4 ms·

I'm not sure why wrestlers, tour guides and handymen need to be licensed, but many of the professions the author highlights genuinely should be licensed. The m

I'm not sure why wrestlers, tour guides and handymen need to be licensed, but many of the professions the author highlights genuinely should be licensed. The main profession the article picks on - interior designers - seems to be misunderstood by the author. He incorrectly insinuates interior designers only choose fabrics and colors. In fact, interior designers are professionals who have completed training in space management, ergonomics and architecture. They are able to recommend structural changes that could, if designed incorrectly, cause structural damage. Interior Decorators, who in fact are NOT licensed, are limited to choosing fabrics and colors (so to speak). More info: http://www.schools-of-interior-design.com/Interior-Design-vs.-Interior-Decorating.htm http://www.schools-of-interior-design.com/Interior-Design-vs... Some of his other examples: Frozen desert sellers - I hate to bring out the '...but think of the children argument,' but seriously, do you know if the grungy dude in the van selling ice-cream to your kids knows how to handle food safely? Has a criminal record? Has 12 DUIs? Firework Operators - their job is to set off large explosions close to large crowds, occasionally indoors. I, for one, don't have a problem making sure they know what they're doing. So the author may have a valid point, but his poor choice of examples does not support his case well in my opinion.

impendia 15y ago
What is "space management"? It seems clear that if someone is going to recommend putting holes through walls, they should be appropriately educated and licensed. But I clicked through to your link, and it appears that the biggest difference is that interior designers are required to be familiar with various building codes and the like. In other words, bureaucracy begets bureaucracy.
deleted 15y ago
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Muzza 15y ago
> Frozen desert sellers - I hate to bring out the '...but think of the children argument,' but seriously, do you know if the grungy dude in the van selling ice-cream to your kids knows how to handle food safely? Has a criminal record? Has 12 DUIs? I fail to see the relevance of criminal records and DUIs to handling ice cream.
- lurker19 15y ago
  Criminal background checks are a common concern when licensing adults who work with children. DUI history is a common concern when licensing occupations that involve driving niche equipment under challenging circumstances, such as a truck in a throng of tiny jaywalking pedestrians.
  - Muzza 15y ago
    I see. Your definition of "working with children" is miles wider than mine. I take it you're also in favor of licensure and criminal background checks for people working in children's clothing stores? If the law allows you to have a driver's license even though you have 12 DUIs, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't be allowed to drive a van.

impendia 15y ago

What is "space management"? It seems clear that if someone is going to recommend putting holes through walls, they should be appropriately educated and licensed. But I clicked through to your link, and it appears that the biggest difference is that interior designers are required to be familiar with various building codes and the like. In other words, bureaucracy begets bureaucracy.

deleted 15y ago

[deleted]

Muzza 15y ago

> Frozen desert sellers - I hate to bring out the '...but think of the children argument,' but seriously, do you know if the grungy dude in the van selling ice-cream to your kids knows how to handle food safely? Has a criminal record? Has 12 DUIs? I fail to see the relevance of criminal records and DUIs to handling ice cream.

lurker19 15y ago
Criminal background checks are a common concern when licensing adults who work with children. DUI history is a common concern when licensing occupations that involve driving niche equipment under challenging circumstances, such as a truck in a throng of tiny jaywalking pedestrians.
- Muzza 15y ago
  I see. Your definition of "working with children" is miles wider than mine. I take it you're also in favor of licensure and criminal background checks for people working in children's clothing stores? If the law allows you to have a driver's license even though you have 12 DUIs, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't be allowed to drive a van.