Minor Thoughts from me to you

The Wisconsin State Journal has a decent article on the pitfalls of regulation. The article correctly points out that many regulatory investigations are simple abuses of power and that regulation targets anyone with innovative, new, or disruptive ideas.

I do have one comment, however. The article points out that the state legislature makes decisions about what to regulate.

"What often happens is that constituents contact their local legislators and talk to them about the need," Martin said. "Often the professions themselves approach the legislator, asking to be regulated."

True enough. But there is a good reason why professions ask to be regulated -- and it's not for the good of the consumer. Professions can face competition from new businesses, new practitioners, or new ways of doing something. By regulating a profession, the members of that profession can ensure oversee who enters the profession. They can ensure that no new methods of doing business are introduced without their approval. They can limit the number of new practitioners that enter the profession. In short, they can limit competition and better insure their own business success. This is not aimed at protecting the consumer, but at protecting the existing businesses or practitioners.

After all, are you really at risk from unlicensed barbers or interior designers? In Wisconsin, these privileged workers are protected from undue competition. I seriously doubt that Wisconsin consumers were ever really at risk from either profession.