More Gun Buybacks – More Mainstream Media Information
The problem with gun buybacks is that not only do we believe that these seldom (if ever) actually get guns off the streets, but they spread misinformation. This week saw several such programs and here is a quick recap.
Shore News Today reported on a gun buyback in Pleasantville, NJ, where the police collected 257 handguns, 111 rifles and 97 shotguns. “In all, $29,730 was doled out to people,” reports the paper. Doled is a good word. But the paper also quoted Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel as saying, “Every gun turned in is another gun that can’t end up in the hands of a criminal.” This is a statement made all too often, and is insulting at best and an outright lie at worst. That is akin to saying, “every car could be used by a drunk driver.” If safety precautions are followed, few if any guns should end up in the hands of criminals, but anti-gun zealots and the mainstream media like to imply otherwise.
ABC6.com noted that New Bedford, Mass. also held a gun buyback, with the mayor being quoted as saying, “illegal guns are the weapons of mass destruction in our cities.” But the question do these buybacks really get guns off the streets? The reporting from ABC6.com never questioned this fact, only offering sound bites from those organizing the event.
Likewise, The Boston Herald also reported on the event, noting it was a “gun safety exchange.” Maybe they’re right, people were exchanging their safety for a few bucks. In this report it was noted, “Mayor Scott Lang sayst he program will make the city safer.” No counterpoint of course.
KLFY.com reported on the four Baton Rouge churches traded gas cards “to anyone turning in a handgun or assault weapon.” Of course the news outlet doesn’t really note what exactly is an assault weapon. But of course that is far from the only concern. The story notes, “The ‘Gas for Guns’ program targets illegally held of unwanted weapons.” Again, any proof that “illegally held” guns are ever turned in at these things?
Essentially, these events are reported on with little counterpoint and are human interest feel good stories. The truth is that these probably do little good, as they pay people a fraction of a firearms worth, likely get few if any illegal guns off the street, and never address the larger issue that the criminals remain on the streets.
Even Mass. Citizens Looking to Get Permits
It seems that even citizens in the traditionally liberal state of Massachusetts are looking to obtain firearm permits, The Boston Globe reports. According to the paper this came a surprise to everyone:
“The magnitude of the rise, evident in nearly every corner of the state, surprised law enforcement officials, and gun advocates and opponents alike.”
Maybe even liberals aren’t buying that line that gun laws aren’t being tightened, or maybe all those reports of gun sales and ammo has convinced people is time to get a permit… at least while they still can.
Who Guards the Guards: Falmouth, Mass. PD Misplaces Firearms
Everyone misplaces something from time to time. House or car keys, the TV remote and of course six .40-caliber Smith & Wesson semiautomatics. Oh wait, I’ve never misplaced a firearm and neither have any of my friends or colleagues. But the police in Falmouth, Mass. on Cape Code have done so. According to The Cape Code Times:
“Police are working to recover six department-issued guns from retirees and summer special officers who kept the weapons even after they left the department.” Read more
