is illegal, virtually all in Las Vegas [Clark County] which is not one of the 7 legal counties.

V.c Since legal prostitution and sex trafficking are two separate activities altogether, to suggest that both cause increase in crime is disingenuous. "Of the studies that indicated that legalization or decriminalization of sex work does not necessarily lead to an increase in crime, most found decreases in rape offenses, while other impacts included improvements in the safety of sex workers and a decrease in drug-related crime."[11]

VI Rebuttal: Pro R2: "C2: Legalizing Prostitution Increases Violence against Women"

VI.a Pro's C.2 argument begins with a story by a Jessica Dillow Crisp, a tragic story to be sure, but Jessica's story begins at 7 years of age, sexually abused by family members who then sold her into sex trafficking/slavery. This is a repeat of the matter rebutted in §V.a.1, above, an entirely separate matter than typical prostitution, as demonstrated further in V.a.1 through V.c, and should not be confused with professional adult women conducting legal prostitution today in 7 counties in NV. Pro's own source, [R2, [5]] demonstrates a graph indicating the various causes of sex work, indicating that sex trafficking such as the Crisp example is only 3% of the total. I do not argue that 3% is not an issue, but it is a minuscule attempt to exemplify negating the Resolve. I should think sex trafficking, illegal in every State, and an affirmed atrocity, ought to rise to a higher percentage of criminal activity to prove against the superiority of an entirely different matter: legal prostitution. 

VI.b Pro's R2 [5] source demonstrates a win for Con: the sourced article's graph indicates that 5+ of 10 "causes of prostitution," 1 poverty, 4 financial debt / hardship /widowed, divorced , 7 limited education. [therefore lower wages], 9 thirst for money, and 10 unemployment, amounting to 79% of the Pro-alleged negative "causes of prostitution" in Pro's R2 [5] source. Pro's R2 demonstrates that his R2, C.2 argument fails.

VII Rebuttal: Pro R2: My conclusion: Pro, failure to negate Resolve

VII.a Within Pro's own R2 argument of blending sex trafficking with legal prostitution as proof of his BoP are the seeds of failure of the argument. I've demonstrated how 79% of his issues are resolved by legalizing prostitution in the U.S.

VIII Argument: MAFA

VIII.a MAFA: If you don't know the acronym [it's coined], y'all haven't been paying attention; the "coin" being a four-letter word with English etymology from the 16th century.[12]

VIII.a.1 Without making it a morality/religious argument, which is entirely subjective, after all, not logical,"Why is it immoral to be paid for an act that is perfectly legal if done for free"[13] even out of wedlock?

VIII.b "Suppress prostitution, and capricious lusts will overthrow society."[14] Are you surprised that is a direct quote from as revered a religious figure as Saint Augustine?

VIII.c Pre-legalized prostitution come-on: "If you want to put your poker in my smoker, fork it over, John." That's just crass. W.B. Yeats once phrased it: "...the frog-spawn of a ditch."[15]

VIII.d Legalized prostitution oral come-on: "If you want me to polish your tool, tickle my fancy."[16] Now, that's not just acceptable language, but refined metaphor.

I pass R3 to Pro, which in R3 return to me, I will, by rule, waive. Thank you, RationalTheist, for a stimulating debate. To readers/voters: Please vote Con.

R2 Sources:

[9] https://amarkfoundation.org/reports/when-prostitution-sex-work-is-legalized-what-happens-to-crime-rates/#:~:text=In Nevada, prostitution is permitted,the means to exit prostitution.

[10] https://www.ed.gov/teaching-and-administration/supporting-students/resources-combatting-human-trafficking-americas-schools

[11] https://amarkfoundation.org/reports/when-prostitution-sex-work-is-legalized-what-happens-to-crime-rates/#:~:text=In Nevada, prostitution is permitted, the means to exit prostitution.

[12] https://qz.com/501468/a-historian-thinks-hes-pinpointed-the-oldest-known-use-of-the-f-word

[13] Gloria Alred, https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1170048

[14] Saint Augustine, https://scholars.carroll.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/48a7352f-6a84-45d5-b51a-962922408932/content

[15] W.B. Yeats, "A Dialogue of Self and Soul", https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43294/a-dialogue-of-self-and-soul

[16] fauxlaw origin for this debate 

Note: both my R1 and R2 contained reference to my opponent as Pro and me as Con. Both references are erroneous and confusing as my Comment #15 described. I blame my pain medication in use before and after my recent knee surgery as it has a seriously confusing side effect. Note: I AM PRO. I do not endorse Con but by error, and, in all other respects, acknowledge his valued friendship.

In consideration of the Resolution: Resolved: This house would legalize prostitution in the United States

IX Rebuttal Con R3: "For a better economy keep your legs closed"

IX.a Con's allegation is that legal prostitution hinders rather than helps the economy, and points to "When prostitution is legalized you need to take into account the amount of money it will cost to regulate and enforce as well as the increase in administrative cost." How, exactly, is it necessary to "regulate and enforce" a legal business activity? Answer: it isn't necessary.

IX.a.1 No, this is the wrong approach. The correct approach is police-business partnership[17], such as happens in the 7 counties of Nevada wherein prostitution is statutorily legal. See my R2, §V.b & source [11]. 

IX.a.2 Note that Con's argument goes directly to illegal prostitution in Nevada, which population, as of 2022, amounts to 5,000 known illegal prostitutes. Legal prostitutes in 7 counties number only 200. See my R2, §V.b & source [11], or, 4% the number of illegal prostitutes, who do require Con's stated regulation and enforcement costs to taxpayers of NV. They, the illegal prostitutes are the drain on NV's economic resources.

IX.a.2.1 Then Con argues, again, the defeated sex trafficking issue brought up in his R1 & R2, but continues to ignore that he blends legal prostitution with sex trafficking, using as his only graphic example in R2, Jessica Dillow Crisp, who was a 7-year-old girl, which is not a legitimate example of legal prostitution, allowed only to 18 years of age, minimum, and the reference to a minor is, therefore, off-topic. I do not argue that sex trafficking occurs, and is a heinous crime, but legal-aged women are at risk to be subjected to sex trafficking whether or not they are legal prostitutes, noted in my R2, §VI.a rebuttal.

IX.a.3 Then, Con admits, by his R3 source #1, "In Nevada legal brothels generate about 75 million in revenue," which is about $375,000 per legal prostitute. How is that a bad thing? How many other legal employment opportunities in NV generate as much, per capita? Answer: The Nevada per capita revenue production as of 2022 is $6,200 [rounded up].[18]

X Rebuttal Con R3: "Immigration"

X.a Con's confusion about my mention of "immigration" is partly because I never said "immigration." I said in my R1, §III, and all subs, the U.S. was a melting pot, "...direct reference to the multiple cultures that have been, over centuries, drawn to America..." I made the point that any industry, including legal sex work, is helped by infusion of multicultural professional experience.

XI Rebuttal Con R3: "Society"

XI.a Con's confusion about my mention of "society" may be because I cited a source so far historically removed from what the source said to believe he said it. The citation [my R2, §VIII.b, source [14]] "Suppress prostitution, and capricious lusts will overthrow society" by St. Augustine, a highly respected and quoted Christian icon of the 4th century.

XII Argument: Heightened physical and mental health by active sexual activity

XII.a "'All women deserve to enjoy a healthy sexual life,' says Nicole Cirino, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry at OHSU's Center for Women's Health. "Studies have shown that sex is extremely beneficial to our health. Sex activates a variety of neurotransmitters that impact not only [the brain] but several other organs in our bodies."[19, both quotes]

XII.a.1 Here is a partial list of direct health benefits of sexual activity to women:[19]

lower blood pressure increased libido

better immune system natural pain relief

lower risk of heart disease better sleep

improved self-esteem stress reduction

decreased depression, anxiety

XII.a.1.A One negative to the above benefits: Masturbation, alone, misses the excretion of valuable oxytocin and other healthful hormones.[19]

XII.a.2 Both men and women as customers of legal prostitution would benefit to all the above excepting §XII.a.1.A while helping to reduce exposure to STD's, contribution to sex trafficking, and other criminal activity associated with illegal prostitution. In addition, men share an added benefit of lowering risk of prostate cancer.[20]

XIII. Argument: How to properly greet a legal prostitute

XIII.a Using the example of a car we choose to drive, we rationally conclude that a Chevy will likely successfully transport us where we need to go, A-to-B, but we may still prize the allure of luxury and engineering prowess of an Aston Martin Vantage S. This may be an extreme example, but the point is made in comparison to our approach, and greeting to a legal prostitute. Arrive from A-to-B, refreshed, envigorated, thrilled, and satisfied. To an illegal, one might say, "Hey, bitch..." and she may even appreciate the crass greeting but may not give any hint of personality. But, with a legal, brief companion, according to them[21], "Hello" is appreciated and acceptable. Respectable. 

I pass R4 to Con, and my thanks to potential voters.

R3 Sources:

[17] https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/tool-guides-partnering-businesses-address-public-safety-problems-page-4

[18] https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/state-local-tax-collections-per-capita/#:~:text=Nevada imposes substantial excise taxes, on which they're imposed.

[19] https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/benefits-healthy-sex-life

[20] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316954#reducing-prostate-cancer-risk

[21] https://www.thevelvetrooms.com/en/blog/how-should-you-address-her#:~:text=Whereas%20if%20you%20say%20to%20your%20court%20to%20begin%20with.

Note: I acknowledge this 4th round is my last for rebuttal [no new argument], and that I will waive R5. Thank you, RationalTheist, for a great debate.

IX Rebuttal: Con R4, C1: Increased trafficking v. harm prevention

IX.a Con argued that, "When the government is considering a change to a policy the government should look to international examples to see the impact that that policy had" which I rebutted in in my R2, §V.a as being outside the Resolve parameters since the Resolve identified only the U.S. as the feature country of debate. However, this statement in Con's R4 quoted above, even if it were inclusive to the Resolve, should assume we compare suitable international examples for a U.S. policy change, such as U.S.-wide legalization of prostitution.

IX.a.1 Tell me what other country having a presidential system/presidential republic without a prime minister[22], - and to what other government system should we be compared; a monarchy? - has our population of 340M[23]? A large population = difficult presidential system management. The answer to the posed question: no other country in the world has our system of federal government with our large population, or even close to it, according to sources [22] & [23]. Therefore, Con's use other countries to support his values system proposal fails by weight and topic.

IX.b Another failure of Con's values argument is that in previous rounds, Con used an under-age, 7 year-old girl as the exemplary for his values argument of harm, i.e. "sex trafficking" in countries with legalized prostitution, whereas my rebuttal clarified that while sex trafficking is a horrible crime, legalized prostitution would be in the U.S. only as of age 18, which in 47 states plus D.C., is the age of majority[24], eliminating all who are under age, so this rebuttal still holds for the 3 other states with younger ages of majority. Further, I argued that legalized prostitution nationwide should follow the regulated pattern developed by the 7 counties in NV where prostitution is legalized now, which includes law enforcement partnership and protection of legal prostitutes and that the majority of cases of violence against prostitutes affects illegal prostitutes in non-legal counties, especially Clark County [Las Vegas]. Also see my R2, §V.c, w/source [11].

IX.c Con argues, "Prostitution is not just another job." 2.7 % of female murder victims were prostitutes means >97% were not. 100% were murdered by other people. Serial killers did not murder 65% of murders. Where's the beef? Not in Con's small numbers.

X Rebuttal, Con R4, C2: Violence against women

X.a Again, Con attempts an argument that is cross-purposed. Con identifies "women" [age of majority], then uses the example of the 7 year-old girl. See my rebuttal, above, for clarification of who's who in this debate. Again, refer to the Resolve, which does not mention age as a criterion of legalization of prostitution, but, I made the argument in my R1 that the legalized line at age of majority is age 18. There are 47 states plus D.C. having the age of majority at 18. For legalized prostitution it would be the legal age in all states.

X.b Oh, careful, let me not pass by a brief argument in Con's R2 of a woman, Desiree Damos, a sex worker who was violently attacked. But she was in Maine, where prostitution is illegal, and therefore under no law enforcement protection nor cooperation.

X.c Con argues, "You cannot ignore the evidence connecting trafficking of minors and prostitution." No, you cannot, but only in states and counties that prohibit prostitution because there is no law enforcement protection nor cooperation even in 10 counties of NV, but my argument/rebuttal has not been for prohibition of legalized prostitution.

XI Rebuttal, Con R4, C3: MAFA

XI.a Con argues, "The state has a moral obligation to protect its citizens from harm and to prevent violence against women." And my rebuttal has been consistent: legalize prostitution nationwide as it is done in 7 counties in NV, with law enforcement protection and cooperation, and that goal is achieved. No, it will not, on its own, disrupt child sex trafficking. That burden is on law enforcement, as well, but when it comes to children, what happened to the responsibility of teaching proper child behavior and protection, providing that background where it belongs, with parents in the home to have children avoid talking to and associating with strangers, to not be alone on the streets after dark, etc.

XI.b. The hat: looks like an adult-size cap, and being a favored color red for the topic, is appropriately MAFA.

XI.c Con: "I'll counter Augustin[e] with the words of Jesus: 'If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away! It is better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into hell (Matthew 5:29).'"

XI.c.1 A curious citation when one is trying reduce violence. Further, this advice is clearly not to be taken literally, but is metaphoric, implying that there are greater concerns of an eternal nature than bodily injury should we trifle with sin. But this debate's Resolve of Con's creation does not concern itself with sin or forgiveness, but is a legal matter.

XI.c.2 Human dignity is as discussed in my R3, §XIII.a; "... with a legal, brief companion, according to them[21], 'Hello' is appreciated and acceptable. Respectable." Dignified. Further respect is given by payment for services rendered, just like buying a well-prepared meal at a restaurant, offering a good, generous tax-free tip to a caring and efficient, legal professional server, just as one should treat a caring, efficient, legal professional, legally protected prostitute.

Thank you.

R4 sources:

[22] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_system_of_government 

[23] https://populationmatters.org/news/2023/07/population-policies-that-work/

[24] https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/age-of-majority-by-stat

Note: According to debate rules from the Debate Challenge/Description, I waive R5. 

Thank you, RationalTheist, for a great debate. Absolutely, I hope, as well, for a happy ending for all.

Readers, please vote Pro.

I tip my MAFA hat to the ladies...