Richard Engebretsen for The Asbury Park Press nails it.

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/OPINION/703060331/1032

"The diversion comes in the form of regulating the object instead of the criminal. If gang members cannot be controlled, this state uses "let's pummel gun rights" for its feel-good public appeal objective. Legislators are not as swift or effective in ending pay-to-play, bribery, multiple officeholding and extortion-level taxes."

I Couldn't have said it better myself...