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 In the long run we’re better off enforcing dumb laws because it increases the likelihood that said laws will repealed.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 If the law is outdated and absurd, it should be stuck down.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.

Bagel Zone now has free wifi (I helped set it up, blame Verizon if it’s wonky). It’s been too long since I’ve been down to see Al. The food and coffee are still fantastic, I gotta go more often.

Friends of Democracy is a news site covering the Iraqi elections through the voices of everyday Iraqis from all over Iraq. The site is a project of Spirit of America, and the pictures and stories are remarkable.

I don’t normally participate in displays like this, but the vote in Iraq was just too inspiring. The pessimists are almost always wrong.

Some site I read the other night repurposed a famous quote by Sir Winston Churchill, “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” The “insurgency” is over, they’re now officially terrorists, criminals and murderers.

The seeds of democracy and freedom have taken root in Iraq, let this newest birth of freedom spread across the rest of the Middle East and may they finally see a true, lasting peace and prosperity.

Look for smart people and hard problems. Smart people tend to clump together, and if you can find such a clump, it’s probably worthwhile to join it.

A worthwhile essay by Paul Graham. Some of the best advice is that we’d deliver to ourselves in high school.

I love the US Navy.

“Prosumer means it doesn’t fit in your pocket.”