Gun owners who fail to renew their licences in terms of the new gun-control regulations will not overnight become criminals in possession of illegal firearms - at least, not until July 2009.
Translation: Noncompliance has been so massive and overwhelming we know we'll appear to be utter, impotent fools if we don't act like we're doing something to get tough.
Translation: If the people get it in their heads that they can defy us with impunity, they might cease fearing us. And if they cease fearing us...