Deborah Jeane Paltry is Dead: Are We Safer?

I have not written about the "D.C. Madam" case for a few reasons. Like, while resources are spent tracking down adults having consensual sex, one of my young coworkers in DC was mugged at gunpoint.

But mostly it was because of my belief that women are treated much more harshly than the men involved in these cases. I mean really, most of the guys get a not so subtle wink and nod of approval from their friends, while the women face jail time.

Deborah Jeane Paltry spent time in jail, and was facing additional prison time for her role in a prostitution ring. My complaint has always been if prostitution is illegal, why isn't David Vitter facing jail time?

Wonkette expresses some of my sentiments:

For the great crime of hooking up willing ladies with horny politicians, "D.C. Madam" Deborah Jeane Paltry was facing four to six years in prison, and today she was found dead in a shed behind her mother's house in Florida. The men who paid for hookers through her service, such as Republican Senator David Vitter, have paid no price for their crimes, and they remain in power as the very people who make up the laws. Anyway, good-bye, Deborah Jeane. [...][Washington Post]

UPDATE: Madams Fall While Their Johns Prosper
D.C. Madam's Suicide Shows Great Discrepancy Between Men and Women When It Comes to How Prostitution Is Punished