Letter: U.S. treatment of Elian an example of open society

Monday, May 8, 2000 | 8:54 a.m.

It seems to me that Elian belongs with his father. It should be the father's choice of where he and his son live. Why Mr. Gonzalez chooses to return to Cuba with his son is a mystery to me because I believe he could claim political asylum and remain in this country. The advantages of being in one country over another are for the father to weigh and decide, and his decision should be supported by his relatives, friends, Cuban-Americans and the U.S. government as an example of how things are done in a free country. This example of an open society, guarding the rights of a family to remain together, will do more to bring down our barriers than all the grandstanding of the anti-Castro forces.

Maybe this would be a good time for all of us private citizens, and politicians alike, to examine our embargo against Cuba and re-evaluate our position. To punish the good people of Cuba because of our dislike of one man and his government is a disgrace to common sense. Let's open our hearts and borders for our Cuban neighbors and allow them to decide what they want.

BRENDA D. WILLIAMS

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