I Still Think of Elian

Jewish World Review ^ | April 29, 2003 | Nat Hentoff

[Luis Gonzalez]

[AbsoluteJustice]

I say we repeal the Cuban Adjustment Act of 66. Fair is fair. If Mexicans, Asians, Thai, Chinese all must come through normal channels and be MADE to go through the immigration process then so be so must all that come here to include Cubans. This is not the 60's Cuba again and that policy is long over. I find the 1.83 million $$$ to be way over the top and that is a testament to how Congress leads this country. It should have been no more than 2500$$ for a meal and a plane ticket and for good measure a check up from a doctor.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Oscar D. Gala stands on the street where Elian Gonzalez lived three years ago Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in Miami. Gala was protesting the way the federal goverment siezed Gonzalez and returned him to Cuba. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)

[Luis Gonzalez]

"I'm tired of MY TAX Dollars supporting others. And oh about the family and the family supporting him. Do not think for one second our tax dollars would not support this child."

We own Miami, bought it with our own hard-earned money, and the sweat, blood, and tears of a million backs bent to whatever job we could land.

We don't need your dollar, we have more than enough our own.

[AbsoluteJustice]

This child would have needed assistance in the form of English immersion or as today's society would have it English sensitivity classes more aimed at Elian not forced to learn English if his parents did not deem neccessary. DO NOT GET ME WRONG PLEASE. The child is the innocent bystander here and I do have sympathy for him I am directing this at the current legal system mainly and this child just so happens to be the target of such an argument. In regards to other services that the child would require IE health care and legal expenses I am speculating that the family would not have been able to afford this as the condition of their home and the uncles occupation (fisherman?). Legal expenses would have risen in the thousands. Speculation....Good to hear from ya again :)

[Luis Gonzalez]

"I could care less what the law states..."

And your name is AbsoluteJustice?

[Luis Gonzalez]

That child had free private schooling for the rest of his life, given to him by a friend of mine who owns over 20 private schools. Pre-K through High School.

[AbsoluteJustice]

Let me let you in on a little unknown fact you may not know. After all taxes were paid in 2001 by the immigrant community in our country it still cost the American tax payer billions of dollars in special services medical dental and any other special programs that is out there for immigrants. That was legal immigrants. This does not include illegals. So no YOU may not need OUR money as an immigrant but studies show the majority or at least a great number do.

[AbsoluteJustice]

I stated above I do not like the law and feel it is outdated as these are different times and 66 was a WAY different period in time.

[AbsoluteJustice]

You could go on and on about this and that and charity but the fact still remains legals and illegals take more from our country than give back. These are facts. Our whole immigration system needs revamped.

[Consort]

[AbsoluteJustice]

I respect others opinions in here as I have been wrong at times but my convictions are what they are in regards to immigration and I will not let my emotions guide me on this issue. Do I feel sorry for this child? HECK YES I do!! I have a child and know how I would feel but I stand by the decision to send him back not the method though.

[JoeSchem]

Castro is just one more living proof that Leftists worship their rulers as living Gods. They have no heaven and no God, so they kiss the Pharaoh's toe and cringe before his power.

I think there's a demonic force at work, under which unbelievers are vulnerable. That Spielberg could gush 'the most important x hours in my life' after meeting with a third-rate, corrupt has-been dictator tells you that something -- someone -- was reaching inside his mind and turning a dial, just like the Mule in Asimov's Foundation series.

[Consort]

You sound slightly confused. And nothing is absolute; neither is there justice. I can't help you on any of those accounts.

[AbsoluteJustice]

No not confused just at work and have to write very quickly. At least I know what I am trying to say :) If I had the time I'd be able to elaborate clearly and more thoroughly.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

I think you overlook the fact that his mother was fleeing a brutal dictatorship and died as so many have trying to escape. I think we should have allowed him the hearing but Clinton, Reno in their usual ham-handed way couldn't see anyway out but to tear a small child away from his American family and put him back in harm's way. I'm sure you don't have any personal story of divorce and child custody that has shaded your opinion, so I'll chalk up our disagreement on this to your anti-immigration point of view.

[FairOpinion]

So you don't see any difference between communist countries and all the rest, right?

Cubans do go through the immigration process, they are considered refugees, as those from other communist countries like the Soviet Union and E. Europe used to be considered.

You are lumping those in with everyone else.

And since when do Mexicans go through normal channels? Millions of them just walk across the border.

[AbsoluteJustice]

Not anti-immigration just I just want our immigration process to be more stringent. We are going broke as a nation on immigration legal and illegal. Costing us billions. Make it harder to get into our country. Ensure the person coming in has a valid and productive skill or trade. It is funny how most immigrants today can receive scholarships at most universities based on their ethnicity. I have said I do not like the way the situation was handled, anything with Clinton's hands on it was shady. Never been divorced and no no child custody issues. Just had my 1st 7 months ago :) I just do not think that there should be exceptions any longer as to where you come from as most that come here today either 1) are fleeing a dictatorship or 2) want a better life.

[carlo3b]

This thread brings back a lot of memories, some better than others, some just plain sad. Couldn't read a Elian thread and not think of the little one..and Angelique. Thanks

[FairOpinion]

It is unfortunate that uninformed people lump all immigrants, legal, illegal and from the various countries all together and blame all of them for problems that are caused by poor US laws and the lack of enforcement of those laws (hence illegal immigration, hence all the laws providing benefits for illegal immigrants, etc.)

As for the Cubans they have my sympathy and admiration. Unfortunately many people in the US have no clue what it's like to live under a dictator like Castro, and don't know that most Cubans are more loyal to the US than many who were born here.

I also am grateful to the Cuban Americans, they helped elect Bush. Without them, we may have Gore. :::shudder:::

At least that is "Elian's legacy".

I hope Cuba will soon be free, and little Elian will be free to come and go. That in no way erases the monstrosity of the Clinton administration in kidnapping Elian and sending him back to Castro.