No license for Joe? So what

Bill Steigerwald, Commentary
East Valley Tribune (Phoenix)

Joe “The Plumber” Wurzelbacher, the Republican Party’s newest working-class hero from Ohio, has been ridiculed and had his private life probed since he had the nerve to confront Barack Obama about taxation.

For liberals, one of Joe’s biggest crimes against humanity — besides apparently owing about $2,000 in back taxes — is the charge that he works as a plumber but doesn’t have a plumber’s license.

In Ohio, Joe’s not required by law to get a license before he can practice plumbing. But he needs to get a license if he decides he’d rather make his living as an accountant, architect, barber, chiropractor, cosmetologist, dental hygienist, dentist, paramedic, funeral director, hearing aid fitter, insurance agent, land surveyor, lawyer, nursing home administrator, nurse, occupational therapist, optometrist, pesticide applicator, pharmacist, physical therapist, physician assistant, physician, podiatrist, psychologist, public school teacher, real estate agent, real estate appraiser, school counselor, stock broker, social worker, truck driver, veterinarian or vet’s assistant.

Before Joe Wurzelbacher or anyone else wants to become Joe the Barber or Joe the Podiatrist, he must first get the permission of his state government.

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