Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Sex tourism thriving in Bible Belt

Reuters

ATLANTA (Reuters) - In a sleazy hotel room, "Brittany," then aged 16 and drugged into oblivion, waited for the men to arrive. Her pimps sent as many as 17 clients an evening through the door.

A "john" could even pre-book the pretty young blonde for $1,000 a night, sometimes flying in and then flying out from a nearby airport.

None of this happened in Bangkok or Costa Rica, places that have become synonymous with sex tourism and underage sex.

It took place in Atlanta, the buckle of the U.S. Bible Belt, where the world's busiest passenger airport provides a cheaper, more convenient and safer underage sex destination for men seeking girls as young as 10.

"Men fly in, are met by pimps, have sex with a 14-year-old for lunch, and get home in time for dinner with the family," said Sanford Jones, the chief juvenile judge of Fulton County, Georgia.

It's all about "moral values", ain't it? Talkin' about 'em, that is.

Another man drove from North Georgia, with a bag containing a teddy bear, a love note and condoms, snorting methamphetamine on the way.

I wonder how he felt, poppin' wood and holding out a teddy bear, when he met the little girl?

He expected a 13-year-old girl, but instead found Heather Lackey, a corporal with the Peachtree City Police Department.

I think they should post the johns' names and photos in their hometown paper, and on the dayroom wall of the jail they go to. Let the incarcerated parents of young children know about it. They'll deal with it.

The sex slaves are trafficked in and out of cities to supply sporting events, conventions or rap concerts.

Only rap concerts? Do I detect a tinge of racism here?

"This is a place where you can buy, sell or rent kids. It must be stopped."

Sometimes, "DUH!" just ain't enough.

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