Sunday, April 22, 2007

Remembering Elián on the Anniversary of His Abduction


Seven years ago today, the United States committed one of the great historic wrongs in the annals of this republic — the kidnapping at gunpoint of Elián González and his consequent repatriation to Communist Cuba. There are many "days of infamy" in the shared history of our two countries, many even of greater historical transcendence. But those other "days of infamy" are removed in time by 50-150 years, and though their repercussions are still felt today, these events are not part of the living memory of most Americans or Cubans. Elián is. He is the living embodiedment of all the crimes, usurpations and humiliations inflicted by this country upon ours. But for these wrongs we would be virtual strangers. Because of them, we are bound together for all time.

From Narciso López to the Spanish-American War, from the Treaty of Paris to the Platt Amendment, from the rise of Fidel Castro to the Bay of Pigs, from the Missile Crisis to the Kennedy-Khrushchev Pact, from Elián to the "Wet Foot/Dry Foot" policy — and not counting another thousand betrayals — the U.S. has been the greatest obstacle to Cuba's pursuit of happiness and the artifex of the destruction of our country.

On a day like today this needs to be said and it should be remembered all the other 364 days of the year.

As for Bill Clinton and Janet Reno, both in precarious health, may they both live long enough to have Elián spit in their faces.

1 comment:

Cuba Companioni said...

The Elian affair showed just how many spies and provacatours have been planted within our Government and society by Castro's criminal cartel. They were out in force every night on the news and talk shows spinning and confusing the American public with their lies and misinformation. All this served to discredit our community in exile but also exposed who our real enemies were. I believe we haven't seen the last of Elian as he's now a teen with a lifetime of lies ahead of him if he stays.But because he tasted freedom I expect him to try an escape someday soon. Then we see this country's leaders, the ones responsible for his abduction, squirm like the worms that they are.