If having a gun is supposed to be a deterrent, then the only way it can be a deterrent is for everyone to know that this person has access to a gun.

Sure... let's make public who legally owns guns. Oh....and ALSO who illegally has one (as they are the problem people). AND...while we're at it, let's list names and addresses of all the mental health people (hey--they are the ones causing the recent troubles). There...now we solved all the problem. Easy-peasy. Yah...sure.....

Invasion of privacy!!

Yeah let’s make a shopping list for a criminal, that’s a smart idea. One of the dumbest things I have heard.

The Journal News, a Gannett Co. newspaper in publishing of this information shows deficient in of forethought and responsibility for two key reasons. The first one is a person’s right to privacy but more importantly they are now targets for both the media and criminals.

Another idiotic knee jerk reaction that punishes good people who follow the law. This is COMPLETELY different from posting information about sex offenders or other law breakers.

A publicly available, easily accessible list of people that follow the law will do zero to stop people that don't.
Let's see, I hereby decree that everyone's public records are fully searchable and available for publication or download. Let's follow that edict and see where it takes us.

I absolutely wan't to know who owns guns in my neighborhood. It is the only way I can keep my children safe from the people the NRA are protecting. .

Invasion of privacy. Plain and simple. Why do people pick on law abiding citizens?
Shall we make and publish a list of people with valuable jewlery in their homes as well? Or publish a list of people with those scary and deadly assult cars that go faster than the the speed limit and kill tens of thousands each year? Better yet, let's publish a list of homes where viewers of online porn live. That oughtta shut a lot of people up.

This is an affront to decency and the 4th Amendment which gives us the right to privacy. What this newspaper did is try to intimidate law abiding citizens who own fire arms because some on their staff are enemies of the 2nd Amendment and are trying to overturn this inalienable right.

If you don't want to have a gun in your possession, that is your choice. Just like it should be the choice of your neighbor to legally possess a gun. However, it is not fine to disregard the privacy of your neighbors and try to shame them by posting their business along with their addresses. It is a great point that these law abiding citizens have now been penalized for the actions of criminals and also makes them targets of criminals. I think this is why so many people are very wary of registries. First registries, then confiscation.

Finally, to the poster above who is concerned about keeping her children safe, how have you not had this conversation with your neighbors? I cannot believe that you are so irresponsible! You let your children go over to others homes that you barely even know? It is your responsibility to ask your neighbors if they own firearms and if they are locked away. Just the same as it is your responsibility to outline what your kids can and cannot watch on TV or any other issue you are concerned about! The newspaper should not be doing these things for you. You are accountable for your children. Get a clue.

everyone who is NOT on that published list is now in greater danger if an armed robbery than they were the day before. Now the criminals know who is not armed.

Astounding how far we have moved away from this nation's founding principles of freedom and individual rights. It's nobody's business what I do or don't have in my house (or concealed within my clothing, for that matter). This would be akin to disclosing medical records, income or other PRIVATE information.

Publicizing whether your neighbor practices their 2nd amendment right to bare arms is not only personally offensive but should have legal ramifications! The people responsible for such disgusting abuse of their " right to information " should be publicly identified and legally prosecuted! I like what Amy V. had to say about OUR individual responsibility as parents. Seriously! It amazes me how we as a society have access to all this information, all these examples of what NOT to do to help us be the wiser and yet so many people lack common decency and sense.

Correction: what marissa partridge said about our responsibility as parents.

Sure, just tell the thieves which homes to break in and steal from. The real criminals would do it to steal the guns. Other criminals would break in because you aren't armed. keep them guessing. I want my privacy. I don't care if my neighbor is armed or not.

Some you....desert..ahem ahem....are completely insane....I own guns...am an honest law abiding citizen as well as a father of 2....not to mention a trained Army veteran.....you would be lucky to be my neighbor

This article doesn't flow well. Some stats above that were just thrown out there looks to be a "red meat to the wolves" comment, so I shall straighten things out.
"Record Gun Permit Applications in Anoka County."
Gun permits are issued by city or municipality. Those permits are issued after an extensive background check has been completed through local state and the FBI/Federal databases. They take on average two weeks to complete. You CANNOT legally purchase a firearm without this license. It is good for one year from date of issue."Minnesotans held 91,221 permits to carry guns as of Dec. 31, 2011."
Permit to carry. These are licenses held by individuals who have accomplished the same background check listed above and have also completed a state approved Conceal and Carry class. This permit costs a maximum of $100 but can be less in the county of which the application has been filed. This permit is good for 5 years and also allows the person to legally purchase a firearm anywhere in the State of Minnesota.
Conceal and Carry does NOT mean a licensed person must conceal the weapon. The person may also "open carry" i.e. on the hip, but must be holstered. Personally, I think open carry is pointless. The whole premise behind carrying is for a possible assailant to not know his/her target is armed.