The whole country is talking about the little Cuban boy, Elian Gonzales, whose mother died trying to escape the tyranny of Cuba and reach the free soil of America. Now Elian’s become a political football of sorts and a difficult case for the INS.
As a father, I can’t help but put myself in his father’s place. The bond between parent and child dwarfs any political bond. In fact, one of the great things about our country is the recognition that the government must respect the family. But if I were Elian’s father, as much as it would break my heart, I would want him to stay in the United States. First, he has loving relatives. Second, he will have the freedom as an individual to become all that he is capable of.
Cuba is a totalitarian society. True, it’s not alone in having a repressive government, but it tops the list.For the last 40 years it has been ruled by one all-powerful politician Fidel Castro. In four decades of dictatorship, Castro has been able to politically wire the entire country. Opposition has been smashed. It’s terrible that Cubans must suffer. Many die trying to reach freedom. It’s a shame for Elian Gonzales and his family. But at least there is a country like ours that the victims of tyranny can come to.
You know, after our revolution some people say George Washington could have become king. But Washington stepped down and returned power to the people. Thank goodness he was no Castro.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.