Deadly Connection Thank you so much for ["The Straw Man," October 16]. I have struggled for so long to understand the stance regarding guns in Vermont. I have also struggled to understand the large homeless population in a rural state. It all became so clear when I read this story. The die-hard gun advocates either don't have a clue or just don't care to know the facts. It's like the sun came out on a cloudy day. Gov. Phil Scott saw it for what it was and signed a bill that people just crucified him over. The citizens of Vermont have got to open their eyes and realize that the huge homeless population, drugs and gun control are incestuously related, and nothing will get better until everyone wants to fix the problem. Seven Days has taught me so much in such a short time. Virginia Small Clarendon Something About Mary [Re "The Ballad of Tom Banjo: From Folk Songs to Cranky Shows, Tom Azarian Is Vermont's 'Vagabond' Storyteller," October 2]: Mary Azarian, celebrated artist-printmaker and illustrator, has defined Vermont's rural landscape and lifestyle for decades. A warm and welcoming person, Mary is modest in her accomplishments. Her many posters, calendars, cards and books depicting children, animals and Vermont's seasons reveal her passion for simplicity of life. We are fortunate that Tom Banjo Azarian and Mary settled in Calais. Their unique passions and talents have given us much. Ruth Furman Jericho Who's Voting? In the article "Democracy 101" [October 9], Ken Picard tells us how schools are preparing students to vote responsibly in the November 5 election. Compare this to the announcement the City of Burlington has published on voting: "Full-time residents of Burlington who legally reside here, regardless of citizenship status, can vote on these local ballot items. Free interpreters are available for both early voting and at the polls. For early voting interpretation help, come to the Clerk-Treasurer's office. For interpretation help at the polls, ask the election official at the polling place." In other words, Burlington does not care if you can speak English, let alone have some familiarity with American history and civics. How can we expect fair and effective voting on the issues of the day when we are opening the polls to anyone who simply happens to be housed in Burlington? Jack Scully Burlington Editor's note: Winooski, Montpelier and Burlington allow noncitizen residents to vote…