Regulation is Bad?

In the wake of the exposure of inadequate regulatory regimes in the financial sector and in the control of offshore drilling, Republicans have decided to target regulatory regimes and try to weaken them and shorten their reach. How come that doesn't seem that logical? Maybe they haven't read the Jungle or heard about child labor. Maybe they aren't familiar with human nature. Maybe they don't care that while Americans get squeamish at the mention of "regulations," they actually often favor specific regulations when they are spelled out and explained. Maybe they prefer appealing to fear and anger. Maybe they want to get elected more than they want to solve problems. Maybe they think we will let them get away with it.