Most states have a sex offender registry, but those are folks who have committed actual crimes.  I realize that the liberal Journal News probably equates legally-obtained gun permit owners with criminals, but there is no comparison.  I especially feel sorry for the families who don't have a gun permit now, because in that area of NY, the real criminals now know who their easy targets are.  Maybe that is why New York and several other states have seen record attendance at gun shows and people buying guns and ammo, like there was no tomorrow.  There will be more gun permit owners in that area now.