Hope for Humanity in Bosnia

I am a naturalized American who was born in former Yugoslavia, and who still has a family living there. It hurts me to read about atrocities which are happening there now. They appear to me as a recapitulation of atrocities which I heard and read about during World War II. It is hard for me to believe that the people I knew and still know are capable of tolerating the present conditions without doing anything against the people who are responsible for this situation.

In light of my personal, mildly put disappointment, I feel proud of my heritage after reading the article "Crossing the Line in Bosnia's War," Oct. 19. This article serves as a light of hope for humanity. Although still isolated cases, the stories of bravery in Bosnia testify about people who deserve to be called human beings. It is reassuring to know that there are people who, in the tumult of egocentric, nationalistic interests and intrigues, still know what is right and what is wrong.

Their civil courage is a guarantee that the evil of ethnic and religious intolerance, even if disguised in democratic clothes and even if rationalizing the crimes that happen in its name, cannot and will not survive. Boris Martinac, Madison, Wis.

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