On most issues, Ruben Diaz Jr. is about as liberal as a politician can get. So it was refreshing to hear the Bronx borough president propose a measure that makes some sense: a public, online registry for folks convicted of using a gun during the commission of a crime.
“Law-abiding citizens ought to know who among us is responsible for gun violence,” he explains.
Diaz models his gun registry on similar registries for those convicted of sex crimes. Under his proposal, individuals would remain listed for 10 years and would be required to check in with police.
Daniel Shapiro
Ruben Diaz Jr.
Diaz’s idea is novel in several respects. For one thing, it’s a notable departure from the well-publicized approach taken recently by Westchester County’s Journal News, which published the names and addresses of citizens who legally own firearms.
Instead of trying to shame law-abiding citizens, this measure places the spotlight where it belongs: on lawbreakers who’ve already proven themselves dangerous.
Not everyone will be happy. And the unhappiness will come from both the right and the left.
The head of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, for example, rejected it out of hand. Nor will we be surprised if Diaz also sees opposition from his fellow liberals.
So we look forward to learning whether those who favor making public the names of law-abiding citizens will be as eager to do the same for criminals.
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