Some people like it when public officials respond to actual problems affecting their community. Some legislators, on the other hand, prefer to grandstand on hot-button issues that might not solve problems but could help win re-election.

New York State Senate Republicans this week introduced legislation that would make it a felony to commit violence for display on Internet video sites. It’s unclear how this would change things for violent people, because prosecutors can already bring felony charges against them, whether they’re shooting video or not.

So what’s the point? Why do we need an Internet violence law that won’t necessarily change criminal behavior? We contacted Joe Conway, a New York senate staffer, to find out.

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