Lawmakers know how to make headlines and get themselves on TV news. But we wish they were equally as adept at making real change for the people of the communities in which they serve.

Several good examples exist in the latest string of new laws that went into effect Tuesday in Louisiana.

First, the state passed a near total ban on abortions. But the law is pointless unless the U.S. Supreme Court opts to reverse its stance on Roe v. Wade, which seems unlikely.

But passing a ban on abortions will certainly gain some voter support among staunch conservatives.

And, if that&8217;s not enough, don&8217;t fear, Louisiana lawmakers had another proverbial &8220;ace&8221; up their sleeves. Perhaps the only guaranteed conservative vote getter better than banning abortions is criminalizing flag burning.

Of course Louisiana&8217;s flag-burning ban means absolutely squat, at least until Congress passes a constitutional amendment. And then only after states ratify the change.

Yet, taxpayers have footed the bill. Call it forced campaign financing, if you will.

Perhaps with more and more of these no-effect laws going onto the books, voters will make up their minds to make some real change of their own by some &8220;teeth&8221; into their votes.