Heidigate and Legalizing Prostitution

* A word of thanks to Edward Tabash for his commentary “Stop Jailing Women for Their Own Good” (Aug. 11), which explained the stupidity of America’s insistence that the world’s oldest profession continue to be deemed illegal.

If the money spent on such useless prosecution--make that persecution--were spent maintaining and improving our infrastructure, think how many people could be earning money to spend on products and services. Such percolation, as opposed to trickle-down, economics would do much to put America on the road to economic recovery.

The income-tax revenue couldn’t hurt either. If one can believe the figures quoted as the going rate for services, it would be substantial. Come on, people. Grow up.

CHELE GRAHAM

Hollywood

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Golly gee! I’m on vacation and can’t decide what to do. Should I wait in the courthouse halls trying to catch a glimpse of the alleged madam to the stars, Heidi Fleiss? Better not, I might get in the way of the media mob doing their original research on timely subjects. “Hey Heidi, are you going to name names?”

I await with intense curiosity, bated breath and near-sleepless nights for tomorrow’s news. Perhaps Heidi will answer.

P.S.: I hear there’s something happening to children in a place called Sarajevo. I hope the media don’t cut out coverage of Heidi for news from there.

LUCILLE ZABEL

West Covina

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Heidi Fleiss was arraigned Aug. 9 and she entered a plea of not guilty. But what is it that she is not guilty of? Yes, I know what the charges are, but what is she supposed to have done?

Except for a charge of possession of cocaine for sale, which is serious enough, is the rest of it something that should be worthy of consuming the time of the police, the district attorney and the courts? When the country is in the throes of seriously unchecked crime including senseless killings, rapes and gang activities, why is so much time spent on a matter of such little consequence?

I think we should get our priorities straightened out, and while we’re trying to bolster the forces of law and order, perhaps we could make better use of the forces that we have today.

RICHARD P. COTE

Fullerton

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The Heidi Fleiss story is not entertaining to me. It is quite a tragic statement about our society, money power, lust and the capitalist system! From what I’ve read, studio executives used film development money to pay for her “services.” Very nice!

I was laid off because of just such a shortage of funds by a local film giant, thus creating a major crisis for me and my family that has lasted more than a year. As a creative professional making a real contribution (art designer) to the studio, I’m just a throw-away. But at least now I know where the money went. Boy, ain’t this a great business to be in?

FRANK BRUNNER

Northridge