Censoring Craigslist - Taking Prostitution Back to The Streets

That being said, a group of state attorneys general have managed to deal a blow to sexual freedom, and freedom of expression, by forcing Craigslist to block its adult services section in the United States. For the moment at least, Craigslist appears to have relented in to the pressure.

The decision comes just over a week after the state attorneys general accused Craigslist of not doing enough to “protect” against ads allegedly promoting prostitution. They’ve brought the pressure under the guise of public safety after one psychopathic killer stalked women on Craigslist, needlessly slaughtering an erotic massage therapist – and simultaneously – our unencumbered ability to freely search out sex on Craigslist.

Fortunately, this move seems only to affect Craigslist in the United States – where we continue to be pathologically driven by the puritanical ideology of our founding fathers – who were so crazy, they were kicked out of Great Britain.

At least in Great Britain, where they don’t talk openly about sex either – they know that behind closed doors, everybody is doing it. Sex scandals are an expected part of the culture. In America however, we pretend that no “good people” are actually doing it – other than when necessary – continuing to live in some child-like, irresponsible, unsafe delusion.

The issue here is that we continue to blame porn stars, strippers, sex workers, and the Internet services like Craigslist for fueling peoples endless sexual desires.

To be clear, Craiglist has an adult services section because people want adult services.

Personally, I think we should close down all restaurants for pandering to our “base desires” for gustatory pleasure. I don’t know about you, but I have been known to reach states of orgasmic bliss while eating an incredible meal. And I’ve also had food poisoning.  

Food-Related Illness are responsible for about 5000 deaths each year in the United States. There’s only been one Craigslist related murder since 1996. Restaurants are far more dangerous. Let’s censor restaurants because of the clear and present danger they pose to public health. I’m sure the attorneys general would agree – pleasure should be outlawed – the way god intended.

It’s fall, which means it’s time for college kids to hit the books — and now hit the streets — in attempt to locate and service “erotic-massage” clients to help pay for school  - a much, much safer idea than advertising their services in Craigslist classifieds.

On a bright note however, the state attorneys general may have found a way to rescue ailing old school press establishments by forcing prostitution advertising dollars back into print. Move over Craigslist, here comes the New York Times classified section, serving all of your erotic services needs.