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Malcolm Gladwell writes the following in the December 22 New Yorker:

The problem, of course, is that niceness is overrated as a virtue. Many cultures are nice. The Southern antebellum aristocracy was marvellously well-mannered; its members left tasteful calling cards, entertained gracefully, and conducted their personal affairs with the utmost discretion. But they had few other virtues; in fact, it was the practice of niceness that helped to keep other values, such as fairness, at bay. Fairness sometimes requires that surfaces be disturbed, that patterns of cordiality be broken, and that people, rudely and abruptly, be removed from their place. Niceness is the enemy of fairness.

I couldn't put it better.

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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As with the case of Bill Clinton, the only isssue of genuine importance is being ignored. That Sam Adams had mutually agreed-upon sex with an 18 year old then lied about it is not a serious issue. That the person with whom he had sex was an intern whom he later pressured to lie about it, is. Meaningful sexual consent requires relative equality between the parties. Breedlove was effectively an employee who depended upon Adams for his income and professional advancement. The important issue here is not sex but abuse of power. That Adams failed to see that issue when he was in the relationship, and that he still appears to be oblivious to it, is a genuine concern.

posted 4 years, 4 months ago
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I also moved to Portland from upstate NY where a "clear roads" policy requires regular salting, making traction devices and even snow tires an "anachronism." Not only is the salt damaging to the natural environment, but also to cars which wera out much more quickly. When I first moved to Portland with a relatively ew vehicle the mechanics were shocked at the condition of my exhaust system. I explained that we simply took it for granted that they only lasted a couple of years given the salt.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
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Although variations on prostitution have existed throughout history, the institution has changed over time. Current statistics indicate that only 16% of men in the U.S. will engage in sex with a prostitute in their lifetime. Fewer than 1% will in any given year. As the participants with the money in hand, typically with jobs and families, johns can be compelled to change through the punishments of the justice system.

The women in prostitution are in a more desperate situation. Women do not "choose" to enter into prostitution in the absence of powerful economic and psychological motives--the latter typically involving childhood sexual abuse. Prostitution is simply the continuation of the abuse by 5, 10, or 15 men every night of the week. This is not a rational choice that should be punished, but a symptom and conbtinuation of violence and victimization.

The focus on law enforcement thus should be on the men. They have a choice, and jail means something to them. Countries such as Sweden have taken this to its logical end by decriminalizing the practice for women and prosecuting the men, be they johns or pimps.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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