One more example is the AWB which will expire in 5 legislative days. Now I can have a semiautomatic with a bayonet holder and a flash suppressor. I'm gonna be a well armed sheep even though there are more laws and more people since 10 years ago.
Again, you cite exceptions to the general tendency of legislation or regulation, once enacted, staying on the books forever, with the recent exception of laws having sunset provisions. Both Alcohol Prohibition and welfare had produced absolute disasters in organized crime and minority families, respectively. Now the "War on Drugs" feeds some old and some new criminal organizations. Somehow, I get the impression that you never lived in a city large enough to have a major league team. Please check out the links.
The war on guns: Joel Miller explains how drug cops are killing 2nd Amendment
Welfare reform was not permanent. "Campaign Politics Seen as Slowing Welfare Law"
Try reading "When I Was a Kid, This Was a Free Country"
If Congress renews the "Assault Weapons Ban", I promise not to tell you, "I told you so", when Bush signs it.