Congress is set to substantially increase indecency fines for broadcast media.

“With passage of this legislation, I am confident that broadcasters will think twice about pushing the envelope.” —Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich

Speaking as a creative professional, that ranks among the worst quotes I’ve ever seen from a politician.

Increased fines aren’t the problem, and may actually be a solution to the greater problem of arbitrary guidelines and de-facto moral police. In the long run we’re better off enforcing dumb laws because it increases the likelihood that said laws will repealed. Laws that aren’t enforced encourage a laxity and disrespect towards the larger rule of law. If the law is going to be there, it should have teeth. If the law is outdated and absurd, it should be stuck down.

Support is bipartisan, so there isn’t really a “bad guy” in this. But still, what a horrible quote.