Reply #3: Nice try, but 0 points awarded for poor reading and lack of real knowledge

[jazzhound]

on the issue of gun control.

#1) Gun buy-back programs are a joke, and even law enforcement knows this. The only people who take advantage of these programs are law-abiding citizens since the payout for returned firearms is so small. For example, the relative who turns in 'ole Uncle Joe's hunting rifle that has been collecting dust in the attic. You really believe that a criminal who paid at least $300 (minimum) for a semi-automatic pistol is going to jump at the chance to get $100 to turn it in when that pistol can earn many times it's price in hold-up
loot, or save his life from another criminal?

#2) Programs that reward citizens for turning in criminals with illegal guns succeed because the CRIMINAL is off the street -- not just the gun. When was the last time you saw a Springfield XD .40 run into a liquor store and run out with the proceeds from the register?

#3) Keeping gun stores away from schools and other areas where children congregate doesn't do squat, because again -- criminals don't purchase guns from shops. Law abiding citizens do. You really need to be told that criminals buy their guns and ammo on the street?

#4) To date, there is ZERO evidence that there is a correlation between lower crime rates and gun registration.

Here's a quote from the first link you posted:

“We must remember that these numbers are the result of pro-active police work against the narcotics trade, which drives crime in Newark as it does throughout the nation,” Director McCarthy said.

THAT is the salient point of the article and the other article you posted. Getting a grip on the narcotics trade has always been the major factor in significant crime reduction where and when it has occurred.