Decriminalize prostitution

Re “Legalize prostitution,” Opinion, March 13

As a single, middle-aged guy, it probably won’t come as a surprise that I fully endorse Patty Kelly’s common-sense approach to prostitution and the idiocy behind its prohibition. But not for the reasons you might expect.

Why is it not OK to provide a service that is clearly in demand and includes two consenting adults? We all do things that we know are bad for ourselves, but the government doesn’t intrude on most of them. According to Kelly, one out of 10 American males have paid for sex at some point in their lives. My guess is that most American males have paid for sex, whether it was for a hooker, nudie magazine, porn movie or adult website. Like the asinine drug war, a little common sense and honoring of personal liberties would reduce the criminal element and add to budget coffers, in lieu of the billions we spend on enforcement.

Kelly’s anecdotal evidence of a legal system that actually works demonstrates that it is possible for governments to stop demonizing and start monetizing “disagreeable” activities, with the added benefits of less crime and better health. How about a proposition for that? Just tell me where to sign.

Todd Koerner

Hermosa Beach