You Shouldn’t Need a License to Talk
Americans like licenses. People think they make us safer.
We license drivers.
We license dogs.
But most government licensing is useless. Or harmful.
It limits competition, raises costs, leaves consumers with fewer choices, and blocks opportunity for people who want to work.
Michelle Freenor, a tour guide in Savannah, Georgia, gets good reviews from customers.
But her business almost didn’t get off the ground because local politicians said, “No one can be a tour guide without first getting a government license!”
Bill Durrence, a Savannah alderman at the time, told me why it’s important.
“I hear a lot of tour guides saying things that make me cringe. The licensing and testing I thought was a good idea just to make sure people had the accurate information.”
While they were at it, the politicians added other requirements. Anyone who wanted to give tours had to get a criminal background check, which included urine and blood samples, take a physical fitness test, pay fees to the city, and pass a difficult history test.
“A college level history exam with tons of obscure, gotcha que
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
