I read Bill Ameling’s recent letter to the editor with startled dismay (“Beachcomber failed to provide context,” Jan. 16).On behalf of disempowered and abused men, women and children forced into the sex trade, I need to speak up. The quote which Bill offered is offensive on its face — and based in deep misinformation.

The term “whore” further denigrates those who are already powerless and the quote serves to remove appropriate guilt from men who willingly supply demand to the sex trade. The majority of prostitutes in the world are underage and often sold or tricked into prostitution in childhood. The money paid goes to their pimps. Most prostitutes work under threat of beatings or worse; they are not using anyone — they are being used.

When a privileged elected official legitimizes such an inaccurate and “fanciful” portrayal of prostitution in a public venue, a dangerous and unacceptable message is sent. This is offensive. The intent of this letter is to ensure that this egregious comment receives the clarification and rebuttal that it deserves, and I call upon the Vashon Park District commissioners to rein in the more offensive members of their board.

As Martin Luther King Jr. so truly stated, “There comes a time when one must take the position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right.”

 

— March Twisdale

 

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