CUBANET ... CUBANEWS

April 26, 2000



Elian As Symbol

Eduardo Javier Canto. Chicago Tribune, April 25, 2000

EVANSTON -- Over the last five months, the Elian Gonzalez story has tugged upon the heartstrings of millions of Americans, and has stirred bittersweet emotions within the Cuban-American community. It is important for me, and for other Cuban-Americans, that the rest of America understand that, for many exiles, like my parents, Elian is a tangible reminder of a life long lost. He gives an innocent face to the suffering of many--a suffering that forced hundreds of thousands to leave their homeland, and that led a mother to risk her life and the life of her son, in hopes of finding the freedom offered not in Cuba but in the United States.

The Cuban-American exile community feels that they know the life that Elian will have in Cuba all too well. But we also know the value of family and its important role in the lives of those placed in extraordinary circumstances.

Elian's Miami family was preparing to voluntarily deliver the child to his father during the hours leading up to the pre-dawn raid in Little Havana. America woke up on Saturday to encounter horrifying depictions of an act that rattles the conscience. Cuban-Americans took to the streets to engage in peaceful demonstrations, only to find their actions nullified by a small minority of instigators who were overwhelmed by their emotions.

I trust that America understands why it is that this one 6-year-old boy is so important to so many. More importantly, though, I hope that the U.S. government swiftly determines what is in Elian's best interest and not in the best interest of U.S.-Cuba relations, and that the government carries it out without the child enduring any further traumatic experiences.

[ BACK TO THE NEWS ]

SECCIONES

NOTICIAS
...Prensa Independiente
...Prensa Internacional
...Prensa Gubernamental

OTHER LANGUAGES
...Spanish
...German
...French

INDEPENDIENTES
...Cooperativas Agrícolas
...Movimiento Sindical
...Bibliotecas
...MCL
...Ayuno

DEL LECTOR
...Letters
...Cartas
...Debate
...Opinión

BUSQUEDAS
...News Archive
...News Search
...Documents
...Links

CULTURA
...Painters
...Photos of Cuba
...Cigar Labels

CUBANET
...Semanario
...About Us
...Informe 1998
...E-Mail


CubaNet News, Inc.
145 Madeira Ave,
Suite 207
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 774-1887