FutureWire - futurism and emerging technology

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Our Government's Priorities

On Feb. 16, the House voted to increase FCC fines for broadcast indecency to $500,000 per incident. In all likelihood this will become law. So when someone shows a private body part or says a naughty word on air, Rolling Stone notes that the fine they incur will be more than or equal to that for:

  • A dangerous malfunction at a nuclear power plant (the largest fine the Nuclear Regulatory Commission levied in 2004 was $60,000).
  • Illegally testing pesticides on humans.
  • A wrongful death of a nursing home patient.
  • Dumping toxic waste in drinking water.

Oh well. At least we're being kept safe from boobs and four-letter words...

Source: yelvington.com