Dear Editor:

Aiding and abetting the commission of a crime by words and conduct makes me an accessory before the fact, or after the fact. It therefore follows if I leave a loophole open for a terrorist to get a gun without a background check I am and should be an accessory. Therefore I vote in favor of closing the loophole with a YES on #3. I also do not aid and abet criminals who have committed crimes from non-background checked gun sales in Maine. These crimes are carried out in other states, but criminals are aided and abetted by Maine’s loophole. Any crime anywhere in the United States should be avoided to the best of our ability, which includes background checks for all gun buyers. Yes on 3 achieves that goal.

I do not aid and abet sellers who want the income from selling guns without obtaining a background check. I place safety of citizens and small businesses at a higher value than any amount of money a seller can make — ergo I vote yes on 3.

I do not aid and abet gun purchases without a background check when it places police officers at high risk and severely hinders their ability to catch and punish those using guns in an irresponsible manner. We know background checks lower the crime rate and protect more people. We know no terrorist on a do not fly list should enjoy loopholes in our laws. No state is safe as long as other states have a loophole, which is why optimum safety based on background checks is imperative.

I trust one day the NRA will wake up and see saving lives through background checks will leave them with more responsible gun owners and fewer irresponsible gun owners. The legal right to own a gun does not take away the right to peace, safety and protection from a country that stands for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Yes on 3 means we do not aid and abet terrorists, criminals, or gun sellers who don’t respect laws protecting their neighbors. Yes on 3 means when we have the opportunity to protect our neighbors, we do it.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb