If Self-Regulation Really Worked . . .

Those on the far-right always bitch about rules imposed upon them by the tyrannical government.  Oh, those "job-killing regulations"!  Businesses advocate for self-regulation  -- "No one knows our business better than we do, so trust us!"

If self-regulation really worked . . . 

Auto manufacturers would issue traffic tickets and investigate all accidents.

Utilities would voluntarily shut down coal-burning power plants.

Gun makers would insist on the same sort of training, testing, licensing and insurance required to drive a car.

Wall Street would have never sunk the economy with Collateralized Debt Obligation "investments" backed by piles of sliced and diced toxic mortgage paper.


But it doesn't work that way, does it?  History proves we can't just "trust 'em" and hope for the best.  We can't have an honor system until everyone is guaranteed to be honorable.