Street Vendors

I am delighted to see Los Angeles Councilman Michael Woo advocate legalizing the street sale of goods in Los Angeles (“Task Force Formed to Study Legalizing of Street Vendors,” Metro, July 8).

I am confident I speak for everyone in the Libertarian Party in strongly supporting his initiative. One of the worst aspects of government is the way it limits opportunities for the poor.

This issue is a special case of occupational licensing, which in general makes it very hard for poor people, immigrants, and minorities to get a foothold in a new profession--and raises prices for everyone. For another example, think of how expensive lawyers are, when much of what they charge so much for could be done by paralegals if permitted.

Nearly all occupational licensing has the effect, and frequently also the intent, of limiting opportunities in that profession or occupation to the privileged few. The members of the profession then disingenuously argue that their real purpose is to protect the public from mistakenly purchasing inferior goods or services. Thus the public becomes persuaded of a false proposition: that such licensing protects their own interests rather than the interest of the power holders.

NEAL DONNER

Los Angeles