That was exactly what came into my mind, as I first read this article. How happy and hopeful would this boy be, had he remained in America. Think of the choices he would have. They would be limitless.
However, it has also occured to me that Castro might be planning to showcase this kid.....give him whatever passes for an "elite education" in the "island paradise," and then put him on the fast track up into a prominent government position, just to "prove" to the world that "upward mobility in Cuba" is possible for all citizens.
Castro might not live long enough to complete such a strategy with Elian, but the thought has crossed my mind. Elian would be great propaganda for Castro. Just imagine the "documentaries" that Castro-loving Hollywoodies would make about Elian's fabulous communist life! Oliver Stone and Sean Penn (who would play "Elian" as a grown-up) would be ecstatic.
With over 100,000 dead Cuban's at the bottom of the Florida Straits, trying to escape Castro...NOTHING he can do for Elian will be convincing enough to contradict the human desire for freedom.
Castro will die a failure.