But what about those supporting the industry?

Thank you for publishing the article “Children rescued in prostitution sting” [NWTuesday, Oct. 27].

I worked with young people for many years, and I think it’s about time this issue was addressed. I’m glad there have been several recent Seattle Times articles that bring to the attention of the public that there is a problem.

However, what is lacking from this article is what is happening to the men who financially support child prostitution.

We live in a supply-and-demand system; there would not be underage prostitutes if there were not a demand for them.

In Washington state it is a felony to have sex with someone under the age of 16. Yet in Seattle, men who are picked up with underage prostitutes are sentenced the same as those found with adult prostitutes — a gross misdemeanor. Where is the deterrent?

In our capitalistic society, the power belongs to the consumer. It is time for our local government to say all children deserve protection.

— Michelle Kelly, Seattle