Turn Out the Red Light?

This is a real estate scam. That mayor could care less about the sex workers. Without the protection of the government there lives are going to be in danger. Look at the USA where prostitution is illegal, missing out on tax dollars and making some pimp rich (tax free). Holland really should reconsider. Tolerance will always be the best policy. As for taking your mom or wife or daughter or sister into the red light district thats just plain silly. I have never visited Amsterdam, but I am pretty sure there is an alternate route to walk. Focus efforts on real issues and stop trying to buy up real estate to flip for your own gain. People open your eyes and stop letting the government blind you with bullsh** issues. There are real problems out there in this world. Who cares if the oldest profession has its own neighborhood. I bet the hiv rate among those workers is zero.

Well, it looks like the disease of American neo conservatism has spread overseas. It's sad, really, considering the fact that Europe (and specifically the Netherlands) was the last bastion of true freedom.
Now, with this new "Moral Majority" taking hold over there, i see no reason to ever visit the land of my ancestors again, as i might as well just stay in the "good ol' u.s. of a" and have the same results.
;;

And for the puritanical

It is a part of life . Be more concerned about genocide, poverty

As an American service man in 1960, I had the unique experience of my life when I visited the RLD. I had never seen anything like it and have never forgotten it
Tulips-smulips. The Rld has ALWAYS BEEN the main attraction of that city. I personally can't imagine Amsterdam without it.The so called do-gooders will still get their jollies behind some closed door. Leave it alone. It endured for a long, long time.......wonder why???

Please don't close the Red Light District! This place has been around since the 15th Century.....Its part of world history. We as American bragg about our freedoms and how we are free to express ourselfs, but I feel Amsterdam and its Red Light District truely shows real expression. Can you imagine a Red Light District in Chicago? How about in the heart of Manhattan? Maybe downtown Los Angeles? People here would calapse and have heart attacks from the very thought!

If the moral majority (i.e. the megalopolies that run us) would pay as much attention to cleaning up the poisons they daily pour into the atmosphere and down our throats under the guise of food, for an enormous profit, as they do to the "social crimes" they drag across our paths as a red herring to deflect us from their real agenda, maybe we truly could clean up this world. But unless there's a buck in it, no one is gonna do anything that really matters. Waiting for the end, hope it comes soon!

Having been to Amsterdam in 2005 and visiting the RLD in daylight hours I felt a very dark, oppressive and heartbreaking weight set in. Couldn't get out of there fast enough... Children on their way to and from school were also walking those same streets and I couldn't imagine my kids seeing what is offered up and that being normal. Congratulations to the City for their desire to promote an image based on something other than sex and immorality. Amsterdam is beautiful and has a rich history that tourists will still want to take in - families will feel safer travelling to the City - good move!

OK World...lets all take a step back. Or more like it, step into the world of the Moral Majority. Just like in America, the false morality forced upon us by the ultra right wing (not unlike the Taliban) is undermining the rights of everyday citizens, while their clergy, religious leaders, catholic priests and right wing (moral?) politicians sneak around in airport bathroom stalls. Wake up world, and smell the Fascism. And don't forget to get a good taste of the hypocrasy while youre at it.

I went to Amsterdam in December, and I remember being really excited to see the famous Red Light District. When we found it, we walked down the little streets and alleys as quickly as we could, averting our eyes. It was the saddest thing I've ever seen, that those women were standing being those windows wearing pretty much nothing, looking miserable, waiting to be bought. It was like a slave auction. It was disgusting and sad. I wish that I had not been so eager to go gape at the misfortunes of others like they were pets in a pet store at the mall. Too bad if tourism doesn't remain quite as high as before. At least Amsterdam still has legal pot.

I do agree that if they are getting rid of the district that there needs to be some help for these women. The government needs to organize some sort of program so that they can train and get spots for waitress jobs or something if they want. I don't know. It's just sad.

Everyone is missing the point. The REAL point is to stop the CRIMINALITY, not the activities. Let the RLD remain, but let it be governed by the government who can harvest revenue from it, control crime, drugs, STD's and human trafficking (slavery by any other name). If every country had an RLD in its major cities, Amsterdam wouldn't be so famous and people wouldn't have to travel there solely for that purpose. It's like Amsterdam (and Thailand) have become the world's RLD, And if all these bible-thumping missionary types would simply shut up and let people be free to live the life they choose as long as it's impact on others is minimal at best, my guess is that more than half of the conflict that exists in the world would simply disappear.

I went to Amsterdam in December, and I remember being really excited to see the famous Red Light District. When we found it, we walked down the little streets and alleys as quickly as we could, averting our eyes. It was the saddest thing I've ever seen, that those women were standing being those windows wearing pretty much nothing, looking miserable, waiting to be bought. It was like a slave auction. It was disgusting and sad. I wish that I had not been so eager to go gape at the misfortunes of others like they were pets in a pet store at the mall. Too bad if tourism doesn't remain quite as high as before. At least Amsterdam still has legal pot.

I do agree that if they are getting rid of the district that there needs to be some help for these women. The government needs to organize some sort of program so that they can train and get spots for waitress jobs or something if they want. I don't know. It's just sad.

"...generally ugly and sad looking..."
Humanitarian perspective usually tends to be a bit more respectful of women, especially ones in such poor situations. Insulting their physical appearance, which is completely off the topic, is rather shallow. The humanitarian view generally doesn't compare them to animals either.
Personally, I can see them shutting down the prostitution shops for safety reasons; STI's and the like. I'd be wary of letting the government mess with stores that simply sell erotic items, however. And while it may seem reasonable to allow them to deal with these districts, I'd make sure that their power only extends to these situations. Eminent domain has gotten badly misused in my city, and Amsterdam might want to be on the lookout.
By the way, you've left your caps key on.

I do not necessarily agree with prostitution or drugs and I do respect women but that is not the issue. The issue is will it really make it safer. Maybe cleaning up the area as far as the dirt bags and undesirables will help, not clearing out the area. It is a tourist attraction no matter how you look at it. Curiosity attracts decent people also. Forgot about the comment of the cat. Even if it's just to see what it's all about. It is one of those experiences you will never forget and you don't have to participate. As far as the business man that is so successful there. He has an existing attraction that brings people to him. More respectable businesses would profit from this also, but right now the attraction is the RLD. Make the area more presentable for the curious. Clear out the ones that proposition tourists. Heck, wear a sign around your neck that says not for sale if it concerns you so much. If you can't laugh about it. If you don't want to put yourself or anyone else in that position, don't go. I do not believe closing the RLD is the solution and I don't know what would be. It could end up being more of a concern. If you don't have a better idea, your not helping to resolve the problem.

Comment: SWEET, when guys visit the RLD, it's for entertainment, NOT for a mission to seek social justice. Nobody is on your wavelength of "What if it was your sister or your mother?" or "What about the oppression?". That's none of our business. The RLD is promoted as an attraction, so people will go check it out. If it is dirty and smelly and the babes are withered dogs, then people won't return.