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I was distressed by the way you edited my letter [March 19] on AIDS in Africa. I wrote that the "greater responsibility lies within Africa itself to teach, preach and practice biblical sexuality." The final phrase was changed to "practice safe sex." Between these two is a great gulf. "Safe sex," in Africa at least, is generally sex with a condom but without moral constraints. In fact, as your AIDS report pointed out, condoms rarely get used. "Biblical sexuality," by contrast, speaks of the Judeo-Christian view of sex as belonging in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship and involving abstinence before marriage and faithfulness within it. The safe-sex message, if anything, perpetuates the multipartner lifestyle associated with the increase in HIV infection. Biblical sexuality is what is required to stop this. Let no one confuse these two, as your editorial pen has done. MICHAEL CASSIDY, TEAM LEADER African Enterprise Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
How to Battle the Plague
In their fight against AIDS, African nations can take the passive path of asking for help from the big pharmaceutical companies or the proactive course of taking all means necessary to address the crisis [MEDICINE, March 19]. American-based pharmaceutical giants have not upheld the fine tradition of scientists like Alexander Fleming and Marie Curie, who had no greed. The onus rests on African nations to import or, better yet, produce cheap generic AIDS drugs. LULUFA KUNDUL VONGTAU Kaduna, Nigeria
Of Bullies and Bullets
Your article on the spate of terrible shootings in American high schools addressed the wrong issue [SOCIETY, March 19]. Children the world over are exposed to bullying and teasing, yet they don't all seek revenge through bullets, blood and mayhem. Surely the real issue is the availability of guns. It is more than a coincidence that so many of these tragic stories involve parents who own guns. The presence of guns in the home sends the message to children that violence does indeed solve problems. LOGAN SCOTT Cape Town
I was interested by your article on the need to foster resilience and self-esteem in children. Having been on the receiving end of bullying when I was in high school in the '60s, I can understand what little boys sometimes have to endure. I was puny, wore glasses and had a very strange surname in an Anglo-Saxon environment. Prime target! But my parents helped me develop self-respect. I became a competent tennis player and cross-country runner and a good skier. As for bullies, they should be encouraged to become more effective leaders. They generally have the needed qualities; it is just a question of direction. ROBERT SAVOSNICK Gordons Bay, South Africa
Life with Credit Cards
In the graphic accompanying the story on the bankruptcy bill [BUSINESS, March 26], you prominently featured a Merrill Lynch Visa Signature card. Running this graphic with the article, which takes a negative view of the legislation and the "credit-card companies" advocating its passage, was misleading. It gave the impression that Merrill Lynch was somehow involved in crafting or lobbying for the bill, which is untrue. Merrill Lynch took no position on the bill and in no way lobbied for or against it. EDDIE W. REEVES Merrill Lynch Media Relations New York City