The Federal Communications Commission has really mucked up the rules for television stations. It’s time for Chairman Michael Powell – and the rest of the curse word patrollers on the commission – to straighten it out.

Since Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” that briefly revealed her breast during last year’s Super Bowl, the FCC has been out for blood. They’ve fined the often-crass Howard Stern and also Bono, the lead singer of U2 who said the F-word during an award show. They’ve put five-second delays on post-event interviews with athletes and on other live shows.

It’s all in the name of cleaning the filth out of the airwaves.

But there’s been a distressingly chilling effect on networks. On Veterans Day, several ABC affiliates, including our local station, refused to air the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” fearful that the strong language throughout it would run afoul of the FCC’s new indecency rules. Never mind that the movie is a stirring tribute to men who defended America against the tide of fascism during World War II.

Stations went to the FCC hoping for an opinion on whether the film would earn a fine, but the commission refused. ABC first aired “Saving Private Ryan” in 2001. At the time, an FCC staff ruling said that the film was not indecent because of its historical context. The same decision was reached regarding “Schindler’s List,” a movie about the Holocaust that includes full-frontal nudity and that has been broadcast unedited on network television.

Commissioners, however, never ratified – or overruled – the 2001 report and stations were left searching for answers.

Of course, ABC had to further complicate matters. On Monday night, the introduction to “Monday Night Football” put nudity front and center in a salacious promo for the network’s “Desperate Housewives.” Who knows whether the promo pushed the bonds of decency too far? The FCC is investigating.

TV stations should be able to show “Saving Private Ryan” and “Schindler’s List” without fear of fines or threats against their broadcast licenses. They should also use better judgment when developing and promoting content. Common sense should be the guide.

As for the FCC, commissioners need to establish clear guidelines, be consistent when judging complaints – whether they’re against Stern or Oprah – and recognize that a swearing college quarterback just off the field after the biggest win in his career is different than a crude, planned promotion for a sitcom. Unfortunately, good judgment seems to have been the first casualty in the FCC’s moral crusade.