Remember the "Buyback" Program?

Michelle Malkin's latest piece, "The Witch Hunt Against Gun Owners," reminded of Boston Mayor Tom Menino's ridiculous "Gun Buyback" program and, although it took place some time ago, I feel the need to address it now.

The last attempt before 2006 at a "gun buyback" program in Boston took place in the mid 1990s. Those who turned in guns were given $50, no questions asked.

Guess what happened.

"Criminologists found that some people used the buyback money to buy newer guns."

Shocking!

To explain the city's "retooled" position on the gun buyback program - offering gift certificates rather than cash - police department spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll noted that it was "(the city's)responsibility to explore every possible avenue in our efforts to decrease violent crime."

Apparently, even those avenues that don't work - Mass Backwards explains why, with examples that include a Charlestown woman beaten in the face with a baseball bat.

This is not to say, however, that criminals need to become innovative now that they don't have their guns - why? Because they can just return their purchased items from Target, bought with their gift card for returning the gun, and get a full refund.

Here's the store's return policy: "We will issue a full refund for most items returned within 90 days in new condition, with the original receipt or packing slip, packaging and accessories."

I must say, quite convenient for those crafty criminals.

And Best Buy does the following: "Refund will be in the same form as original purchase. Exceptions: Cash, debit or check purchases over $250 will be refunded in the form of a mail check within 10 business days of return." Not sure if the "gift card" purchase would count as "debit" - so this is a bit unclear. But it seems doable to get cash back.

Since gun violence is up in the city as of late February 2007, with more murders seemingly reported every day, it seems as if Menino needs to go back to the drawing board.

Maybe abolishing the Second Amendment will work, Mumbles...