Gun Turn-In a Bust?

At least compared to the last few years:

• Turn in a gun and get a $10, $50 or $100 gift card, no questions asked. The city of Chicago sponsored another "gun buy back" event Saturday.

  Officials see the effort as a way to get guns off the streets. However, at least one Chicago area activist thinks gang members use the program to take advantage of the city's generosity.

  Residents had until 4p.m. Saturday to turn in their guns at any one of 27 participating churches across the city. Police had been optimistic that they would at least match last year's take of 6,000 guns. However, ABC7 Chicago learned Saturday evening that 1,883 guns were collected.

And now we're getting word that once again, BB guns and replica Soft-Air guns are being mixed among the publicity photos and passed off as real guns.

The city and Department have their excuses ready made for the drop off in numbers:

• Officials say the reason they had to offer half of the amount they usually offer for guns and rifles is because they rely on donations to fund the program, and this year, donations were way down. That may help explain why so few guns were turned in this year compared to last year.

If people really wanted to get rid of guns, they'd do it for free. The fact is that when the police are minutes or more away, your gun may be the only thing standing between you and great bodily harm - maybe even death. And it pays to keep it around.