I think regulation is the big key here. Once any activity is out in the open, it’s easier and simpler to apply rules of what is acceptable and not acceptable. We do it now with alcohol and cigarettes. We recognize 18 as the age of majority when one is legally responsible for their own behavior.

People forget, drugs, like cocaine, used to be legal in this country. We all know the story of how Coke’s original formula contained cocaine. Laws aimed at improved “morality” are what made drugs illegal, but they didn’t stop their use, they just drove it underground. Look at what’s happened with alcohol and tobacco for example. There is lots of education out there now about the dangers of drinking and driving as well as smoking. I think that would happen with drugs, too. And where is the thrill for kids in doing a legal activity? It’s gone. I also think we should stop fooling ourselves that we can change an addictive personality. No amount of law can help a person who doesn’t want to be helped (on a personal note, I watched a very bright coworker, who many colleagues tried to help, drink themself to death.)

As for legalizing prostitution, again I have to ask is its current illegal state stopping the activity? It’s not called the world’s oldest profession for no reason.
Isn’t it better to ensure that someone truly wishing to make a career in this field is protected? Don’t you think legalizing drugs would cut down on prostitution as now many wouldn’t have to turn to it to finance their drug habit?

This is not to say there aren’t pros and cons, but, to me, I’ve come to believe the pros outweigh the cons of legalization.

pd