Prostitution.

I just finished watching a very interesting 20/20 on prostitution in America.  I say very interesting, because it was just that.  I had no idea the depth and breadth of the problem our country is facing.  They went to the outskirts of Philadelphia for a portion of it and I couldn't help recalling the music video for "Streets of Philadelphia" (Bruce Springstein folks, come on).  It was seriously a ghost town with abandoned buildings occupied by homeless prostitutes.  During this portion of the program, the woman being interviewed actually left a couple of times to go see a "regular" (it seems cheesy to say "to see a 'regular'", but that's how she put it, sorry).  Anyhow, those interviewed also ranged up to women that have a select five or so clients and live very high end.  One woman being interviewed said that she saw this as no different than marrying for money.

This is where this blog really begins.  This woman got me thinking.  With this comparison, she stepped very close to a thin moral line...  from both directions.  Marry for money or stay single and have sex for money.  She saw no difference...  and honestly, disregarding my personal beliefs, I couldn't tell her there was a difference.  And so, I pose my first question to you, my reader:  What is the difference?
Please ponder that in depth before continuing on.

Without delay:  Why are you of that opinion?

"I don't know" is an entirely unacceptable answer.  I'm reminded of a 'Law and Order' episode where the fem fatale was constantly pushing the blame around.  It's not because so-and-so tells you it's right or wrong.  That makes no sense, because then the answer is dependent on the one instructing you of right and wrong. 

Okay, you've argued your way into the common place theme of well, "What's the social standard?".  And you can't truly rely on societies standards.  Don't tell me that you can.  They change continuously.  And it's all about entropy. 

Some other women would say oh, but I won't do _____.  So prostitution is one line and _____  was something completely different all together.  And Joe and Susie Televisionviewer are thinking something different all-together about these women.

Where do we start and where do we begin?  Who decides this moral standard?  Look in text books on social work or whatever you like.  The opinions are greatly varied.  You should all see what I'm getting at. 

The atheists and agnostics will be rolling their eyes, but with little to say that might hold substance.

There is a moral standard set for us.  Look to that for your answers.