Just shoot off their mouths

"The Prime Minister, John Howard, is considering a compromise in the counter-terrorism legislation to allow shoot-to-kill police powers only when a suspect resists arrest. Mr Howard has argued that the powers are not new, because police have always been able to shoot to defend themselves. He needs the agreement of the states for the legislation because the constitution forbids many of the provisions." (http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/howard-seeks-compromise-on-shoottokill/2005/10/23/1130006005902.html)

So, let's get this straight. Howard want to pass shoot-to-kill laws. But he doesn't really need them because the powers are not new. Why don't re start re-passing tax laws, immigration and other laws, too: we already have them, but it's just so much more fun, and headline grabbing, if we go ahead and pass them again.

Besides which, they're unconstitutional.

Say what??