[quote=njtosd][quote=drboom]. . . It’s set up by and for lawyers, of course, so there again we have a monopoly tax. . . [/quote]
Technically, things like real estate, law, medicine, etc. are not monopolies. In a true monopoly, it is impossible to enter the monopolized area.[/quote]
The MLS is a monopoly. The USDOJ Antitrust Division has already beaten the NAR over the head a time or two about this.
In the legal field, lawyers are granted the power to vet their own membership by the state. That’s a monopoly. Same thing goes for the practice of medicine.
[quote]On the other hand, these professions do have high barriers to entry. The question that you have to ask yourself is which is the better deal – doing whatever is necessary to overcome those barriers in order to enter the profession (as bearishgurl described), or paying for the services of someone else who has overcome the barriers. It’s very dependent on what you want to do in life and in business.[/quote]
True. I do it for pragmatic reasons. Lawyers do nothing but drive up costs for everyone, so I avoid them except when I need answers to specific questions. I sat down with a probate attorney not that long ago, for instance, but I won’t actually hire him. I paid for my $380/hour consultation and got my questions answered. I don’t plan on getting charged with a crime, but I won’t screw around filing my own briefs if I do. I’ll hire the best lawyer I can afford.
With doctors, I’ve been sewn together enough times in my life to not bother going back to get stitches removed. It’s a waste of their time and my money, so I just do it myself if I can reach them or get some help if I can’t.
Specialists and professionals are valuable when used correctly, but running to them with every little problem isn’t the mark of a real adult IMO.
