In article ,
Richard J Kinch wrote:

bill writes:

"Protecting the consumer" and "raising standards of professionalism" is
precisely why we have licensing.

No, those things are perfectly well achieved with voluntary standards that
intelligent people can pay for if they choose.

Kinch, any ****wit with a pair of pump pliers can hang a shingle and
hold himself out to be a HVAC contractor in your idealistic world.
That's exactly why we have licensing. You want the rules changed so your
hack ass can do as you like. When you **** up and injure or kill someone
you can explain your theories to the judge.


When the government forbids, ultimately with threats of force, a willing
buyer and willing seller to exchange in an honest transaction, because of a
lack of a trade license, then that has nothing to do with consumer
protection or professionalism.

Selling something to someone and providing a professional service is two
different things. Don't try to blur the lines.



It is motivated by greed, of the tradesman
who benefits from higher prices and less competition, and of the politician
who gains a moneyed special interest.

You don't know **** about business. Get a education Kinch. Preferably
somewhere other than where you got your Ph.D.


In the extreme, the government itself will decide who will do the work and
tax us to pay for it, like the public schools.

Only if the Democrats win.