Editor, OUR ANCESTORS taught us that though “misdeeds are personal”, still the acts of kin—whether good or bad—redound onto you. No one can blame the crimes of the father on Eric Namahoro, but it helps victims when the relatives of such criminals acknowledge that a close relative has sinned in the eyes of God and society and that they disassociate themselves from those crimes. They then express empathy with the victims rather than what many people are likely to do: stand behind their criminal relatives no matter the magnitude of those crimes, blaming the victims instead for refusing to forgive and even forget. Had we more like Eric, the reconciliation of the Rwandan society would be made that easier. Mwene Kalinda, Rwanda *********************** I THANK Mr. Namahoro for this rare courage of following one’s heart; this is one of the many exemplary youth who aspire to build their country based on truth and trust. Long live Rwanda; your children are ready to elevate you to greater heights. Rosemary, Rwanda Reactions to the story, “Meet the man who atones for his father’s Genocide crimes” (The New Times, June 10)
