Philly Cops Have Way Too Much Time On Their Hands

Yesterday in Philadelphia a woman was arrested for solicitation of prostitution. There is nothing very post worthy about that by itself. However, the reasons behind the arrest are post worthy. Susan Finkelstein is 43 years old and a big Phillies fan. As you may or may not know the World Series starts tonight and the Phillies are playing the Yankees. Susan really, really wanted to go see the Phillies play.

So, Susan did what any other person does in this age, she posted something on Craigslist. In the ad she described herself as "gorgeous, tall, buxom blonde diehard Phillies fan desperately seeking Series tickets. I'm the creative type! Maybe we can help each other!"

So, a Philadelphia police officer called Susan and she indicated that in return for some tickets she would be amenable to performing some sexual acts. Susan was arrested. You know, I understand prostitution is a crime, but to me this sounds like two people talking about a date to a baseball game and what would happen after the game. I think this is a really questionable arrest and I really think that there must be more pressing issues facing the Philadelphia police department.

Let's say that I get set up on a blind date. Prior to that date I have several phone conversations with the woman I am going on the date with. Perhaps at some point the discussion becomes more sexual and we describe some of the things we are going to do for each other. During one of these conversations I mention that I will pay for dinner. Does that now make her guilty of prostitution? Does it make me guilty of soliciting? There is just too much ambiguity when you talking about anything but money for sex.