WPIX Says Gun Buyback a Win-Win, We Say it is a Lose-Lose

In New York City WPIX reported that four Bronx churches held the second annual gun buyback program to “get illegal handguns and other weapons off the streets.” But is this really a win-win? People were paid about $200 for each “eligible weapon” – whatever that might be – but were limited to three guns or $600.

And do we really think any criminals, drug dealers, gang members or thugs handed in anything? So were any guns actually taken off the streets? And how many potential value and historically important firearms will be turned over to the police? We say this was a lose-lose-lose. A loss for anyone thinking the streets in the Bronx are safer, a loss for anyone who sold a firearm for a mere $200, and a loss of history.