Maite: January 2015

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The United States needs to be ashamed of its record on human trafficking. How is this the second highest crime in the US? The State Department estimates that about 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked to the US yearly, but the actual number is much higher. Even worse, the US government estimates that there are up to 27 million victims worldwide. (Polaris:1) Human Trafficking is like slavery: the same methods of transportation are used to bring people against their will to another country for the benefit of others. The United States ended slavery in 1804, the US even amended the Constitution to make it permanent that slavery is not allowed and we shall not permit it: moreover, to know the reality that we still have the same system as slavery back in the 1800's to only know that it is now known as ‘human trafficking.’ . Human trafficking not only involves women, but also men and young children between the ages of 11-17; however, it is mostly known for selling women. These victims are usually kidnapped, drugged or raped and then transported to another country, or kidnapped in the United States to be used as sex slaves. When these victims are taken away, methods of extreme violence are used which is similar to slavery. When they’re being used as sex slaves, the traffickers physically and mentally hurt the victims by stealing their thoughts, and assaulting the victims in order to bring down their pride, dignity and self worth. (Fisanick:19)
There are some people that are not aware that slavery does exist till today. Many people believe that it happened decades ago when African Americans were taken into slavery, however; now it’s the modern day of slavery when not just African Americans are taken into slavery but people from all different races are forced into slavery. There are different types of slavery and human trafficking is one form of modern day slavery. (Polaris:1) We should really consider different methods in order to stop this from occurring or keep increasing. Although most people are aware that this issue is going on around the world, not a lot of people take the chance to stop this problem. Some people are not even aware that young children who are young as five years old are taken away to become sex slaves.

Horizon-

No one understands why anyone would want to commit such a horrible crime. Only those who are involved really know the reason for their gruesome acts. Kidnapping children and taking them away in order for sexual pleasure to those dirty monsters is in so many counts wrong! Taking their innocence and their freedom should bring attention to those who don't believe it occurs.

Current Issue;

Not only is this a issue in other states or countries but also in 2011 it was seen here in this valley; Glenwood Springs, Colorado motels as well as Aspen it was seen by 4 other men who saw the event go on in the parking lot of the motel, as well as dealing drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine. These kids were brought from different states and were being sold to different men to abuse of the kids.