Chicagoist: Craigslist Sting Produces 76 Arrests

Ingrid

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:42:18 -0600

That wasn't meant to suggest that just by removing the ES section of CL would eliminate prostitution/human trafficking...but come on. We have to start somewhere, and that is an easy one. It would also send a message. And how exactly does keeping it up there improve the situation? That section is going strong and it has been since forever. If it were true that keeping it up has a long term effect of stopping it, then you would probably start noticing a decline in posts instead of a plethora of them every day...and getting stronger. I am absolutely no prude, but prostitution/human trafficking is not something that is a choice. It is NOT a victimless activity. And we need to start taking small steps to stop it. Keeping sites like this running sends a message that society accepts it. If you had any idea of the high percentage of sex workers that get raped, assaulted and abused in every way imaginable, you might change your mind.

happygrl

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:18:09 -0600

I'm certainly not endorsing the Erotic Services section of Craigslist, but to think that by eliminating it, prostitution/human trafficking will also be eliminated is simply naive. All it will do is push it further underground and make it more difficult for the cops to do their jobs. Frankly, I kind of think that cops answering/posting ads is awesome. It's kinda like shooting fish in a barrel. And that will probably have more of a long term effect than simply taking away the Erotic Services section.

Ingrid

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:50:41 -0600

I read where Craig has refused to eliminate the Erotic Services section of Craigslist. I would like to know his reasoning behind this. Prostitution/human trafficking is a system designed to victimize. If Craig could help eliminate this industry, you would think he would. The vast majority of women involved in prostitution have experienced a tremendous amount of trauma and abuse throughout their lives. Craig's little erotic services section has opened up yet one more venue for people in power to continue to victimize those who are powerless. It's too bad that Craig doesn't see it that way.