Posted on 05/21/2014 3:56:14 AM PDT by marktwain
Long Guns Turned in at Milwaukee "Buy Back" on 17 May, 2014 |
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I arrived at the turn in event a little after 9 am on the 17th. The Milwaukee Police Department had already done the set up for the event, and a crowd was listening to speeches. I counted about 10 officers at the start, with perhaps as many as 15 total. Several were directing traffic and controlling the area. It appeared that data were being entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to check to see if any of the firearms were listed as stolen property. I have not heard any mention that any of the firearms were listed as stolen. The event was not really a "buy back" because the people buying the guns never owned them berfore.
There appears to be at least one WWII or earlier Mauser at the top left of the picture, and some decent hunting rifles and shotguns in the mix. One semi-auto AK clone was turned in, and it was rumored that a Thompson came in, as well as several decent .357 magnums. I never saw them.
Police cleared the controlled area of those who were not involved in the organization of the event before it started. This is the first turn in event that I have seen start on time. They refused to take in firearms early. It was well organized, and the flow of vehicles and people on foot proceeded fairly smoothly. There was a crush at first, with traffic backed up around the block and even down side streets early on.
From left to right: Reverend Louis E. Sibley III, Dr. F.L. Crouther, Reverend John McVicker, Mr. Marty Forman, and Reverend Butler |
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I particularly want to thank Reverend Butler for his help in obtaining some pictures at the event. All of the clergy were friendly and helpful, but that has generally been my experience with clergy.
Marty Forman runs a recycling center. His family has been in Milwaukee for at least three generations. He said that "people were encouraged to take more valuable guns to Cabela's or Gander Mountain", and that they only wanted unwanted, broken, and inexpensive guns.
I did not see any ads to that effect, or any mention in the media articles that I read, but it seems like a reasonable message to put out. Perhaps they could make a way for private buyers to look at the guns before they reach the police Then the buyers could make offers for the more valuable firearms.
There were a significant number of private purchasers at the event. Here is a typical sign.
"Its America, I support their right to be here."Of course, if you must obtain government permission for a private sale, it is no longer private. Requiring background checks, of the form proposed by those who push for more restrictive gun laws, would not allow private people to buy at events like this. A background check amendment that would insure the privacy of private sellers and buyers was defeated in the Senate by those pushing for more restrictive gun laws.
FYI
What kind of "speech" is made at an event like this?
"Guns are BAAAD - get them out of your house before they turn on you!!"?
I mean, WTF?
I wonder how many were broken, rusted or simply no good?
darn! I wish they would have one of those in my city! $500 could fill up my gunsafe!
At least one speech was made by Mayor Barrett. He probably said that turning in guns would stop violence.
He is a strong proponent of restrictive gun laws.
I think leftists in general are terrified of guns because they don’t trust themselves with them. They’re so completely and effeminately controlled by their emotions they’re afraid of what they’ll do.
You can be sure that the private buyers culled out the best.
Exactly. It is a mental disorder.
This has been the plan since 1962. It got a strong push when Bobby Kennedy was murdered. TV spots then urged people to TURN IN YOUR GUNS! to the police.
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