The Alabama State Board of Cosmetology has begun a state-wide advertising campaign drawing attention to the fact that in Alabama only licensed (i.e., government approved) cosmetologist are allowed to cut hair. (I will not question the use of tax dollars for ad campaigns when our state is in financial trouble and the governor's request for a $1.2 billion dollar tax hike needed to ensure critical services failed right now - I'm sure the expense was justified.) Due to the relatively low cost of shears and the high cost of hair salons, many children are still given burr cuts from their parents. This is obviously in direct violation of the law. While no parent has been prosecuted yet...I think it is only a matter of time before someone is.
This raises to my mind the question of economic freedom. Does the government have the right to tell me with whom I can trade services? What gives some nameless, faceless bureaucrat the authority to tell me who I can pay to cut my hair? I don't understand it. Are unlicensed hair stylist a menace to the very fabric of Alabama society?
Governmental licensing is anti-competitive and, in my opinion, an unconstitutional infringement on the right to earn a living. These practices raise the prices of receiving services for consumers and inflate the value of the people giving the service. I want to be clear and explain that I am not against private associations and organizations certifying that a person is trained to be able to do a certain task to a certain level. I find such certifications useful and try to use privately-certified professionals whenever possible.
It just makes me wonder when will government get out of my hair....literally.
No comments:
Post a Comment