This is a letter I just submitted to the Tampa Tribune, let me hear any opinions:
Under the masquerade of public safety the gun turn in programs are ripping off our society, especially our seniors by a campaign of lies and scare tactics. Individuals are giving away valuable investments and family heirlooms for a political scam that is nothing more then symbolism over substance. The September 17th Tampa Tribune reported that in the program one historical WW2 gun worth around $6,000 was traded for a $50 coupon. Shame on the Deputies who accepted this gun as part of their program, they probably laughed at the naivety of the individual. Why didn’t they tell them to take it to a dealer and get paid for their antique? Is there anyone who really believes this gun would ever be bought by a criminal and used in a crime? It would end up in a museum or the safe of a collector of war relics. Hillsborough County Sheriff Cal Henderson stated that this piece of history would be destroyed along with the others. I wonder if it ever crossed his mind that the person who gave up this gun could have used the $6,000 to pay off their car, get a much needed operation or put their kid through college? How many other legally owned guns which have historical or collector value were traded for the token amount of a $50 gift certificate? Guns have traditionally been collected for their enduring investment value, their worth increasing as the years go by. How many widows faced with liquidating their deceased husbands effects could be giving up generations of investments in the name of political correctness. For individuals who just don’t want any weapons in their homes there is an alternative, take them to a reputable gun dealer and have him check the book value for you. You just may be surprised at the history and value of your firearms.
David Stewart
Under the masquerade of public safety the gun turn in programs are ripping off our society, especially our seniors by a campaign of lies and scare tactics. Individuals are giving away valuable investments and family heirlooms for a political scam that is nothing more then symbolism over substance. The September 17th Tampa Tribune reported that in the program one historical WW2 gun worth around $6,000 was traded for a $50 coupon. Shame on the Deputies who accepted this gun as part of their program, they probably laughed at the naivety of the individual. Why didn’t they tell them to take it to a dealer and get paid for their antique? Is there anyone who really believes this gun would ever be bought by a criminal and used in a crime? It would end up in a museum or the safe of a collector of war relics. Hillsborough County Sheriff Cal Henderson stated that this piece of history would be destroyed along with the others. I wonder if it ever crossed his mind that the person who gave up this gun could have used the $6,000 to pay off their car, get a much needed operation or put their kid through college? How many other legally owned guns which have historical or collector value were traded for the token amount of a $50 gift certificate? Guns have traditionally been collected for their enduring investment value, their worth increasing as the years go by. How many widows faced with liquidating their deceased husbands effects could be giving up generations of investments in the name of political correctness. For individuals who just don’t want any weapons in their homes there is an alternative, take them to a reputable gun dealer and have him check the book value for you. You just may be surprised at the history and value of your firearms.
David Stewart