DOORKNOBS AND LOBBYING. Kids, I think the Economist article about doorknobs reflects some of my cynicism about lobbyists. It recounts the arguments of lobbyists on both sides of the doorknob/door handle dispute, and points out the business issues at stake. The article also lists some of the governments which are considering a doorknob ban—a municipal council in Halifax, a provincial government in Manitoba, a council near Toronto.
These proposals would create exceptions to what has been the general practice of builders and tenants making their own decisions about doorknobs versus door handles. If the controversies spread, there will be opportunities for lobbyists on both sides all around North America—and for the governments that lobbyists lobby. In other words, these are “cowcatcher” bills. (I posted on cowcatcher bills here.)