It is important to distinguish between the ridiculous notion of a threat from throw pillows and the very real risks associated with poor *design* choices: health and safety risks from dead end corridors and flammable upholstery that do not meet fire safety codes, or financial risk to business owners who violate guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (e.g. have level changes in the path of egress).

The licensing system has problems that need resolution, but so do many professional practice requirements (e.g. medical licensing, the bar exam). We can improve on the existing system rather than abandon the advances it has made ensuring the quality of our buildings.

Interior decorators should, by all means, continue decorating (throw pillows are safe, trust me). Those who wish to practice interior design need to have the credentials to do so, just as architects have their own requirements.

It's not like licensing appeared out of the blue yesterday... it was a long, hard process supported by thousands of interior designers. Why is this such a controversial profession? Why not attack registered nurses, day care providers, or plumbers? Reason.tv should apply a little more *reason* to their agenda-driven attacks.