I must say that I am astonished at the mean-spirited, not to say vindictive tone of some readers' letters applauding the expulsion of the Calderon family. What on earth happened to common sense and human decency? According to these smug finger-waggers, the Calderons were justly punished for committing the unforgivable crime of trying to escape poverty and build a better life in Japan. The parents entered the country illegally but morally they did no wrong and harmed no one. Considering the amount of sleaze and corruption throughout Japanese politics and society, one would think there are many more worthy targets for such righteous indignation.

ivor paul