Hearings

Re “China’s New Envoy Has ‘Hearing’ Problem,” Aug. 6: We may not agree with the human rights position of the Chinese government, but no representative of a foreign power should be regarded as beneath a member of Congress. Ambassador Li Zhaoxing’s request to be seated at the same level and at the same table as members of the international operations and human rights subcommittee is reasonable.

Congressional members should not be regarded as, nor consider themselves, gods on high or regal personages. The demeaning custom of seating Congress members on a dais to look down upon their fellow citizens or foreign dignitaries should be abolished. Even members of Congress consider it degrading. That is why the Senate, while investigating its own “Keating Five,” arranged to seat everyone at the same level.

T.W. STAPLE

Newport Beach