THE EDITOR, Sir:My initial instinct was to simply ignore Rico Moon's letter of April 28, titled "PROSTITUTION: another view" in which he inquires about my planetary origin, and generously gives me a $20-coin so that I may "buy myself a clue."
However, the fallacies in his arguments should be addressed, and the fun factor that his letter poses is simply irresistible!
First, as I mentioned previously, I fully concur that many women are driven to prostitution by poverty and desperation. That's why we need to build a better Jamaica.
Nico wonders if I were a single mother with an absentee baby daddy, what would I do to feed my family, since I could make more money in a few hours on Braemar Avenue than in a week of cleaning house? Nico, have you ever heard about AIDS and syphilis? Those are killers, man! The risks to a prostitute's life and health increase with each and every additional 'client' that she services. It's a game of Russian roulette. That baby needs a healthy, live mother!
QUIT HOUSE CLEANING
Are you advocating then that every single mother, with an absentee baby daddy, should quit house cleaning or other decent work and risk her life and health on Braemar Avenue?
Nico, do you really think that a "health certificate" issued to a prostitute, say a week ago, who has, perhaps, had 20 or 30 'clients' since then, is worth the paper that it is written on? Would you rely on such a "certificate?"
Do you really think that "regulating the industry" and "setting standards" would help to eliminate STDs, the pimp and the criminal element? Good luck!
Nico, I'll be nice and not ask YOU about YOUR planetary origin!
I'm returning your $20-coin, with an additional 20 from me. Please hang on to them: Penicillin, I understand, is very expensive!
I am, etc.,
ANTHONY G. GUMBS
aggumbs@aol.com
Illinois
