Death in South Africa

* The story of the beating death of Amy Elizabeth Biehl (“U.S. Student Killed by a Mob in South Africa,” Aug. 26) is certain to cause resentment in this country. The terrible death of a young woman pulled from her car and then beaten and stabbed presents a frightening image. It could have been avoided had she chosen to remain safely at home; instead she chose to go somewhere and try to make a difference.

This pretty girl was killed by apartheid and not a mob. Hate and anger fueled by oppression and discrimination took her life, just as the beating of Reginald Denny was caused by bigotry in this country. It is easy to see the symptoms in acts of violence and ignore the causes.

If blacks were part of the government in South Africa, then they would be part of a stable society. Unemployment is highest among blacks in America. If they had jobs, they would be at work and not rioting.

Before a faceless mob is condemned for this murder some thought should be given to why it happened. A gun does not kill, it is the person who wields it. A group of people is just a crowd until angered by injustice. The past can be forgiven, but the future must be more than a promise.

RICHARD T. HAMER

San Dimas

* Amy Biehl died a martyr’s death in South Africa. Instead of retribution we should be thinking of the contribution she made to the people of South Africa.

Instead of taking up arms the people of South Africa need to link their arms across South Africa to show a united front for equal rights. Then we will be able to stare down those who want to tear down the people of South Africa.

LAWRENCE E. MILLER

Santa Maria