Fuel Prices Impacting "World's Oldest Profession"

If you think about it, oil is used in just about everything in one way or another. For example: growing produce (fertilizer is petroleum-based), plastics (the same), electronics (can't create it without oil, and that's not even counting the electricity). Of course, you might not think the world's oldest profession would be impacted by high oil and fuel prices, but apparently it is.

It's more in terms of legalized brothels in Nevada, mind you, but they have seen a 25% decline from last year, according to industry officials. The reason: less discretionary funds for long-haul truckers.

Geoffrey Arnold, president of the Nevada Brothel Owners’ Association, told AP said truckers account for up to 75% of business at Nevada's rural brothels along Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 95. He said

“We’re being affected by the economy like everybody else. Times are tougher … and truckers have less money to spend. They’re not high-rollers anymore.”

Shoot, I didn't know they were high rollers in the first place. However, with the average price of diesel approaching $5, making gasoline look cheap, it's small wonder there are little funds left over for "fun."

According to Arnold, rural brothels are the most hard hit. As such, they are beginning to offer promotions, such as gas cards, monthly discounts, special rates for those using stimulus checks, etc. etc.

But besides the fuel price hikes, it's a recession, guys, no matter what the Bush Administration tries to say. There is simply less disposable income to spend, and less desire to chance things by spending on stuff people can do without.

Nothing like economic necessities to curb vice.