Banned in Boston: Erroll Tyler's Fight for Economic Liberty

[enotdetcelfer]

I think you guys have a growing chance to make a big media stink about this. I'm sure the public will react strongly if you get it in the press that the city of Boston is actively blocking the creation of new jobs given the unemployment rate.

[whoo689]

But I guess since the city is so large and has so much tax revenue, the city gov't can't help but make itself as powerful as possible. Not to mention the bureaucrats and big-gov't politicians would have a lot more liberal supporters in a big city.

[whoo689]

Is it just me, or do big city gov'ts mostly have a monopoly on taxi services within their respective jurisdictions? I'm a resident of St. Louis County staying in Columbia in the dorms here at Mizzou, and I've noticed that BOTH of them have lots of taxi choices. Of course, Columbus, OH, also does. But Columbus is nowhere near the size of Chicago or New York City.

Ironically, the biggest cities seem to have the most monopolistic taxi services, for one thing. You'd think more competition...

[AgentFantastic]

Boston is notoriously corrupt. Good luck to anyone attempting to open a business in Taxachusetts.

[theatheistgal]

Good luck! Although, you cannot have someone look out your window in a siteseeing tour. But it is ok for a fishing charter to launch out of the harbor with up to 12 passengers (my uncle owned a charter). Just saying. Sounds like you could use fishing charters in your favor during your court hearings.

[jetrpg22]

Best of luck.

It is sad this process will have to occur.

[Tibbon]

I can see why the city would want to limit the number of various licenses (taxi, tourisim, etc), but not offering ANY licenses for 14 years is pretty absurd. While there should be limits in place, it should be possible at the same time to get a license.

I wonder why Menino is holding firm on this? At least these vehicles look better than the Duck Tours things.

[funktroop3r]

I disagree I don't see any rational purpose for governments to have the authority to determine who shall and who shall not be allowed to operate a business in the state or country.

[Tibbon]

First there's safety and congestion concerns. Unsure if you live in Boston, but I'd not want 10x more duck tours like things on the road. The government represents me and my wishes for public safety.

Additionally, creation of licenses puts forward proper standards and also helps safety. I wouldn't want to get in an unregistered cab- would you? I know the registered ones are known by police, have standard rates and have some level of inspection at least.

[funktroop3r]

Actually I have taken unregistered cabs before and they were the best services and had much lower prices. I've had licensed contractors do shoddy unsafe work I've been ripped off by licensed pawn shops. The licenses don't make anything better they just cost more money for business owners to get.

[MidnightChimes]

I agree on principal but I must say...there are way too many duck tours in Boston. The economy will wipe out half of them this summer.

[newobject]

I'd like for IJ and Mr. Tyler to win this one. Thank you IJ for taking on these cases! Let liberty prevail!

[bmcosti]

This is why I love the Institute for Justice. Way to go!