A license (law) is the ultimate barrier to entry. Unlicensed competitors get thrown in jail. That is entirely different from market place barriers.
Also, in professions that require a high degree of skill, and where lack of that skill will result and in great harm and death to individuals, licensing is an appropriate and necessary barrier to entry.
We are making progress. So anyone other than Surgeons, Politicians, and soldiers don't need a license. I can live with that.
I notice that you didn't answer my question about holding the licensing authority accountable for the actions of the licensees? They are essentially guaranteeing the outcomes of the licensees actions aren't they?
I suppose airline pilots are a “monopoly” as well. Anyone should be allowed to fly a commerical airliner, regardless of lack of training, right? It is to each passenger to determine if the fellows in the cockpit really know how to fly a plane, before boarding, correct?
As a pilot I love this question :) There are two kinds of pilots that scare the bejeebers out of me in GA, Doctors and Airline pilots, their stats are terrible.
It so happens that the government licensing for Airline pilots is trivial compared to the requirements Airlines require for their pilots. I am 'licensed' to fly a 777, I hope you will trust me when I tell you you wouldn't want to be on my first flight if they just put me in as PIC right now : )
This is the other side of licensing. Licensing ensures nothing if the agency issuing the licenses is not accountable.
There are no guarantees in life, but licensing, when done right, greatly reduces bad outcomes and reduces confusion in markets involving skilled professionals, making those markets more efficient.
For certain, currently licensed, professions, where the stakes are somewhat lower, I could see voluntary licensing or certification as an option. States could have licensing exams, and those who pass them could bill themselves as licensed (giving them a competitive edge), while others would be required to disclose that the are not licensed or certified. The consumer could then make an informed choice. In other cases licensing should be eliminated altogether.
I am for less regulation, but we can’t get nuts about it.