Kudos to Eric Zorn for keeping the public’s attention on human trafficking in our area (“Did Dart go too far attacking online prostitution?” July 31 Perspective). In reviewing the battle between Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and the website backpage.com, Zorn probably taught something to those unaware of the pimping and sex trafficking so close to home, for example, at a local mall.
Zorn said that—despite Dart’s good intentions as “sheriff, father, and caring citizen”—he is probably on the wrong side of the law in calling on MasterCard Inc and Visa Inc. to stop letting their cards be used to pay online for prostitution and sex trafficking offered via backpage.com.
In fact, backpage.com has filed suit against Dart, claiming infringement of the free-speech rights of the companies and their customers; U.S. District Judge John Tharp Jr agreed with backpage enough to put a temporary restraining order on further attempts by Dart.
Meanwhile, the “discussion” will go back-and-forth. Zorn himself says,”It’s a fascinating dispute” but counsels Dart to quit, saying he’s won his case (in public opinion) against such illegal transactions and should just “give in, declare victory, and move on.”
For those trapped in the trafficking trauma, however, it’s not the fascination of the debate but the futility of their lives that matters. It also matters to people and groups of good will seeking to help these young victims find a new life, one that values them as people of worth.
“Dreamcatcher Foundation” (www.thedreamcatcherfoundation.org) is one such group. Co-founded by Chicagoan Brenda Myers-Powell, a sex trade victim herself before escaping its clutches, the agency works directly with young women—both those at risk, and those already in the trade, to move on to a better life.
You can learn more about this courageous organization at a special showing of the documentary “Dreamcatcher” (a 2015 Sundance award winner for its director, Kim Longinotto) at the Metropolis Theater in Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell, at 7:00 p.m., September 27. Open-seating tickets are available for a suggested $20 donation online at www.oursaviours.org. Tickets will also be available at the door. All proceeds go to the Dreamcatcher Foundation for its work.
—Nancy Stelling, Arlington Heights
