Isn't It Ironic. Don't You Think

This year has seen a great increase in gun related violence. Shootings are up and overall the murder rate is on pace – or above – that of last year's 10 year record. To take some of the guns off the street Mayor Menino has re-introduced the gun buyback program which ran in the mid-nineties. During the period of June 12 to July 14 people can turn in firearms to any Boston Police precinct, no questions asked, and receive a $200 gift certificate to Target Stores. Wait. Target Stores? Isn't it a bit ironic that they'll be handing out gift cards with a target printed right on them. Well, maybe not. Unlike other gun buyback programs that have run in Boston and in other cities across the country that offer cash for weapons this program will reward the return of firearms with merchandise – not drugs or other weapons, which could be purchased with cash.

'BUR's Morning Edition ran a story this morning reporting that the street price of a pistol is dropping in Boston because there are just so many of them out on the streets – buying one second-third-or fourth hand is falling into the simple pricing structure of supply and demand. Perhaps the buyback program will at least help to increase the cost of obtaining a firearm for those who don't already have one. At best it will reduce the number of weapons on the street and in turn put a stop to the increasing crime rate. Vintage guns, rifles, and shotguns won't be accepted as part of the program – though it wouldn't be surprising if you sawed most of the barrel of a shotgun they'd take it off your hands.

Flickr user Losttrekker shows how menacing a pair of guys can look in a Target parking lot - please take their guns.