Prostitution is NOT a (mainstream) Christian sacrament.

[IdaBriggs]

I had to make sure to clarify my above comment with "mainstream" because there are a lot of folks out there who PRETEND to follow the teachings of the Prince of Peace, but really just use the name to cover up their misdeeds, and Jeff/James Gannon/Guckert appears to be one of them. (See Mat 7:15-16 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?" for an old fashioned clue on how to recognize these folks.)

Either way, a loving and forgiving God doesn't absolve people of responsibility for their misdeeds; you can ask the Catholic Pope about this one if you want. He was shot, forgave the guy who did it (because forgiveness is important), but NEVER asked or implied that the perpetrator of the deed NOT be punished by the law.

I hope folks don't buy into the "he's a Christian" thing, and forget the real problem with this Jeff/James character: he was lying to people about his credentials, and misrepresenting himself as an accredited journalist -- a field in which he had neither training, nor experience -- and using the "trust" (and yes, I use the term loosely) accrued by those who have adhered to their journalistic ethics at cost of life and liberty SO HE COULD MISLEAD PEOPLE.

The man is scum, and any human being who has respect for the "Nellie Blys" of our past, or the HONEST men and women of the press, will scorn him not for his sexual peccadilloes (which showed no respect for the laws of our country), but for his blatant willingness to destroy the credibility of the Fourth Estate by working for the Administration, instead of the People.

You can read the nonsense that sent me into this little righteous uproar here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36733-2005Feb18.html

Et tu, Howard?

[papau]

1. Now why is Howie giving him a platform to claim the lack of a FBI check

to getting a press pass means nothing?

Is Howie in bed with Gannon - and the Bush GOP?

[liberal43110]

7. His wife is a Repub PR consultant

so think about it...

[saltpoint]

2. I think the prostitution laws in the U.S. are idiotic --

-- but I think very highly of the Bill of Rights, which includes an amendment ensuring free speech.

Gannon's role is insidious because it subverts the free speech function of the press and blurs issues for a (supposedly) discerning citizenry.

I support sex workers, male or female, domestic or international.

I'm appalled by anyone manipulating my first amendment rights.

[DemoTex]

8. Good points, OC

I agree with you. Heterosexual and homosexual prostitution in DC get a wink and a nod from LE. The clientele are just too powerful to run big busts (no pun intended). It should be legalized and medically controlled. But until that happens, it is still a felony.

[saltpoint]

10. Hi, DemoTex.

Is my post the thing that prompted your BS Meter? I hope it wasn't.

I know it's against the law as the law is written, and all I wanted to do was to separate the idea of sex workers as inherently "bad" people from their being human beings first and foremost.

When I at last control the universe -- and it is only a matter of time -- I'd go with blame-free transactions, monitored for safety, controlled for health reasons, taxed significantly to support other needful social projects, and accepted as a legitimate component of a society.

I haven't yet figured out what to do about a 7th grader who does her Seventh Grade Career Book on becoming a prostitute. We'll leave that one in the School Board's inbox.

[DemoTex]

11. Absolutely not! I drag out the B/S meter for the story, not the post.

In fact,I have been here at DU since near the beginning and I have always respected the "poster." Ask around. But I will give a story hell.
Mac

[saltpoint]

12. I think you do, too. The graphic was just so big, it --

-- sort of spooked me.

From the posts of yours I've read over a period of time, I think you're firm but fair and both for the advancement of a point. it's much appreciated.

If you can make it over to St. Petersburg, FL, I'll buy you a cold beer.

[DemoTex]

13. " ..firm but fair and both for the advancement of a point .."

Best compliment ever paid me! Thanks! I do try to measure my words.

Mac

[OffWithTheirHeads]

3. What about Presstitution?

That should definitely be illegal!

[lawladyprof]

4. Slightly adjusted frame-"While real journalists were dying in Iraq. . . ."

N/T

[IdaBriggs]

5. I like that one -- mind if I use it? nt

[lawladyprof]

6. Not at all--eom

N/T

[DemoTex]

9. Another good point, LLP.

Or, while real journalists were trying to get a question in edge-wise at the White House press briefing, Jeff Gannon wasted the world's time by running interference for a vapid little man, Bu$h. I think I exaggerate by classifying the WH press corps as "real journalist," but there are some there. Check the back row.