"Richard J Kinch" wrote in message
. ..
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.

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. 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.

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

So just exactly how do you propose that we should charge enough to be able
to stay in business, be able to pay our bills, feed our familys, pay our
taxes, pay for our medical and dental care, pay for our vehicles, pay for
our homes, etc and still work for free???
Just exactly what is it that you do??? how much are you overpaid?? what does
it cost you to pay for a roof over your head??? how much does it cost to
feed your family??? how much does it cost for your medical and dental
insurance?? how much do you pay in taxes?? how much does it cost to run and
maintain your vehicles??? how much less can you get paid and still survive??

inquiring minds want to know.