THE SIRENS CALL HAS EXISTED FOR CENTURIES

Yes the leaders of this city have each had their own various sirens that would encapsulate and imprison the people of New Orleans. It goes back in time, times of horror, times of slavery, times of sickness that destroyed the city, and the times of immorality. One can read about the notorious district called Storyville, named after the alderman who wrote the legislation establishing the area. From the cheapest of brothels to the most magnificent of mansions, the men of New Orleans and the visitors could have their choice. Yes the politicians knew how to entice, to sing the song of immorality, to degrade the women of all ethnicities who would labor in these sites. Some were eventually buried in major cemeteries of the city – who can find the tomb of Josie Arlington – can you? This siren, this district, was destroyed in 1917 by action of the Feds but as the mayor of the time, Martin Berhman, said "[y]ou can make it illegal, but you can't make it unpopular." One could even purchase a “blue book” describing the services available from the cheapest of “cribs” to the most expensive of mansions in the district. Later it was destroyed and public housing built instead. However, prostitution would remain throughout the city and remains even until this day. Yes the siren of immorality, supported by leaders of the city, became a major part of the continuing destruction of the City once call the Queen of the South. Oh what stories the older buildings of this city could tell and how many prominent families of today would know the truth of the lives of their ancestors and yes of their lineage. However, we must remember that immorality comes in many forms and this is but one. Can we ever really destroy the world’s oldest profession? Illegal as It is even today, it can only be stopped if the customers’ names are disclosed along with the prostitutes themselves. Punishment must be in place for both parties. Yes, this siren can be controlled and the call can be eliminated, if but for the politicians who still will not take a stand. Oh so many sirens, so many issues.