I was disappointed to read George Smith’s column about Question 3 (“Background check initiative complicated, unreasonable,” Sept. 7) since I thought he had come around to agreeing that there were some people who shouldn’t be allowed to have guns. So I had to go read the fine print, which I found at http://maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/citizens/background.pdf, and there is a whole section of exemptions (Section 8). George does write a good story, but there is a very long list of family members that one can sell to and it really is OK under the referendum to lend a gun to someone without checking in at Audettes.

If I have to do a little planning ahead before I buy my next gun, that’s fine with me, particularly if it saves the life of even one domestic partner, child, teacher or policeman.

Susan Tolman

Readfield