HikerTom wrote:
Logic and reason do not enter the thinking of a crusader, and that's what Laura is. She doesn't care about any negative effects, she is out to "save" the poor chicas. Plus she doesn't want CR to be known for casinos and prostitution, and have people coming to the country for that. Nope, it's her mission to uphold CR's eco-paradise image, everything else be damned.
While it's probably not possible to completely drive out prostitution, she can certainly shut down the action at the DR and SL, as well as the higher-profile MP's. Some MP's can survive, they'll have to be discreet and provide lots of payoffs. Isn't that how it works in Pattaya? That place is basically one giant racket, right, since prostitution is actually illegal in Thailand?
HikerTom's post is in my opinion the most accurate so far posted
I really love reading and hearing all the gringo comments everytime this subject comes up. It amazes me just how important most mongers seem to think their hobby is to Costa Rica as a whole and how unlikely a women is to get elected in a Latin country, and how badly it would affect the economy of an already economically stressed country.
I have been trying to tell many of you the possibilities and what the likelyhood and reasons are for almost a year (since SHE MANAGED TO GET EVERY MP CLOSED LAST JULY) It was a well planned political manuevor to show her power and it WAS SUCCESSFUL!!! There are things that you that do not live here and most that do, just do not know that are going on.
As for the economy, the affect on the money people, the effect on the poor, and the effect on tourism: As is the case in almost ALL latin and 3rd world countries, 10% of the people control 90% of the money, and that 10 here could care less about the poor chica or casino employ. What they are concerned with is the "bad reputation" THEIR country has, most do not need more money and are not worried about losing a little as long as Mongering in CR is stopped. As for the effect on tourism, mongering accounts for less than 10% of the tourism $$$$ and much of that(over 50%) goes to the chicas who add little to the economy of the country. Also a very high percentage of the chicas' $$$ are sent out of the country (Nicaragua, Colombia, Domican Republic, etc) Therefore the reasoning that elimanating mongering will have little effect on the economy--again, the effect on the 8-9000 chicas and the casino worker is of no concern to the money people (nothing out of their pocket since there essencially is no welfare system) I live next door to the "city home" of a very wealthy retired,and former very powerful government employ. Believe me if you had had to listen to her rants and raves and condemnation of us "rich old gringos coming here to pluck Costa Rica's young chicas", and what they are going to do to our hobby, you would be a lot more concerned.
I have heard the opinion many times that a woman could not get elected in a latin country--there have been three women elected president of latin countries in the last few years. The majority of the people who voted in the last election were women. That 10% who control the money are almost 100% behind her. She has more campain money than all the other candidates combined--just watch the TV or read the newspapers here- all are flooded with her adds already. Anyone that thinks money does not win elections (anywhere) just look at the USA last year.
Do I believe she(they) can or will do away with prostitution
. 100%yes, I believe they will pass laws making places like the REY, SL, HLH, The Beetle Bar, etc so un profitable that they will change completely or they will go out of business. They will make it too costly and risky (legally) for mongers to even come here. Will they put prostitution out of business here
. NO, not as long as there are Ticos. Will the average gringo be able to find the chicas
. Maybe, if he lives here!! or knows someone who knows someone who knows someone; but will it be worth the trip here
. NO
One thing that I have resently heard (and can not confirm) is that there is also a plan to start a publicity campain in the USA to make the "religious right wing" and public aware of why so many men come here. Man just think of the horrible situtation if she were to get the "religious right wing" behind her, and involved in a movement to stop prostitution here
All of the above is just my opinions based on the things that I am aware of going on here.
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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!
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this thread really brings out the linguists. 
