I saw something on the local news last night that I just had to get into my notes for today. The State of Florida under its new governor, Rick Scott, is trying to get rid of burdensome regulations that impede business growth. One of the regulations in the crosshairs is state licensure of interior decorators. Decorators, it seems, are not thrilled with the idea that licensing would end and for their profession. That would mean (gasp!) that people could open design shops and go into competition with other decorators without government permission! Oh, the humanity!

So last night I see this strange woman on the news telling us all why the state simply must keep licensing interior decorators. It's all about safety, you see. That's right. If someone not licensed by the state actually tells some homeowner what color drapes goes with what color upholstery, and what styles will work in this room with what accessories, then the people who live in that home will be in danger! The home will just not be safe!

A little pity is due here. For years designers in Florida have been able to use the government to limit competition. Now that may end. They have to come up with something, don't they? I guess this phony safety issue is as good as anything else they could come up with.