Mikail Markhasev

I read with curiosity about Mikail Markhasev and his plunge from honor student to killer (July 12). Who is to blame? Blame the system! Don’t expect anyone to assume individual responsibility. After all, the boy was only given a new country, approval and interest by his teachers, the promise of a first-rate college education and bright future.

We Americans give so much to so many and then we get blamed for a twisted mind. What other country would have given Markhasev the chance he threw away? He is to blame for his wrong decisions that ended up in so much tragedy for others.

JEAN M. HATTEM

San Clemente