Now let's create a more accurate analogy.
Let's say you not having any children of your own decide you want to raise other peoples kids.
So you buy a house in a neighborhood thats full of people doing the same thing, many of whom have gotten into trouble for abusing children. A number of you get together and form a neighborhood association designed to make sure that no one is abusing any kids, in essence you "self-regulate". There is no real regulation but its the thought that counts right?
You decide to tell the state that you dont have any kids because you dont want them poking their nose in your business, but at the same time you tell the federal gov't youve got a whole boat load of them all so can get tax breaks and other such funds designed for people with children.
At the same time while youre telling the state you dont have any kids youre telling anyone who might be looking to off load their kids that you do. You go so far as to give presents to friends that will refer people to you. You eventually decide to advertise telling anyone and everyone (other than the state) that you take kids and you follow the letter of the law and are licensed, and safe, and give these kids and education, and on and on and on.
Eventually some of the kids get too old and leave your house, or their parents come back and get them. Some of those kids start claiming that you abused them, that you mistreated them. In response you decide to sue anyone who says anything bad about you. You decide people are not allowed to say bad things about you.
After enough kids have complained the state finally gets wind of what youre doing and comes down to see you.
"Get properly licensed", they say, "Or we're going to close you down."
"What all does being licensed involve?" you ask.
"Well, it basically means that you have to acknowledge to us that youre taking these kids. It also means that you have to stop doing alot of the things youre doing."
"Like what?"
"Well, namely the things these kids are citing as abuse. Youre going to have to fill out some forms and pay a $30.00 licensing fee once a year. Once every six months someone from our office will come by and make sure everything is running okay and none of the kids are being abused. We're also going to have someone here fulltime that you dont have to pay for, but will stay on in case any of the kids feel they are being mistreated. I know you have these kids best interest at heart and you'll have no problem agreeing to all of this. Right? "
How about it Cindy?