I am not going to tear into any particular legislation in this brief blog-rant, but in the last few weeks, as I have reached out to Republican legislators to ask them why they have authored, support, or have voted for legislation that increases regulation on a particular business or industry — I have heard the same excuse back — "The industry wants this regulation."
You know what I have to say to that excuse? Tough beans for them. Just because representatives from a particular type of businesses want to be regulated does not mean that they should be. Legislators should take into account factual information about the effects of regulations into account when examining a bill, but the number one question that should always be asked when considering a potential regulation is this: "Is this regulation absolutely necessary?"
In many cases, when "industry leaders" are looking for regulation of their own industry, it is for self-serving reasons. Perhaps it is to impose standards which they like but which then stifle competition as it may keep others who may not meet the same standards from taking some of their work.
Or my favorite — regulating an industry in order to then create fees which become mandatory. Voluntary industry groups actually are burdened with having to convince industry workers to make voluntary contributions. Isn’t it easier if the government simply mandates participation.
The result of decades upon decades of acquiescence to the flawed logic of, "the industry wants this," is that we now live in a state where you need a license to cut someones hair, or chat with them about their troubles — or if you want to grow citrus, or perhaps grow some almonds — you get hit with a state-backed fee.
It’s time to start telling those "industry" folks to go self regulate. Somehow the movie industry has managed to come up with a rating system all by itself. Let them be a model — and let’s start undoing regulations that amount to the government being used to help some at the expense of others.
Recommended reading for those still unconvinced.