The Capitol Is Otherwise Engaged

“Prostitution Free Zone” During Inauguration

Some headlines just scream for attention…

UPDATE (James Joyner): The story itself is rather amusing:

District police have placed signs along 5th and I Streets. They read, “Warning, Prostitution Free Zone.” Those who disobey could be fined 300 dollars, and even jailed. But will the city’s plan work?

DC City Councilman Jim Graham said officers cannot enforce loitering laws, which is the reason for these signs. “Because this is focused, its limited in time, its aimed at a very specific issue, if you don’t move along, well put you in the car,” he said.

[…]

A woman who calls herself Tamira and advertises her services on Craigslist, said otherwise. She said prostitutes who work the streets may ignore the signs. However, she said, some prostitutes may move elsewhere. “If I saw a sign that said, ‘Prostitution Free Zone’ I would feel a little uncomfortable that there would be a house next store where police are at,” she said. Tamira also believes some visitors will come to the inauguration for legitimate business, but prostitute on the side to make extra money.

Pretty sweet: No prostitutes or homeless people for a day! I guess that Obama guy is a miracle worker after all!

FILED UNDER: Congress, Political Theory, Popular Culture, , ,
John Burgess
About John Burgess
John Burgess retired after 25 years as a US Foreign Service Officer, serving predominantly in the Middle East. He contributed 35 pieces to OTB between February 2006 and April 2014. He was the proprietor of the influential Crossroads Arabia until his death in February 2016.

Comments

  1. And eco-friendly. It’s going to be an eco-friendly Inauguration.

  2. Eneils Bailey says:

    “Warning, Prostitution Free Zone.”

    You can’t impose that on Washington, DC and the surrounding area.

    If it was enforced, the politicians and residents would have to leave.

  3. Bithead says:

    I note once again the similarity between this happening, and the one James remarked on during the Beijing Olympics. Can’t find it now, doggone it.

  4. Dave Schuler says:

    I wonder if the post you’re thinking about isn’t one of mine, Bithead.

  5. John Burgess says:

    Eneals: Watch it with the over generalizations!

    While they are not many, there are DC residence who have nothing to do with the government, DC or federal. Some, like my wife, have had family there since before it was DC. Since before it was the US, for that matter.

  6. Triumph says:

    Pretty sweet: No prostitutes

    Uhh…speak for yourself.

    Also, I know for a fact that plenty of dames will be working in DC for the inauguration. If you are willing to spend appropriately, you can EASILY get some high class broads.

    Those dames from 5th and I are skanky anyways. It’s like a mini Port au’Prince down there.

  7. Bithead says:

    I wonder if the post you’re thinking about isn’t one of mine, Bithead.

    Yep.. that’s the one.
    That also explains to me why I couldn’t find it.

    Thanks!

    YOu see what I mean, I think.

  8. Izerc says:

    Blogging from Indianapolis

    The Honorables

    Catch Inaugural Fever

    http://www.izerc.com/?p=284

  9. Joe says:

    I know all the suburbanites like to trash DC but its a great city to live in. Just some food for thought, there may be a few out of the way places in DC where you can find a hooker, but you would have to ask someone from the suburbs where those places are.

  10. DL says:

    The real prostitution taking place was in the voting booths of America last Novemeber when millions sold (not their bodies) their souls for a free ride on the backs of the nation’s successful producers. There is no slavery that can compare to having sold your principles for material gain and envy. Freedom can be given away and this election marks a turning point in history when the road to voluntary servitude took a giant leap.