Petition Discussion Thread

[Patricia]

Thanks Karin, a very eloquent post, and Kelly, well weren't you the inspiration for this!

[Patricia]

And BTW, scented Valentine's Cards advertising this petition really were sent to every TD in Ireland and many others, though they probably won't have arrived yet as they were only posted yesterday from UK! The Northern Irish MPs may have got them already though!

[adogwithabone]

i have signed its a good idea to help us escorts stay safe

if you have any concern about our saftey you to will sign

were not asking for your blood or soul

There is nobody here who would not espouse the aims of the petition. The discussion is about whether this petition is a smart move at this time. It might have some chance if it was proposed by Jessie and, maybe some other escort who has been attacked. politics is not about what is right or fair or reasonable, it is about votes. Just how many votes do you see in legalising brothels with all the publicity that has been going around about pimps and trafficked women????????????????

[Patricia]

There is nobody here who would not espouse the aims of the petition. The discussion is about whether this petition is a smart move at this time. It might have some chance if it was proposed by Jessie and, maybe some other escort who has been attacked. politics is not about what is right or fair or reasonable, it is about votes. Just how many votes do you see in legalising brothels with all the publicity that has been going around about pimps and trafficked women????????????????

Well actually I was an escort for many years. Stop knocking me for trying. You don't think it will work, fine, you are entitled to your opinion, but there is no need to be your username about it. Sure I may not be the best person to put things forward, but I don't see anyone else trying so I figure I might as well try. And again, it is not about legalising brothels, legalisation of brothels is not the only way to stop independent escorts being prosecuted with brothel laws, not by a long shot is that the only way.

[adogwithabone]

I am seeing our laws on brothel keeping being used to prosecute independent escorts and I've not seen one newspaper so much as question this so far. All I've seen is reporting that independent escorts are being prosecuted and then comments on trafficking etc, like somehow that is relevant to the issue of independent escorts now being prosecuted with our brothel laws?

Also this petition is not necessarily seeking a change in any law. Discretion can and should be used in applying the law. If the government were to for example state that they do not believe our laws on brothel keeping should be used to prosecute independent sex workers that would be a massive achievement.

Regards E-I, I've been around a long time now - 10+ years and I can tell you E-I has never been involved in pimping, running brothels, whatever you call it. We advertise escorts at the clearly published rates, end of, we do not and have never done any more than that. People with agendas can try to throw stones at us, find some tiny link somewhere and try to blow it up into something it's not, but the truth is what remains. This petition isn't about that.

We speak to escorts every week who are frightened because they feel they have to work alone. We speak to escorts that have been attacked and feel they can't go to the police because they might get busted themselves if they do. That's what this is about.

I'm trying to raise a point. I think it is a very valid point that needs raising. Why knock me?

Pat x

Think about what you say in your first paragraph. What do you think that the press are going to make of this petition?? If anyone can find a stone, you can be guaranteed that it will be thrown.
Your intentions are admirable and I am sure are shared by all here but your tactics are woeful.

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
Sun Tzu

[adogwithabone]

Well actually I was an escort for many years. Stop knocking me for trying. You don't think it will work, fine, you are entitled to your opinion, but there is no need to be your username about it. Sure I may not be the best person to put things forward, but I don't see anyone else trying so I figure I might as well try. And again, it is not about legalising brothels, legalisation of brothels is not the only way to stop independent escorts being prosecuted with brothel laws, not by a long shot is that the only way.

I am not 'knocking' you but I am trying to get you to see that this direct approach will not work no matter how laudable your intentions. We talked in the past about setting up some former w.g. as a 'welfare officer' and who would in time become a spokeswoman for the escorts. You need someone who can give the right kind of stories to the press and start to combat the impression that Ruhama are putting out that all escorts are trafficked.

[Westsidex]

I am not 'knocking' you but I am trying to get you to see that this direct approach will not work no matter how laudable your intentions. We talked in the past about setting up some former w.g. as a 'welfare officer' and who would in time become a spokeswoman for the escorts. You need someone who can give the right kind of stories to the press and start to combat the impression that Ruhama are putting out that all escorts are trafficked.

so whats the indirect one? Cowen having a shit and someone knocks on his bathroom window. "Heya Brian, sorry for interrupting you but heres a wee petition."

lower me now,
Westside.

[whiteknight111]

Hi

Should it not be the general public who is asked some how to support this?

Asking us is bit like turkey farmers voting for christmas?

That said I not sure how you ask the general public?

It looks like Fine gael are going to be the next party in power in eire and
they recently tablled a very anti-escort bill, it failed in the dail.

Just my two cents!

[hooray henry]

I think you should ring Joe Duffy, the liveline is always open!

[Patricia]

Hi

Should it not be the general public who is asked some how to support this?

Asking us is bit like turkey farmers voting for christmas?

That said I not sure how you ask the general public?

It looks like Fine gael are going to be the next party in power in eire and
they recently tablled a very anti-escort bill, it failed in the dail.

Just my two cents!

Yes I agree. Well, partly. I think the signature of anyone here is as valid as that of anyone not here, but yes I do want to get this petition talked about on other sites besides here. Hopefully I can get the word out.

Pat x