I am not sure is this belongs in the pit, but I am angry about this. So in the pit it goes.
I won’t pretend that I am on one side of this issue or the other. I am torn between what this little boy’s mother wanted for him, what his father wants, and what is in his best interest. My problem is with the media, and the goverment.
Why is it, in a country that treats children as chattle, as mere property, are people suddenly concered with what’s best for the child? This is a country that would take a 4 year old from his adoptive parents (the only parents he has ever known) and hand him over to his father. This is a country that gives a child back to his schizophrenic (sp?) mother, who latter kills him. Why is the child’s interest suddenly so important? And why aren’t more people outraged over this country’s policy of childrens rights, as opposed to parental rights? I find it all so hypocritcal.
Dizzy
You people have been holding me back long enough! I’m going to clown college!
If it wasn’t for the media he would have been sent back long ago. Now that the media’s involved, it’ll drag out for months.
I’m starting to revise my view of the media. They’re not in it to present news or sell a story. They’re in it to stir things up and create chaos.
– Sylence
I don’t have an evil side. Just a really, really apathetic one.
Nobody is concerned about what’s best for the child, it’s all political. The real question isn’t even “Do we bring the child forth into the Glorious Land of the Free, keeping his soul from the clutches of the godless Commies, or do we send him back to be with his closest family member, the way we probably would if it was a strictly domestic issue?” You see, the influential Cuban-American lobby in south Florida, which is understandably rabidly anti-Castro, would score a major victory if he was kept in America, as it would set a precedent for Cuban immigration. As the current practice now stands, once you have gotten out of Cuba, getting into the U.S. is no problem at all. This is due to our Cold War-era ideas of political asylum for people escaping totalitarian Communist states. People who are even worse off, like Haitians, are shit out of luck because they don’t have the good fortune to be ruled by Communists (and are also black, although how much that affects their chances is open for debate). If he was sent back, the Cuban-American groups would suffer a major defeat, as the continued arrival of supporters from Cuba’s troubled shores would be placed in jeopardy. Of course, they can’t come right out and say this, so it’s recast in terms of what would be best for Elian, and Democracy vs. Totalitarianism, which is as far as the media cares to pursue it.
Me? I think he belongs with his father. I’m not worried about the Commies in Cuba, Castro isn’t immortal, and sooner or later, the Cuban people will have had enough, and will come up with an arrangement more to their liking (if the U.S. doesn’t interfere).
An infinite number of rednecks in an infinite number of pickup trucks shooting an infinite number of shotguns at an infinite number of road signs will eventually produce all the world’s great works of literature in Braille.
I dont care if its cubans going to florida, or chinese coming to Vancouver…
when they get caught, turn 'em around, and take them back.Dont bring them to their destination, give them the best medical care that MY money can buy, provide themwith legal representation paid for by MY TAXES, and thensettle theminto public houseing that again, MY TAXES pay for…and then tell them they cant stay. DONT let them apply for citinship, they came here ILLEGALLY!!!
Just take them back! Turn the rusty boats/innertubes around, and tow them home!!
Do it over and over, and it will sink in…well,it works with dogs.
They shoulda never brought that kid to the shores.
Hey, I am a humanitarian…I think they shoulda picked him up, gave him a sandwich, a drink and some sunscreen…and a FREE RIDE TO CUBA!!!
Yeah, the boy’s father says he wants to come back, the Miami relatives say he wants to stay.
Newspaper reporters have reported hearing him say he wants to stay. Other newspaper reporters have reported hearing him say he wants to go back.
I have no problem believing he’s said both at different times. He is only six years old, I’m not sure even he knows what he wants. In any event, that should not be the deciding factor - it never is in custody cases with children that young.
Not necessarily competent, but even in custody hearings, they sometimes do at least ask what the child may want, though they may not necessarily follow along with his decision. And as has been pointed out in an AP story I read, if he were from any other country, he would have been returned within 48 hours and not have been made into a political football.
Well, don’t blame the federal government too much for that. From all I’ve seen it’s the Cuban community in Miami and the Florida government turning the child into a football.
I think everyone is missing the point of my op. It’s not about Elian’s fate, per say, but about how this country is handling it. What I am upset about is that they would use this little boy as a political football, because his case is getting press. Everyone in the media and goverment is talking about “what is best for the child”. I think he is the current baby to kiss.
But when it comes to children’s rights in this country, we have a poor record (at least insofar as court cases involving custody). The courts treat children like property. If a child is born to parents who abuse it to the point where it is put into foster care, chances are that child will eventually be given back to the same people who abused it. The courts believe children belong to biological parents. Now I know people make mistakes, and can be rehabilitated, but I also know anyone can have a baby. Just by virtue of fathering or giving birth to a child does not make you a fit parent.
So my point is, everyone involved is talking about what is best for Elian. But why aren’t people just as concerned about the children who are awarded to unfit parents in this country?
Because we can’t stick it to Castro with those children, that’s why.
Dizzy
You people have been holding me back long enough! I’m going to clown college!