Thank goodness we have the state of North Carolina watching out for us! First, we learn about “phony” engineers being investigated by the state licensing board. Phony meaning residents disagreed with a state DOT engineer. And now we find that fake barbers who dare to put out a barber pole are menacing the state. I wish I was kidding.
As North Carolina lawmakers grapple with closing an estimated $2.4 billion budget deficit, four-term Sen. Doug Berger, D-Franklin, has introduced a bill making it illegal for anyone who is not a registered barber to use or display a barber pole. Berger said he introduced the bill because his barber told him the legislation was needed.
While the barber pole has a long and colorful history dating back to the Middle Ages when barbers also served as dentists and surgeons, an online search has revealed no media reports of the improper or misleading use of barber poles in the Tar Heel State.
Nor could Berger cite any specific instances of a person displaying a barber pole and cutting hair without a license. So why did he introduce Senate Bill 25?
In a phone interview, Berger said his barber, Elbert “Spooky” Oakley of Butner, told him “it’s a problem because [barbers] lose business when people who aren’t barbers use a barber pole to advertise,” Berger said.
It’s your government at work.
