Stowaways

I hope that the 15 surviving, illegal Chinese migrant workers found locked in the shipping container in Seattle (Jan. 12) become the media darlings that Elian Gonzalez has become for the plight of “escape from the Communist countries.” Just as Elian’s late mother tried to do for him, these Chinese migrant workers tried desperate means to escape an oppressive government. But unlike Elian, they will most likely be processed and shipped back to China, since they are adults and not a cute little boy who can be held up on his great-uncle’s shoulders as his father tries to bring him home.

I’m proud of the United States’ double standards when it comes to immigration. Cute: You can stay. Not cute: You can go now.

ROBERT J. KING

Beverly Hills