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4/19/2000

Dear Mr. Dold:

A trusted friend who is a shareholder of Archer Daniels Midland sent me a fax relating documented stories in what appears to be an involvement by Archer Daniels Midland (Decatur), the State of Illinois (Gov. Ryan), Maxine Waters (chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus), The National Council of Churches, and the law firm of Williams & Connolly (Clinton's attorney G. Craig who represents Juan Miguel Gonzalez, father of Elian) in the case of trade with Fidel Castro by ADM and the Elian Gonzalez case. It appears ADM wants the deal with Castro badly because the company is doing poorly and its shareholders are demanding to fire the entire Board. Apparently Castro wants Elian and the dictator must be pleased.

We know the involvement of Governor Ryan in Cuba, trying to have trade to help not just the Illinois farmers but mostly ADM. Ms. Waters has visited Cuba and supports ADM in its request. Ms. Waters cut the ribbon at the opening of ADM sponsored fair at the US Healthcare Exhibition in Havana on 1/25/2000. ADM is dealing in the area of vitamin E and soy beans as being part of health products. But what they really want is $500 million in revenue for sending grain, soy products, and some other future plans for business with Cuba.

Andrew Young who is the current President of the National Council of Churches is a board member of ADM. The firm of Williams & Connolly besides representing ELIAN's father also represent Archer Daniels Midlandcompany.

Please check the following: 1. Forbes Magazine---Planting Seeds by Michael Freedman on April 19, 2000. Website: www.forbes.com/forbes/00/0207/6503062a.htm

2. Fortune Magazine---America's Worst Boards by Geoffrey Colvin Website: www.fortune.com/fortune/fortune500.ame3.html

3. Bloomberg Internet news (Increase in Ethanol Use ---Made from Corn) 4. Washington Post Sunday Magazine. 7/14/96

5. Decatur Herald & Review (10/9, 1999; 1/27,2000; 2/13/2000; 10/20, 1999; Oct.31, 1999; 2/13,2000)

6. University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (Gainsville, Florida Publication
IW98-7)

7. Paul Brinkman, reporter Decatur Herald & Review 217-412-7972 8. The London Financial Times January 26, 2000

If you are interested in more information, please Email me at <EFH280@aol.com> or call me at 904-280-4424.

I lived in the Chicago area for over 20 years, in Glenview. I moved to northern Florida three years ago. I am really appalled at what I have just discovered and thought perhaps you could investigate Gov. Ryan and ADM and allow the truth to come out.

Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,

E.F. Hasty, Ph.D.

* * *

What if he'd been returned to Cuba?

Just playing the "devil's advocate" - What if Elian's rescuers had returned him to Cuba instead of America? I can't imagine the repercussions his family might have suffered from Castro, because Castro would definitely think the ather was a part of the defection.(as I do). My guess is that the father is "playing his hand out" and once his current family obtains visa's; he'll seek asylum as soon as possible upon reaching the U.S.. My opinion - Give the kid a life altering gift, the gift of freedom as an American citizen.(enough with the Democratic political posturing!!)

Julie McGowen

* * *

Your diatribe regarding Cuba has very little to do with the facts at hand. Much of what Cuba is today is our fault. We have essentially blockaded that poor island for the past 40 years, and now we cast aspersions on them for not taking care of their citizens. Due to Jesse Helms and his miserable ilk, we continue our bellicose posture in the Caribbean. Is it any wonder that Castro is unhappy with us?

As long as big business could keep Cuba a playground, whorehouse, and cash cow, we did not mind that Batista raped the people and kept them ignorant. When the Cubans finally tossed the dictator out, we offered him sanctuary until he could move himself and his millions to Spain, where he lived out his despotic life in luxury.

Many of the Cuban Americans nowadays never knew what life was like in Cuba. Many of them are children of people who were Batista's henchmen or malcontents who Cuba was glad to get rid of.

James Scroggy

* * *

Disagree with stance on the Cuban boy.

I strongly believe you are wrong on your stance concerning the Cuban boy.

1. Your rationalization for wanting to keep the youngster in the U.S. sounds like liberal rationalization to me. It is the state who controls the home and not the parents is what you are saying.
2. I recognize that the boy and his father are being used by the communists, however, your stance falls right into the hands of the liberals who believe they have the right to control and run the family.
3. If the boy is not sent back to Cuba to his biological father it could open up a precedence in which the state could assignchildren to whom they feel best it is to raise them.
4. It is sad that the boy must go back to his father in Cuba but I certainly do not want the state to take away my parental privileges and responsibilities. Please think aboutwhat you are saying and how you playing into the liberals
trap.

A solid conservative that believes you blew it this time.

Keith - in Ellensburg, WA

* * *

learning freedom

There may be a side to the Ellian Gonzalez story that Rush missed.

If someone has never known real freedom they appreciate what it means. I contend that Ellian Gonzalez's father may have no understanding of how his life or his son's, would be better in the US.

I became friends with a female graduate student from East Germany in the late eighties at The Ohio State University. The wall was not yet down so she was a "star" to have been given the chance to study in the States. She had to learn English in one year and spoke it quite well! However she did not intuitively appreciate freedom.

This was a very smart person with strong opinions and very self directed, but she was thrown by the American lifestyle. Simple things like women's makeup. She couldn't understand striving for personal expression and regarded it as self centered....... for awhile. Eventually she wore makeup discretely, but the clincher for me was the presidential elections of 1988.

She identified with me (we were both older students) and she asked me who I would be voting for. ( another cultural difference) I believe she felt she knew who I would like. I told her George Bush (no Ronald Reagan but the only option) and she was shocked! She asked why, and I briefly told her he was for smaller government. She said "yes! why would you want that?" It was then that I understood how her entire life had been dependent on her government. Her apartment was paid for, her home, education, everything! To her, the thought of less government was frightening! She had no concept of how to take care of herself in a free market. In the end she defected leaving her husband in Germany. Last time I saw her she had highlights in her hair, nice makeup, a car and overall quite striking.

Elian's father may be suffering from the same issues. He may truly think his life in Cuba is secure and he will not understand our logic in the benefits of a free country, unless he gets to stay for awhile!

* * *

I'm surprised that you would support the position of the Miami Cubans on a fundamental rule of law concerning family rights. Apparently you believe the lies that come from the crazy Miami Cubans. If you ever visited Cuba before Castro you would remember the corruption, lies, and criminal activities of Batista and Prio - other Cuban dictators who did the bidding of the American mafia instead of the Communistas. If you knew the history of latin america you would know that there is an eternal battle between the "ins" and the "outs ."

The only thing different is that the American government brought most of Cuban dissidents ("outs") here to Miami to start their own country, at our expense. As a result, Miami is now known as the most corrupt city in the US. Perhaps you should come here and get the opinions of some of native Miamians before you back a bunch of fascist criminals who hide behind the word "Democracia."

* * *

Fathers rights

Rush , I'm outraged at the fact that our government makes up father rights, that seem to please them at the time. My ex wife put my son up for adoption when he was six months old in the state of cal. I filed for DEvorce in Oregon with custody which I won. The state of Cal. would not recognize.

After two years of visitation with my son on what was suppose to be a reunification program. The courts stop them when my son started to ask when he could go home with me.The state adoption agency told me because I wasnot black, hispanic ,or indian , I could'nt do anything about them adopting my son, to the adoptive family.As for our constitution, we as American citizens do not have any rights until you break the law of the government. The constitution is not worth the paper it is written. on in today's world. The courts make the laws as they see fit.

After five years, the surpreme courts sugested I sue all involved, but that still would not get my son back .Now our govnerment gives a boy, who come to this country for political freedom, back to a communist country.WE as American citizens had better wake up, while we can still get our country back if it isn't to late. When they get full control of our rights to potect ourselves, It won't be long and we will know longer be United States Of America. Ditto on all you stand for Rush. May God bless you .

Buck Andrews

* * *

My thoughts on the whole Elian Gonzalez episode were crystallized yesterday while listening to your broadcast that included the sound clips of a shouting match between Maxine Waters and a Cuban woman, whose identity I did not catch. For some time, my sentiments were with those who simply believe that the relationship of a child and his parent supercedes all. Having lost my own father when I was five, I have a great sense of loss for having missed out on that relationship. Nor did I realize the severity of life in Cuba under Castro.

However, when I heard the admonitions of the Cuban woman regarding the oppression of the Cuban people and the responses of Congresswoman Waters, my thoughts were, "How dare she minimize and dismiss the oppression of the Cuban people. This woman (Waters), whose own people not many generations ago were the victims of oppression, of which we are reminded every day of our lives, is refusing to recognize the oppression experienced by another culture?"

If Congresswoman Waters had lived the life of a slave and a mother prior to the Civil War and had a child escape to the north and to freedom, are we to assume that she would have insisted on having that child returned to her so that the child could live out their life with her in slavery? Why is the oppression of another culture so much less important than hers?

B. Lyons

* * *

This must be the time of year to sell people. Christ was sold for thirty pieces of silver and now Clinton is selling Elian for how many? A legacy? How much does a Legacy cost anyhow? I thought you could "make some hay" with this thought. Best regards, Karl

* * *

Why wouldn't the liberals like Castro. He has what they want... control.

Roger
Logan,WV

* * *

I heard something a couple days ago on talk radio that I wish you would look into. The photos that Craig has passed out of Elian sitting down and his little halfbrother lying in front of him shows Elian with a bandaid on his left arm about where a shot was possibly given. When they flew to Andrews Airforce base, it was reported that Elian was carried off the plane with a blanket over his head and he was very quiet.

Do you suppose he was given a shot of a drug to make him so placid and smiling so soon?

And of course they would not want to have his relatives who keep trying to see him at the base get turned away, because if that is the case, they couldn't have him seen.

I am one conservative who is hopping mad about this. When I saw those storm troopers breaking in the front door, and spraying tear gas all over, all I could think was the pictures of the Nazi storm troopers doing the same thing when I was a kid watching in the movie theater.

Please check into this. Maybe nothing to this, but I wouldn't put it past them.

Mrs Richard Cawley

* * *

As a Cuban-American I am grateful to your interest in the Elian Gonzalez case. Today Miami's Latin area is practically a "Dead City". Most of Latin and some Northamerican owned business closed today protesting for the "official kidnapping" of Elian Gonzalez from a modest and decent American home.

As a consequence of Clinton's administration aggression to this young boy, many Democrats are switching to the Republican Party. No decent Cuban can vote for a Democrat.

Our deepest gratitude. Please keep the good work for freedom and liberty.

Best regards
Reinaldo R. Gonzalez

* * *

YOUR ARE RIGHT!!! This incident is proof that the conservatives in this country are illiterates when it comes to socialism and communism. They should not be allowed even to dial your number unless they read and understand the Communist Manifesto.

The liberals hate Cubans and Asians because we are the only minority groups that exemplify what made [past tense!] this country great. I am appalled that the New York Times blasted us, and that we are McCarthyists! There should be a call to boycott the 4th of July! I am looking for another country in which to live, a country which will not deceive me!

Thank you!
Tayra Ondina de la Caridad Soler-Antolick

* * *

I can't stand Bill Clinton, and I often agree with your (Rush's) commentary, but you can add my voice to those of other conservatives who feel strongly that you, the Republican party and other conservatives have been on the wrong side of the Elian Gonzalez issue.

This boy belongs with his father. I'm disgusted to see conservatives abandoning the sanctity of this family bond out of their contempt for Castro and the Clinton Administration. These factors are irrelevant to this situation in my opinion.

The Miami Gonalez relatives should be ashamed of the public and news media circus they helped create and encourage around this boy. They had unlimited opportunities to return ths son to his father but chose not to do so. Numerous negotiations had been tried but failed.

Of course, I would have preferred a lower-key way for reuniting this boy with his father. But the Miami relatives consistently rejected this. Was it unreasonable of the Justice Department to anticipate violence in the taking of the boy? I don't think so. And imagine the criticism if violence had erupted from the crowd, and people were hurt, and thefederal agents were not adequately armed to control the situation andminimize harm.

Finally, if we can imagine a reservse situation--one in which a U.S. child were spirited away to Cuba by a parent who died in the process-- I suspect those same voices lambasting the Clinton administration today would be calling for war to retrieve the U.S. child immediately. There'd be little discussion about using the courts and the rule of law. Conservative hypocrisy on this issue has been palpable, and I regretfinding you with them on the wrong side.

Larry O'Neill

* * *

With all the news coverage about the poor living conditions in Cuba, why don't you do a pro gun take on the Elian situation. The Second Amendment was written to keep dictatorial government from controlling the populace. Does it not seem to you that if the guns had not been confiscated in the overthrow of Cuba, this boy and his family would not be fleeing their country?

With the cancerous way that our government is attacking the Second Amendment, the non-communist (conservative) part of America might be looking for friendly shores to start a new beginning.

Cuba is an example we don't want to follow.

Mike Emillio

***

I called a local conservative talk show with this today. How short our memory is. In the not to distance past we the American people cheered when the Berlin Wall came down. What to they think Cuba is, and it's only 90 miles away. Are we the american people so stupid not to see this? Who was the Russian who said we will destroy you from within?

And then we have a president that will only stand up for Monica. He admitted he was a coward, when he wrote he was afraid for his safety in the letter dodging the draft. Castro knows this and is not only pulling Elians fathers strings but is pulling our "chief law enforcement officer" strings also. And what does he do, hides behind the INS. One thing he would have learned in the military is, everything always rolls down hill. The top person sets the tone for a country, company, small business, or what ever and he is the top dog.

***

First of all thank you for your insights in what should be discussed in our country instead of the run around brain dead stupid agendas propagated by politician's in it for a buck.

I agree on the right for Elian to stay in America. On the other hand I myself am a father who has not seen his daughter for a total of two years and she only lives five minutes away from me. I continue to pay child support because I believe in the rule of law, BUT does the law protect me in seeing my daughter - NO.

I believe we are just as or more worse shape than Cuba. I cannot for the life of me understand why the balance of family law here is not just. Just what do lawyers, professors of family law think when one parent pits one against the other. (More money for battles instead of cut and dried laws) Therefore I think Elian would be if the father is righteous better off with his father in Cuba.

A concerned American as you are,
P. W. Hoehn

***

Elian Gonzalez

I sent the following to the United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society:

I am opposed to any of the United Methodist Church's energy going to establish the Humanitarian Advocacy Fund for Mr. Gonzalez. I am a member of the Cocoa First United Methodist Church and have been troubled by some of the Church's stands on current issues. (I am not a Cuban immigrant.)

You are bringing discredit to our church. Why would you help the Cuban Government, not the Cuban people? The Cuban people here in the United States and those in Cuba may well know that the boy will be better off here than to send him back to Cuba. This is not simple right and wrong, and you are taking sides, and you are on Communist Cuba's side. Remember the churches in Cuba are there just as long as they are helping Fidel Castro. If the
churches cross Castro, they will be expelled. Do you think that Cuba and Cubans are free to do whatever they wish? Do you think that Juan Gonzalez is free to say his son should remain here in the US if he felt that way?

You are helping Fidel Castro and Communism, and I don't agree with that.

Arnold G. Smith

I then received this reply:

Subj: Re: Elian Gonzalez
Date: 4/16/00 4:22:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Due to the overwhelming volume of email on the Elian Gonzalez case, we can no longer respond personally. If you have a question that this message does not address, please telephone GBCS at 202-488-5600.

Much misinformation has been disseminated about the relationship between the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church and theHumanitarian Advocacy Fund, which is receiving voluntary contributions to support legal representation for Juan Miguel Gonzalez. Although GBCS is firm that as a legal and ethical matter, Elian should be returned to his father,it has taken no position on whether the family should remain in the United States or return to Cuba. That is the decision of Juan Miguel Gonzalez.

GBCS is the international social justice and public policy agency of The United Methodist Church. We chose to help ameliorate an intense standoff by obtaining legal counsel for Juan Miguel Gonzalez to ensure that he was represented in the United States courts. The decision to aide Mr. Gonzalez was made apart from the politics of Cuba or the United States.

The United Methodist Church has a long tradition of caring for families, children, the poor and voiceless. Our agency is charged with interpreting the Christian gospel in the context of the moral and ethical imperatives articulated by our Church. We respond to cries for help even when they are unpopular. In our tradition, personal piety calls for prayer, worship andstudy, but social holiness equally compels us to be the hands and the voice of God in a broken world.

Some in the church have decried our involvement in this unfolding story. How can you help godless communists? But Cubans are not "them" in the eyes of the church; they are "us." Cuban Methodist Bishop Ricardo Pereira Diaz is among the members of the Cuban Council of Churches who requested our intervention. The Methodist Church is one of the fastest growing protestant denominations in Cuba.

The questions we are confronted with as people of faith must not be primarily political questions, but theological questions. What does justice require? How do we bring about reconciliation? What does it mean to be father, to be son? If justice is to prevail in any circumstance, all persons, regardless of their national origin or ideology, must be treated with equal respect under the law. The church does not see people according to their political stripes or their national allegiance but as human beings equally deserving of justice.

The GBCS executive committee agreed to establish a fund which, among other things, would accept voluntary contributions to pay the costs of ensuring that Juan Miguel Gonzalez is fairly represented in the U.S. Courts. This decision followed an overture by the Cuban Council of Churches. It is the mandate of GBCS to implement the Church Social Principles; this action is consistent with our Social Principles in every way.

GBCS General Secretary, the Rev. Thom White Wolf Fassett, and the Rev. Joan Brown Campbell, former General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, both traveled with Mr. Craig to Cuba several weeks ago for an initial meeting with Mr. Gonzalez to ensure that Mr. Gonzalez was making a free choice in retaining legal representation. All monies donated to the Humanitarian Advocacy Fund for Mr. Gonzalez are voluntary contributions from individuals or groups. No United Methodist Church apportioned monies have been promised to Mr. Craig for his services.

Sincerely,

Erik J. Alsgaard
Assistant General Secretary, Communications
General Board of Church and Society

* * *

The Law Enforcement Alliance of America has posted a petition urging that Janet Reno be fired. I have signed it, and urge everyone else to sign it and send it to your list of friends.

http://www.onedemocracy.com/firereno If you are as outraged by this Attorney General's actions as I am, join me in getting this petition signed to send a message to our elected representatives that we expect action, not just the normal political handwringing.

Rick Manning

***

Subject: Elian

Rush: I am the daughter of two immigrants to this country form an Eastern Europeon Communist Country . My Father came here at the age of 12 ,on his own, with no help, sent here by his parents to escape the Russian Army and Communism. He joined the American Army in the First World War, lying about his age so he could fight for freedom. He told us that he would have sent us in a reed basket across the Atlantic as Moses was sent if he knew we could live in Freedom. He was spit at and called Greenie when he looked for job to support his family after the war but still he said that was far better than living with communism. Most Americans don't have a clue and I cannot believe what I am hearing these days on all the news programs by good people.
Perhaps we are apathetic because of the economy Maybe we are just too prosperous though I shudder the thought - most people have forgotten why this country was born and what the ancestors went through to get us here!

Barbara Cumings
Grandville, Michigan

* * *

A few points from today's show (Wednesday, 4/26/00):

1. I am pretty sure it is illegal to influence other people's children concerning politics, religion, etc. Juan Miguel actually has a perfect right to sue the Miami family for influencing his child against his beliefs and attempting to alienate the child's affection. Have you checked into that? I doubt it. (I had a neighbor who was trying to sway my child from our religion. A lawyer told me this is illegal.)

2. I would certainly be working hard to return my child's mind to where it was before he/she was influenced. Why are you making such a big deal about that? That is natural. Ask any parent of a child who has been caught in a cult. The kid/adult has to go through deprogramming.

3. I have not heard you address the Miami family's disobedience to the law. Do you support them in that too?

4. I would concede that mistakes were made on both sides, but I still think the child belongs with his father.

5. What I have observed is that whichever side one is on, the end justifies the means. You excuse law breaking, government-sanctioned kidnapping, and removal of a child from his father. I excuse an aggressive, scary military raid.

6. The Miami family was not arrested because of the political fallout. They deserved to be arrested. They broke the law and defied the government. But the consequences would have been very bad to our area.

* * *

Why Did They Do It?

From the beginning it was a story marked by the miraculous. It was a miracle;a six-year-old boy survived the storm at sea and floated safely in an inner tube for two days and nights toward shore; a miracle that when he tired and began to slip, the dolphins who surrounded him like a contingent of angels,pushed him upward; a miracle that a fisherman saw him bobbing in the shark-infested waters and scooped him aboard on the morning of Nov. 25,1999, the day celebrated in America, the country his mother died bringing him to, as Thanksgiving.

And of course this Saturday, in the darkness, came the nightmare: the battering ram, the gas, the masks, the guns, the threats, the shattered glass and smashed statue of the Blessed Mother, the blanket thrown over the sobbing child's head as they tore him from the house like a hostage. And the last one in the house to hold him, trying desperately to protect him, was the fisherman who'd saved him from the sea -- which seemed fitting as it was Eastertide, the time that marks the sacrifice and resurrection of the Big Fisherman.

It is interesting that this White House, which feared moving on Iraq during Ramadan, had no fear of moving on Americans during the holiest time of the Christian calendar. The mayor of Miami, Joe Carollo, blurted in shock, "They are atheists. They don't believe in God." Well, they certainly don't believe the fact that it was Easter was prohibitive of the use of force; they thought it a practical time to move. The quaint Catholics of Little Havana would be lulled into a feeling of safety; most of the country would be distracted by family get-togethers and feasts. It was, to the Clintonadministration, a sensible time to break down doors.

Which really, once again, tells you a lot about who they are. But then their actions always have a saving obviousness: From Waco to the FBI files to the bombing of a pharmaceutical factory during impeachment to taking money from Chinese agents, through every scandal and corruption, they always tell you who they are by what they do. It's almost honest.

All weekend you could hear the calls to radio stations, to television, from commentators, from the 40% who are wounded, grieving and alive to the implications of what this act tells us about what is allowed in our country now. "This couldn't happen in America," they say, and "This isn't the America we know."

This is the America of Bill Clinton's cynicism and cowardice, and JanetReno's desperate confusion about right and wrong, as she continues in her great schmaltzy dither to prove how sensitive she is, how concerned for the best interests of the child, as she sends in armed troops who point guns at the child sobbing in the closet. So removed from reality is she that she claims the famous picture of the agent pointing the gun at the fisherman and the child did not in fact show that.

The great unanswered question of course is: What was driving Mr.Clinton? What made him do such a thing? What accounts for his commitment in this case? Concern for the father? But such concern is wholly out of character for this president; he showed no such concern for parents at Waco or when he freed the Puerto Rican terrorists. Concern for his vision of the rule of law? But Mr. Clinton views the law as a thing to suit his purposes or a thing to get around.

Why did he do this thing? He will no doubt never say, a pliant press will never push him on it, and in any case if they did who would expect him to speak with candor and honesty? Absent the knowledge of what happened in this great public policy question, the mind inevitably wonders. Was it fear of Fidel Castro -- fear that the dictator will unleash another flood of refugees, like the Mariel boatlift of 1980? Mr. Clinton would take that seriously, because he lost his gubernatorial election that year, after he agreed to house some of the Cubans. In Bill Clinton's universe anything that ever hurt Bill Clinton is bad, and must not be repeated. But such a threat, if it was made, is not a child custody matter but a national security matter, and should be dealt with in national security terms.

Was it another threat from Havana? Was it normalization with Cuba -- Mr.Clinton's lust for a legacy, and Mr. Castro's insistence that the gift come at a price? If the price was a child, well, that's a price Mr. Clinton would likely pay. What is a mere child compared with this president's need to be considered important by history?

Was Mr. Clinton being blackmailed? The Starr report tells us of what the president said to Monica Lewinsky about their telephone sex: that there was reason to believe that they were monitored by a foreign intelligence service. Naturally the service would have taped the calls, to use in the blackmail of the president. Maybe it was Mr. Castro's intelligence service,or that of a Castro friend. Is it irresponsible to speculate? It is irresponsible not to. A great and searing tragedy has occurred, and none of us knows what drove it, or why the president did what he did. Maybe Congress will investigate. Maybe a few years from now we'll find out what really happened.

For now we're left with the famous photo, the picture of the agent pointing his gun at the sobbing child and fisherman, the one that is already as famous as the picture taken 30 Easters ago, during another tragedy, as a student cried over the prone body of a dead fellow student at Kent State. It is an inconvenient photo for the administration. One wonders if it will be reproduced, or forced down the memory hole. We are left with Elian's courageous cousin, Marisleysis, who Easter morning told truth to power, an American citizen speaking to the nation about the actions of the American government. We are left with the hoarse-voiced fisherman, who continues trying to save the child. We are left wondering if there was a single federal law-enforcement official who, ordered to go in and put guns at the heads of children, said no. Was there a single agent or policeman who said, "I can't be part of this"? Are they all just following orders?

We are left wondering if Mr. Clinton will, once again, get what he seems to want. Having failed to become FDR over health care, or anything else for that matter, he will now "be" JFK, finishing the business of 1961 and the missile crisis. Maybe he will make a speech in Havana. One can imagine Strobe Talbot taking Walter Isaacson aside, and Time magazine reporting the words of a high State Department source: "In an odd way Elian helped us -- the intensity of the experience, the talks and negotiations, were the most intense byplay our two countries have had since JFK. The trauma brought us together."

And some of us, in our sadness, wonder what Ronald Reagan, our last great president, would have done. I think I know. The burden of proof would have been on the communists, not the Americans; he would have sent someone he trusted to the family and found out the facts; seeing the boy had bonded with the cousin he would have negotiated with Mr. Castro to get the father here, and given him whatever he could that would not harm our country. Mr. Reagan would not have dismissed the story of the dolphins as Christian kitsch, but seen it as possible evidence of the reasonable assumption that God's creatures had been commanded to protect one of God's children. And most important, the idea that he would fear Mr. Castro, that he would be afraid of a tired old tyrant in faded fatigues, would actually have made him laugh. Mr. Reagan would fear only what kind of country we would be if we took the little boy and threw him over the side, into the rough sea of history.

He would have made a statement laying out the facts and ended it, "The boy stays, the dream endures, the American story continues. And if Mr.Castro doesn't like it, well, I'm afraid that's really too bad."

* * *

The Elian Gonzalez issue deserves to dominate the news. This is a true watershed issue, which speaks volumes about where our country stands today. All the arguments about reuniting a family are specious sophistry. Parental rights are a red herring designed to divert attention from the real issue, which is human liberty. It is eerily appropriate that Elian is being held prisoner on a "plantation" in a
former slave state...

Imagine that it's 1850, and a runaway slave woman drowns in the Ohio River. Her child is rescued by kind ohioans and adopted with joy by a free black community. But Massa demands the boy be returned to his plantation, so he can learn to chop cotton alongside his slave father. Northern pro-slavery apologists arge that Massa gives his slaves cradle-to-grave security and "free" food and water. They point out the low crime rate on plantations and praise Massa's strict gun-control policies. Quacks put aside their leeches and phrenology books long enough to assure the public that slaves are happy: they sing and dance all the time. Intellectuals praise Massa's racial policies; although the slaves are different shades of brown and some look uncannily like Massa, they all enjoy equal rights! Others chime in that slave states have a right to their own political system, and anyway, the boy is biologically the son of a slave and "genetics trumps politics."

Solemnly intoning that the Dred Scott decision, the "law of the land," must be enforce, the Attorney General (a mannish old maid) says; "I'm getting impatient... the sooner this piccanniny relearns his rightful place in life, the happier he'll be. Besides, I'm getting ready for a barbecue this weekend. And i've got some reports on financial scandals and espionage which I can't seem to finish."

The boy is forcibly returned to Massa, who decides that, having seen freedom, he is an escape risk and potential troublemaker. Massa sells the child down the river to another plantation, where he never sees his father again. Anti-slavery activists convey this news to northern newspaper, who refuse to run the story. "The country needs a break from this...it's old news. Besides, polls show that most northerners regard anti-slavery activists as 'unbalanced paranoid extremist' and free blacks as 'uppity.'"

* * *

"It is our birthright as Americans to keep the flame of freedom glowing for everyone, not just ourselves; that's what this debate is really about, and that is why I will cast a vote to show the world that the spirit of liberty burns strong and bright in this new millennium."
--Congressman Dick Gephardt
4/20/00 -- On Trade with China - Doesn't this apply to ELIAN???

Tom in Los Angeles

* * *

Cuba, Elian, etc., etc., etc.....

This is a gut-wrenching case. The wisdom of Solomon is sorely needed. But ........

Suppose our government is allowed, by the courts, to take a child from his/her parent based on a "suspicion" (albeit a valid one in Elian's case) that the child's upbringing, parents' beliefs, the possibility of mistreatment, etc. would in some way harm the child. Is this a good precedent for future court decisions? Should the government be allowed to remove a child from the parent because of the possibility that the child might be mistreated?

Who will ultimately define "mistreatment" or the phrase "in the child's best interest"? For example, how far away are we from the government taking a child because the parents believe in the "right to keep and bear arms"? Would the parents' belief "endanger" the child's safety (i.e. Columbine incident, "accidents" involving kids and guns, etc.) and therefore warrant the removal of the child from the household on the "proof" that such incidents/accidents have occurred in the past? Would the government then be involved in the raising of the child so that the child would "think correctly"?

If a parent was observed spanking a misbehaving child, would precedent have been set in the Elian case to allow the government to take the child from the parent because of this "mistreatment"? Is this a parental rights issue or an issue where the government intervenes when it feels a need to "protect" a child? How many cases have we seen or heard where a child is returned to a proven drug-addicted parent or an abusive parent? These were cases where the courts had actually proven a case against a bad parent and chooses not to use common sense in its ruling by returning the child to the same harmful environment. Should we grant this same system the power to take children into their custody based upon the government's "suspicion" of mistreatment or the phrase "in the best interest of the child"?

Mr. Limbaugh, as a police officer I have been called upon, as have many officers, to remove children from abusive homes. I have seen things that would make most people physically ill. On more than one occasion I have had to use a great deal of self-restraint when interviewing abusive parents regarding their battered and broken child. These are very difficult cases to deal with. Ultimately, I must prove my case in court to remove a child from his or her home. I cannot use the fact that the child will not have the opportunities that other children have nor can I use the fact that the neighborhood the child lives in is a poor neighborhood. If I have information that the child could be used in violation of child labor laws, I must have probable cause to believe that this particular child will be used in such a manner. I cannot base my case on supposition, no matter how well-founded. Having said that I can tell you, if I error, I will error on the side of the child.

It is sad that Elian's mother did not survive the ordeal. As compelling as Elian's case is, I would have a difficult time justifying the removal of Elian from his father's custody. If Elian had been abused by his father, I would have no reservations about removing him from his father's custody. However, in this case it seems that the parent is being punished for the circumstance of his existence. Unfortunately, Cuba's oppression of it's people does not justify removing Elian from his father's custody. If this were the case, thousands of children visiting the U.S. from various countries (Iraq, Iran, China, etc.) could be removed from their parents' custody because their home country oppresses its people.

Thank you for your time. If you choose to use this on the air, I will leave it to your discretion whether to use my name or not. Not Solomon, just ....

Marty -police officer in CA

* * *

Elian Gonzalez - Please share the truth and KEEP Elian Free!

I have been listening to your program for quite sometime. I have never voiced my opinion on radio, but after listening to Michael Reagan last night, I felt the need to speak up on this issue. What a contrast of opinions yours Rush and his, and I definitely appreciate you Rush for your stand wholeheartedly! During the Mariel boatlift of 1980, I was asked to be a volunteer translator* at Fort Walton Beach Florida. I worked with INS, FEMA, Church World Services and anyone who needed assistance. I strongly believe that if the American people were being truly informed of the realities of the Cuban community, their opinions would be overwhelmingly swayed. But regretfully, the press and the Clinton machinery have managed one more time to infringe on the rights of people to know the truth and nothing but the truth. When I stood at the door of the refugee center and saw bus loads of people coming in, my heart was moved with compassion but little did I know what really awaited me. When men started to walk out of these buses, I saw a lot of calamity, deprivation and simply pain all over their faces. I saw men that could barely make it out without assistance.

I spoke to a man who had a badly infected foot. This man had been shot by one of Cubas' cohorts for simply wanting to leave! I interviewed and processed an ophthalmologist who was caught with an American dollar in his possession; for this he served 15 years of his sentence in Cuba! While working at the hospital processing health papers, the pain was greater when you saw people with untreated tuberculosis! At that time, the media was saying that Castro had open the prison gates and asylums. While I do not dispute that, I must add that the percentage of those wanting to leave was greater among everyday people, professional people than their so called "scum." During my assignment I was able to help relocate several of these people, either by locating their families or placing them with anyone who was willing to sponsor them. I must add that among those were also several kids that managed to get out with the help of some parents who were willing to let them go, all in the name of freedom. I was told that kidsare the ward of the revolution the moment they are born, therefore, they will try anything to get them out.

They DO NOT belong to the parents and after 10 years old they begin to cut the ties of parent/ child relationships. But nevertheless, the pain and suffering did not stop there. Though they gain freedom and were able to start a new life, their efforts of trying to help those left behind, was and still is costly! To Michael Reagan, I must say, that it is not as easy to leave Cuba as he was lead to belief. 20,000 visas a year, so called allocated to anyone wanting to leave - is a dream very hard to come true. The first step that the Cuban government requires is, that a letter of invitation be sent to the family in Cuba. And that must be an immediate family member that can send for them. Children are NOT allowed to leave Cuba, regardless of who sends this letter.

One of those kids that came here during the Mariel boatlift was Lillie Estefan (Univision - niece of Gloria Estefan); both her and her brother wereplaced in Emilio Estefan's boat by their father and sent to freedom. Her mother passed away in May and the father decided that it was best for them to leave. In an interview during the Larry King show, she stressed to GretaVan Sustener - CNN Legal Analyst (...and longtime Clinton's supporter), Maxine Water - D-California and Lewis Lipsitt - Child Psychiatrist - Providence, R.I., that the comments being made about this child being brainwashed at the hands of the family in Miami are a farce. She stated that, "since she was growing up, all her parents talk about was not 'if' they made it to the US but 'when' they made it to the US, they will experience a freedom unbeknown to any Cuban. She said, "brainwashed YES, since we were born! Not when we arrived in Miami."

It is very costly to leave Cuba the legal way and it is a very lengthy process. An initial $200.00 fee must be paid at the time the papers are turned to the INS. This does not include fees paid by the individual to Castro's' Cuba. But the pain and suffering does not stop here. Sending money to Cuba or anything is a joke. I will be more than glad to send you some forms for your review. Canada's (Antilla's Express) is making a killing from these people in Miami and all over the US who use their services. It is sad that the government is not doing anything about it. Not to mention Cubans themselves who are also abusing the trust of their people. (Please check out - El Almacen el Espanol in Miami). Regretfully Michael, you have been misinformed. (Your program of Wednesday, April 19). Well, the fact is that everyone thinks that everything is "fine and dandy" in Castro's Cuba. The truth about Juan Miguel Gonzalez character and capability to raise his son is not known but ONLY, by the people of Miami
and Cuba.

They (the Democrats) continue to speak about the pictures depicting a happy father and son. Well, we all know that actions not pictures (to Maxine Waters) speak louder than words. Unfortunately, there are many parents in custodial disputes - that will only visit their children during b'days and other celebrations. That does not prove that this parent has a good relationship with their child or much less that he/she is a fit parent. It is not true that this boy was living with his dad. This child was living with his mother and his maternal grandmother. That his father had no knowledge that his child was leaving the country - is an outright lie. He knew about the plans and encouraged them. Will he tell you that he was also suppose to leave and changed his mind in the last minute? Will anyone there in Cuba will dare tell the truth about this man? I don't think so.

Our people regretfully, do not know the truth of the Cuban people and only are reacting to distorted reports by the news media. Paul Greenberg - editorial page editor for the Arkansas Democrat - Gazette said it best: "It has been rightly said that the political tug-of war over this one child has been a tragedy. But if little Elian is sent to Cuba, his tragedy may have only begun. Unless, of course, like Janet Reno, you believe that the difference between the American and Cuban systems is only that between moderate and immoderate politics---rather than the difference between freedom and slavery, light and darkness, air and suffocation."(thursday, April 13 - Mobile Press).

If you had the opportunity to look at Time Magazine - (April 17 edition) page 30 and 33 (Post Card from Cardenas) will clearly show the contrast of how Juan Miguel Gonzalez' house looked like before and after Castro's taking over his case. The articles of course are all in favor of Juan Gonzalez. He has been coached on how to act to promote a good image as a father. Juan Gonzalez going to church? Great move. He is a communist and this is the reason why he had a job where he is being paid American dollars. He has never stepped into a church in Cuba! In the eyes of the American people, this would look good. Contrary to the opinion of many, Elian was not abducted. Elian washed up to our shores and has been under the care of FAMILY not strangers, to which Juan Miguel agreed. Castro wishes everyone to belief that Elian and his mother were abducted by her boyfriend. Not true.

Regardless, there is a lot of truth out there that the press and all the Clintonites are not willing to let everyone know. So they resort to polls to play with the minds of people. To quote one student of Cuban affairs, Mark Falcoff of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington,"One cannot but be struck by the incuriosity of many Americans- particularly those most anxious to send Elian back-----as to just why it was that his mother risked and lost her life on his behalf. Although poverty, even extreme poverty, exists in many other countries in and around the Caribbean, only in Cuba are misery and helplessness and unfreedom a deliberate government policy, implemented with unusually un-Latin thoroughness."Anyone ready to ship Elian back might look first at the Cuban regime's Code of the Child, in which it is made clear that no presumption in favor of the parents exists in Cuban law, or rather decree. The child is there to be molded by the state, and to serve theParty. (Paul Greenberg column)

Again, thank you both, Rush for your strong stand on this issue and Michael for your courage. I hope that you could objectively look at the other 'side of the story.' God Bless.

*I was born, raised and educated in Puerto Rico and the USA and have been a resident of Mobile, Alabama for the last 23 years. I am a military "brat"and all of my brothers served in the Army during the Vietnam war, Desert Storm and ultimately Bosnia. My husband was born in Providence, R.I., to Italian parents and proudly served in the Navy and is a retired U.S. Coast Guard. We are a very proud American family, who value and respect our
FREEDOM!

* * *

It's scary as I remember back to the late 30's early 40's how much Clinton & Reno are acting like you know who. If things didn't go there way they used the Brown Shirts & SS to put people back in line. Now it's the US Marshals & F.B.I. Look at Waco, Ruby Ridge & that poor woman in Chicago that voiced her thoughts at the parade. Where are our freedoms, they are getting less & less each day. When is it going to stop? When we don't have any more?

* * *

I have been of the opinion lately that maybe Castro had been flying in to Mena shippments of Cocaine and that he's hinting he'll go to the media and point out that while Clinton was Gov. that he was in on the take. I keep wondering why President Clinton seems to be on Castro's side in this custody case and this is what I and my co-workers have been suggesting and feel could be actual fact!
That's all.

Yours truly Ken Blair

* * *

A great deal of commentary has been given expressing concern over the fate of little Elian should he be returned to Cuba. A local talk show host, (local being Spartanburg, South Carolina) reported that Fidel's troops recently assassinated a number of children, and prevented their families from attending their funerals. Based upon this, the host argues little Elian should remain in the United States. Rush, how is the behavior of Fidel's troops any different than the massacre at Kent State?

Stev

* * *

Hi Rush, will someone please point out that this corrupt Justice Department, headed by our corrupt Attorney General, allowed 90+ alleged criminals to illegally flee the US under the campaign finance scandal, but it is determined, to the point of obsession, that one small, innocent child who seeks to live in freedom must be deported to communism? Doesn't this distortion of priorities speak volumes about the corrupt ideology of this Administration?

It is obvious to sensible people that if we reunite Elian with his father, they will flee the country and this Justice Dept will look the other way - after all, this behavior is modus operandi for this Administration. And they certainly don't give a damn about ignoring court orders - they simply make insincere apologies later, and our stupid media swallows it. As far as ignoring court orders, Clinton and Reno are highly experienced. Recall in 1998 that after losing in federal district court relative to the ridiculously absurd "protective function privilege," Ms. Reno sued her own Independent Prosecutor, Mr. Starr, first in the appellate court, and lost, then with the appellate court en banc, and lost, and then with the US Supreme Court, where they were rebuffed by the Chief Justice in short order. So much for the "rule of law" and adhering to court orders.

Please keep up the exceptional work for our nation.

Bill Lower

* * *

Elian Ganzalis,accountability in our government

Who in this country will be accountable for the possible disasterous outcome of this created situation by Janet Rino and Bill Clinton concerning Elian Ganzalis? Rino supposedly took responsibility after Waco but where were the consequences to Rino? The consequences were to the 84 men,women and children who died. One could also suggest her responsibility for Tim McVey's actions killing all the people who died from his bombing. Now here she is again.Bill too! These people think that responsibility means a weak acknowledgment that I did it and if I want to I'll do it again. They beleive that acknowledgment without consequences makes it ok. They do whatever they want. Where in our government is the agecy or person who can hold Rino for her actions?

Maybe there could be a threat to sue her if anything goes wrong but what chance does the little man have? Thanks,
Neill Youmans

* * *

The pix of the INS agent holding the gun on Elian should serve as a warning of just what the Clinton Administration means by gun control. It means they are going to be in control of all the guns and we will all be subject to scenes such as this if we do not conform to their wishes. Thanks for listening.

* * *

Dear Rush,
I am sending a short article about the Elian Gonzales thing on Saturday..it would seem that the ONLY time Clinton and Reno object to guns and "overwhelming force" is when somebody else does it! They have done it on a regular basis over the past few years. I hate to see the little boy going back to Cuba; but I'm not sure he would see much of a democracy in this country if he were able to stay.
Keep up your good work!
Larry G.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno said on Saturday she tried until the last moment to find a peaceful way to reunite Elian Gonzalez and his father but said Miami relatives thwarted her at every turn.

``At every step of the way, the Miami relatives kept moving the goal posts and raising hurdles,`` Reno said at a news conference hours after armed agents stormed the Little Havana home and whisked six-year-old Elian away.

In response to questions, she defended the overwhelming force used to seize the boy, which was dramatized by a photo of a combat-equipped officer holding an automatic weapon that appeared to be aimed in the direction of a man holding Elian in the Miami home.

``When law enforcement goes into a situation like that, it must be prepared for the unexpected,`` Reno said..

* * *

My husband happened to be awake, getting a early morning snack, at 5 a.m. He turned on CNN (Don't ask me why, we're FOX News devotees). He watched live the occurrence with Elian. He then proceeded to come into our bedroom and cry, because he had never seen anything so heartless like this before.
We are a middle class family with 2 children (2 and 4). We both have been going about our day today with an uneasy feeling. What would it take for the government to come into our home?

I e-mailed Clinton and Gore. Needless to say, my words were not kind. My bottom line to Gore was "perhaps if this boy had been a tree or an endangered snail, he would have been treated with more concern".

We sure wish you had been on the air today. We could have used some of your guidance.

Sincerely,
Kathleen McKirahan

* * *

INS raid photo of officer and Elian...

Dear Rush,

I am a retired Police Officer and after listening to the White House/Janet Reno spin on the photo showing the INS Officer taking the child at gunpoint (finger off trigger, gun pointed to side, etc) I can say that once again they are covering up and not being honest with the public!

Look at the officer's left hand (the extended hand). You will note that he is wearing a fireproof nomex glove, the same glove worn by race car drivers and military pilots! Why? Because he is following a taught proceedure which trains officers to shoot past children held by suspects as shields. The standard proceedure is to get the muzzle of the gun as close to the suspect as possible and then to use the off hand to cover the child's face (both to protect his face and eyes from the muzzle blast and to push his head aside)! This indicates clearly to me that the officer fully intended to fire on the man in the picture (who was holding elian) if he did not surrender the child immediately, and in fact, was preparing to fire almost at that moment.

This is a very scary picture if one is aware of trained police proceedures, and I doubt "the fisherman" knows how close he came to being killed!

Sincerely,

Bruce Gray

* * *

Subject: Elian Gonzalez

Dittos,

Rush,

I am troubled this evening. I am not so troubled by Reno's storm troopers abducting Elian as I am about the way justice seems to be delivered in recent years. Any more, its seems as though the guilty go free, and the innocent are punished. Cases in point.....

Microsoft - The government could care less about anti-trust efforts...They are only after money. It seems prosecution of big companies is only another way of generating revenue.

Tobacco - same thing

OJ - Guilty, but innocent???

John Benet Ramsey - No clues; I think not.

Waco, Ruby Ridge, Elian - These are examples of how the department of InJustice now acts with impunity. There seems to be no checks or balances on this group.

Clinton administration - too many excesses and offenses to list.

Sincerely,

Greg Dietz

* * *

Rush,

A great deal of commentary has been given expressing concern over the fate of little Elian should he be returned to Cuba. A local talk showhost, (local being Spartanburg, South Carolina) reported that Fidel's troops recently assassinated a number of children, and prevented their families from attending their funerals. Based upon this, the host argues little Elian should remain in the United States. Rush, how is the behavior of Fidel's troops any different than the massacre at Kent State?

Steve

* * *

Hi Rush, will someone please point out that this corrupt Justice Department, headed by our corrupt Attorney General, allowed 90+ alleged criminals to illegally flee the US under the campaign finance scandal, but it is determined, to the point of obsession, that one small, innocent child who seeks to live in freedom must be deported to communism? Doesn't this distortion of priorities speak volumes about the corrupt ideology of this Administration?

It is obvious to sensible people that if we reunite Elian with his father, they will flee the country and this Justice Dept will look the other way - after all, this behavior is modus operandi for this Administration. And they certainly don't give a damn about ignoring court orders - they simply make insincere apologies later, and our stupid media swallows it. As far as ignoring court orders, Clinton and Reno are highly experienced. Recall in 1998 that after losing in federal district court relative to the ridiculously absurd "protective function privilege," Ms. Reno sued her own Independent Prosecutor, Mr. Starr, first in the appellate court, and lost, then with the appellate court en banc, and lost, and then with the US Supreme Court, where they were rebuffed by the Chief Justice in short order. So much for the "rule of law" and adhering to court orders.

Please keep up the exceptional work for our nation.

Bill Lower

* * *

Gregory Craig

Interesting and very revealing article in the November 19, 1998, issue of the Washington Post by Lloyd Grove and John Harris:

Crisis Quarterback: Gregory Craig Is Calling the Plays On Clinton's Team

http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/craig111998.
htm

* * *

Dear Rush,

Your program is aired on WSKY in Gainesville, Florida at 3P.M. and, therefore, I can't call in. But I'm glad I can email you. I know this message is long, but I wanted you to know the extent for my responses.

I was at the International Convention of Phi Theta Kappa in Orlando this weekend when my mother who lives in Miami called me at 8:30 A.M. crying. Usually, when I get a call from my mother when I'm not at home, it is always bad news. This time it was about Elian. I am a native-born Cuban and have lived here for 38 years. For the first time in that many years I visited my relatives in Cuban this past August. The scene I was Saturday was reminiscent of what I went through during the Bay of Pigs invasion and machine gun fire when I was six.

I am so disgusted with the Republican Party, especially with the Bush brothers, for their cowardliness and self-interest in protecting their positions that I am not going to vote this year for Bush or anybody. When Colors were presented on Friday night at the convention, I sang the national anthem as loud as I could and then turned to my advisor and said, "I sang this for the America I used to know." Then came Saturday morning.

When I was still in Cuba, from one day to the next my best friend was nowhere to be found. It took my mother 38 years to tell me had happened to here. Operation Peter Pan was implemented sometime in 1962, air-lifting thousands of children from Cuba to America without their parents. My mother said my best friend's parent were devastated when they let their daughter go to a strange country without them. But they loved her so, they let her go. Love is not the issue. The issue here is everybody here covering their political butts.

If Reno moves in like she did on rumors and possibilities of maybe some kinda-sorta guns being in the house, how can she move in on enemies overseas? If she is that incompetent in her job, the people should call for her resignation immediately!! She killed children in Waco, at Ruby Ridge, and now has wounded Elian forever. She is a murderer of children as she covers for this deceitful, lying administration!

I spoke to a history class at Santa Fe Community College about this whole issue and how I saw communism through my six-year-old eyes and I was flabbergasted at the willful ignorance of some of the students! There is no greater fool than the willfully ignorant. And that is the state of the American people. All those who get offended by this statement and the status of this country should be offended enough to do something about it!

I wish I could get on your show, but I can't. I am in the middle of classes. BUT, I'll be in Washington, D. C. on a two-month internship at the Capital and hope I can make some ripples there !!!

Love your show!
Tayra Ondina de la Caridad Soler-Antolick

Tayra Ondina de la Caridad Soler-Antolick

Dear Congress:

I sent the message below to the President and Vice President and mean every word. The only outrage I have heard from your quarters so far has been from Bob Graham. Those of you who are more interested in your power and position than the principles of this country have shown your colors loud and strong. I have lost respect for all you of you sit silent and watch what happened Saturday morning than risk your seats. I am a registered Republican, but I am ashamed of all of you for your cowardice and self-interest. You will not see me voting Democratic nor Republican this year or ever until I see someone standing and verbalizing WHAT IS RIGHT, not what is convenient. We are not stupid and we see what is happening. I am outraged at your lack of outrage and your allowing this administration to rule by executive order and not by you and the constitutional process. Just like I love Cuba and hate it's government, so do I love America but hate it's government. It is no longer the country for which the founding fathers gave up their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.

Mr. President and all who are under you,

I am a native-born Cuban. The actions of your administration have been disgraceful and self-serving. Your Attorney General is responsible for still another destruction of a child's life for political gain. The headlines of USA-Today on Saturday and Sunday show the ultimate lie that you and your administration perpetrate. I have lost all respect for you and all who stand with you. Since when did your party care about the "rule of law"? When you were impeached, the only thing you harped on was "the people's will" through polls. Every time I hear you or Janet Reno talk about the rule of law I want to throw up!!! You, Al Gore, and your party have lost. You stand exposed...again!!!

* * *

I don't always agree with you, but that has never stopped me listening to you when I can. I wanted to write you about this Elian Gonzalez drama because it's one of the few issues today that have truly rattled me. I don't know how you feel about Lazlo, daughter, etc. but I do believe that they were on some power trip and should have turned the boy over a long time ago. I got more and more annoyed when the dad came across and was not given access to his son. Personally, if I was that man, I'd never have put my foot in Miami. God knows what the Cuban community in Little Havana would have done to him. As for waiting, do you really believe that family would have ever given that boy up voluntarily? If I was the dad, I'd want to do bodily harm to every one of them. I am not a communist, but I do believe the dad sincerely does not want to live in America and Americans have a hard time understanding any way of life except our own. Yes I am a U.S. citizen, but I do understand that our way of doing things doesn't have to be pushed down the throats of other countries.

The dad seemed to have been doing just fine in Cuba, and he should have a right to do as he pleases including keeping his son there. Noone can tell me that man doesn't love his child. Regarding Reno and her agents kicking the door down and taking the boy, I believe most of the people expressing outrage are full of baloney. I felt so infuriated with that family making our government look like a bunch of fools that I was glad when they finally did something and kicked that door down. I'm sure if I had all those federal agents outside my home I'd have heard something. What is it anyway with all those people living in the one small home.... even the fisherman? When was the last time the poor kid had been outside or to school? The dad even if he lives in Cuba is away from that Circus. Was how he lived that bad? I'm sure it's better than the majority of our scum living off of welfare.

You know you have to live in the third world to truly understand that sometimes having "freedom" isn't everything. I know we're supposed to be in the land of the free, but are we really as free as we think we are? Sometimes there's a lot to be said in a poor state where people have food, schooling, etc. Anyway, I just had to put my two cents worth in. I'm not the only one who thinks the way I do, and I don't thinkof myself as ignorant. For once I have agreed with what Clinton did. They should have kicked the door down a long time ago and taken the kid. The kid belongs with his father, and if the father wants to take his child to Cuba, so be it.

* * *

What "Rule of Law" is Janet Reno upholding by forcibly seizing Elian Gonzalez in a dawn raid by Federal officers. In many news reports and newspaper articles, Bill Clinton (it sickens me to refer to him as President) and Janet Reno are quoted as "upholding the rule of law" but the actual "law" is never referenced ver batim. Please satisfy my curiosity during your radio program next week.

Texas-sized dittos,
Jeff

* * *

From: sgimemphis
To: web@usdoj.gov
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2000 10:53 PM
Subject: USDOJ Comments

To: US Attorney General Reno,
Washington, District of Columbia

The middle of the night abduction of Elian Gonzalez is a act typical of tyrannical governments and remiscient of Gestapo tactics. I personally deplore the acts that occurred to abduct the child and feel embarassed to be be an American Citizen with front page pictures of gun-toting agents apprehending a youth.

Civility does not reign ( or show itself) in this operation. Clearly, your actions, Ms Reno, are motivated by politics and not US law. Your actions and those of your staff are disgraceful.For you benefit, and those of your staff who would have me investigated (and arrested ?) as well,

I remain,

Gregory Paul Sullivan P.S.
Feel free to have me abducted, at your convienance, without a warrant.

* * *

Rush, as an American I am outraged at the actions of Reno, Clinton, and the INS. Reno tells us to look carefully at the photos and once again not to believe our lying eyes. That gun was pointed at the boy and the fisherman. If that was not a finger on the trigger then that guy uses something else as a digit that the rest of humankind does not. She says that looking at that photo we have to deal in FACTS. Yet based on RUMORS not facts she and her cohorts say there were weapons in the house without any proof whatsoever. These people continually show us time after time that they will stop at nothing to gain their objectives. If this had been an African American family I can guarantee this NEVER would have happened the way it did.

It is beyond conprehension as to how these people continue to do Clinton's bidding in the face of bold faced lies time and time again. Have they no shame? Clinton comes out for a news conference states his position takes one question and walks away from the podium, what a coward! All those Democratic lawmakers coming out in support of the Clinton/Reno/INS debacle will they be as pliable when someone comes for them the next time should it suit thewhims of Clinton/Castro/Reno/INS?

Constantly telling the American people we did not see what we saw is just unbelieveable. I never understood how Nazi Germany could ever happen. I now understand. Thanks for reading my frustrations. You were so right on Friday to recommend to the family that they take Elian to a Catholic Church and keep him safe until a peaceful transfer take place. I can hardly wait to hear you today.

Joyce Fitzgerald, Dayton, Ohio

* * *

Elian


I am not Jewish, but I wonder how many who are, could see the similarities between the storm trooper tactics used to capture Elian were with the Holocaust. This comes at Passover in a city with a high number of Jews. No doubt the boy should be with his father but the government went about this in a totally unacceptable way. I was horrified at the terror on this boy's face.

* * *

Good news, Bad news

Rush, the good news is the Clinton administration has finally managed to violate the civil rights of innocent Americans without killing or raping them in the process ----- bad news is this will encourage them to do it more often.........if that's possible.
Bob Luzzi, USAF, Ret

* * *

Elian Affair

In the aftermath of the storming of the Gonzales house, the press, TV, and radio have failed to report the most flagrant abuse which was committed. The Bill of Rights was trampled on by what happened. As far as I can learn, the marshals had no writ or warrant to enter that house. The 4th Amendment guarantees freedom from unwarranted search. The basic right stemming from the English Common Law is that a man's home is his castle and cannot be invaded without due process.

As a veteran of WWII, we fought to wipe out the midnight knock on the door of the Nazi SS jack booted operatives who forced their way in at the point of a gun and removed the occupant. Why is
there no mention of this outrage?

I have regularly dismissed the cry of the NRA people which said we must be permitted to have guns so our government will not be able to forciblyrestrain us. I was wrong. It can happen here. It has!
David C. Chamberlain , Branford CT.

* * *

Blackmail


Could it be possible that Castro has very damaging evidence on something in Clinton's pass?

Could it be that B. Clinton is a card carrying Communist or something even worse that might get him jailed? Something has put the fire under him to take desperate action.

* * *

Dittos Rush,

Regardless of the issue of who should get custody of Elian, my deepest concern (fear really), is that the federal government thinks it can enter a "private" home using deadly force in the wee hours of the night and take or do whatever they want! Such hypocrisy from Mr. Clinton who professes that guns are an evil of society! He certainly feels no compunction about using them for his own "purpose" (and in the face of a child no less!)

Certainly no concern has been shown by this administration for the welfare of Elian here, rather, only political reasoning~~more hypocrisy indeed! Shame on Mr. Clinton and Ms. Reno and shame on us (America) for allowing our country to sink to this level of loss of freedoms through our apathy and ignorance!

Sincerely, Sarah

* * *

I would be willing to bet real money that the relatives that had been providing care for the child were receiving Foster Care payments and benefits for the boy. In my experience, relatives DO NOT like to turn loose of the $$$. Some relatives do refuse financial assistance, but I doubt this is the case here. As a ward of the court, the child must have his own attorney. Public funds pay for this representation in addition to the Foster Care. When the child is reunified with the birth parent, the services of the attorney are terminated. The relatives were not paying for this attorney, nor was the child.

The father certainly wouldn't be paying. US CITIZEN'S $$$ pay for this service when a minor is a ward of the court in placement. The service is terminated upon reunification!

Sounds like you are risking your blind Republican alignment here. Do you really believe that the government should be stepping in because of the political setting of his native country? The minor has a father who wants him, appears to have a good, loving relationship with the child (from published pictures) and has a home where there is extended family support to take him to.

SHAME ON THE US FOR MAKING THIS CHILD A POLITICAL FOOTBALL. He has already been through a traumatic experience needing to be rescued, losing his mother, and be being herded about by government people. AND possibly greedy relatives. He appears to have a loving relationship with his father and should be reunified.

The arrogance of thinking the U S populace should have the last word on how the child should be raised is rediculous. This right belongs to his surviving birth parent. Children from other countries being abandoned here is NOT unusual . Granted, this circumstances is not exactly like an abandonment, but searches for relatives in the minor's country of birth are always made in an attempt to reunify with family members. This is mandated. The minor in question has a living father who wants him. IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD, DROP THE POLITICS AND LET HIM GO WITH HIS FATHER.

PK
in CA

* * *

I will be straight forward about what I want to say, but please excuse my language.

I feel for the Cuban boy in Florida, and no doubt the Clinton's have him back in Cuba now. I think we THE PEOPLE need to take back our government, and overthrow the Clinton government. It seems like the Senators are afraid that they will be the next one found died in the park. For doing what THE PEOPLE want, and going against the Clinton's.

We have a good constitution, but the other two branches of government isn't doing their job. They are letting President Clinton alone run the government. Well his wife, but she does wear the pant. NO other president in the history of the country, has had anywhere near that kind of power.

I fear that the Clinton's will find a way not to leave office, like Hitter did to the Germans back, in 1924 I believe. I just hope that the military will back the wishes of THE PEOPLE, and make him leave the office to the next president of the United States.

I pray everyday that THE PEOPLE have learned and will not vote in another like the Clinton's. I hope what happened to the Germans in 1924 doesn't happen to us in the year 2001. I just don't want this to become the dreaded Amerika. (NO I spelt it right with a "K", as in the movie. And Hiterary rules.)


May GOD take care of you, Sir Rush

Sincerely Cathy

* * *

Cuban balseros

I am so thankful that you have the facts to get out to the misinformed American's who are asleep at the wheel and very uninformed. After living in South America for 2 years, we have met several Cubans who were found by the Coast Guard in international waters. These Cubans are held in Guantanamo bay for processing and then sent to a Spanish speaking country with $3000 US dollars and a plane ticket. This is a cheaper way for U. S. taxpayers to deal with refugees than to welcome them into our economy. The Cuban dissidents are not returned to Cuba since it is a totalitarian state and they would be imprisoned or executed.

If a balsero hits the shores, they are granted amnesty. They would be in peril to be returned to Castro! I believe that our American lease to Guantanamo base is due to expire in the year 2002 or 2005. What political impact can that have on the whole negotiation?

The estimate by one mission organization is that if a Cuban can get US dollars, they can live on about $50 US dollars for one year. That amount allows them to buy food in the government controlled stores. The Cuban peso has no value in the world exchange. It is worthless in the world economy since there is no gold backing and the economy is essentially bankrupt.

It is my understanding that the people do not revolt the oppression because they have no arms. They are forced to work in the sugar canefields for the prescribed hours. There is no soap, shampoo, spare parts, or fuels available. Cattle are a protected species as there is solittle meat production.

Life there is tough but it is not the poverty that is harmful, it is the political repression, the brainwashing, the control of ideas, theindoctrination, the persecution and reprisals for speaking out.

The father could not possibly want his son to live in those conditions, IF he were a free agent. Castro is holding the lives of many extended family members in lieu of a good performance. Many Cubans have sent their children off with relatives as a sacrificial act to spare their children live under a totalitarian regime. If the father were a free agent, he would undoubtedly want his son to live in freedom.

What will it take to make Americans realize how easily their freedoms can slip away. What will it take for people to open their eyes and see how controlled we are. This is no longer a free country, sadly.

 

* * *

Saturday morning America woke up to the gestapo tactics, i.e., armed incursion by Federal Agents in SWAT gear, brandishing automatic weapons, battering down doors and using tear gas, inflicted upon the American People by the Clinton Administration. In case it is not shown on the major networks, the boy was taken at gunpoint (an automatic weapon was pointed at the boy and the man holding him in his arms, with a statement "Give me the boy or I'll shoot!").

It is very important to note and understand that despite what Clinton, Reno, and their minions and apologist's state, the boy was legally in the home of his uncle. The Court, as recently as this week, affirmed that the uncle had custody of the boy pending further court hearings. The proper approach for the administration (Clinton, Reno, INS, etc.) was to go through the Court, something they refused to do. This raid was in violation of law!

This has been repeatedly pointed out for the past week by legal experts, that THERE IS NO LAW THAT CLINTON AND COMPANY IS CITING! Again, they are making their own law. No one who has watched this administration should be surprised, as this administration has continuously usurped the legal foundations of our Country. Every time Clinton is faced with any difference of opinion or not getting his way on every issue, he uses Executive Orders, thereby going around the Legislature and Judical branches of the Constitution, as well as Gestapo tactics (BATF,INS,FBI,etc.) to destroy any opposition to his 'wishes' or 'visions'.

The reason why the Founding Father's set up three branches of government (Legislative, Judical and Executive), was to insure that we did not fall under the rule of a 'dictator'.

Hitler, Castro, Stalin, Mao, etc., used these same tactics and words to undermine any opposition by belittling them, demonization, destroying their reputation and massive (armed) intimidation. Constant questioning of any difference with 'their' opinion, with attacks on their patriotism or that they must have ulterior motives that attack the fundamentals of the Constitution. As was said by a man in Miami, "The Executive Branch has once again imposed IT'S interpretation of the Constitution on the United States", in contrast and opposition to the Courts, Congress, and the populace!

It should be noted that Clinton and his minions quote "The Rule Of Law" to back their views, but do not follow it. In fact, they openly and aggresively flout it, when it is not in thier favor. As Clinton has stated several times, "I do not agree with the law, or the Court's interpretation of it, therefore I do not have to follow it!" Recently, Clinton has stated that he is proud of his impeachment because "HE SAVED" the Constitution. In acutality, Clinton and Company have done more to damage and destroy our Constitution.

One must remember that the German government was not titled 'Nazi" but National SOCIALIST Party. Also, it should be noted that many Democrat members of Congress belong to the Democratic SOCIALISTs of America, including Conyers, Franks, Watters, Shiela Jackson Lee, Gepherat, etc. The Clintons are also members. Every Socialist government that the world has known always reverts to using or inventing a police state to back their egos.

It should be noted that Greg Craig, Clinton's and Castro's attorney, sent letters to all the major news agencies asking that they not cover or broadcast any coverage of this event. This is typical of the Clinton and other despotic regimes. Deny "Sensitive" information, that is, information that is detrimental to the current regime, to the public.

It is worth noting that Ms. Ellen Radner, a journalist and television Clinton apologist, stated on Fox News that she saw nothing wrong with the Castro Regime forcing Elian, when he is eleven years old to spending his summers at a (Young Pioneers) 'summer camp' where he would be indoctrinated and required to arise before 0500, have minimal nourishment, and cut sugar cane until mid-day. Then attend communist indoctrination sessions until about 3:00 p.m., and work again.

History-The youth group, Brown Shirts in "Nazi Germany, were also involved in State organized "Summer Camps". Deja vu. We are positive that Ms. Radner and others of her ilk, including the Clintons and Gores would not allow that and would be outraged if their children were required every summer to be indocutrinated with conservative teachings, and required to sweat out in the sugar cane fields. They would be screaming about the 'Constitution' and their 'civil rights'.

I am also confident that people like her and Clinton would have no problem with our youth having to perform community service hours in one of their 'programs' in order to graduate from high school. Oh yes, this is already a requirement in many schools across this Nation. This is the typical 'Liberal/Socialist' mantra. They do not mind 'forcing' their ideas on others but do not respect the views of others. Ms. Radner also proudly stated that she has been to Cuba. Note, that Ms. Radner lives the life of a very pampered individual, who I doubt would ever condenscend to 'cut sugar cane' in the heat or otherwise.

The Administration spokesman has stated that Elian Gonzales calmed down and was happy after they left the house. However, observers at the Air Force Base state that he was fighting, crying and screaming as he was put on the plane! Again, we are being lied to by the Clinton Administration! Later, they released a picture of Elian smiling with his father. That is understandable. After the trauma he went through with the "Jack Booted Thugs" (if the federal agents act like thugs, they deserve the name), his father would be a welcome sight.

Please don't perpetrate another lie by calling these people Democrats, Liberals, or other honorable terms. They are fascist Socialist's with only one purpose in mind, the destruction of the Constitution and establishment of absolute power over the people of this great country.

America must wake up. Have we grown into such a nation of cowards, that we will not challange or even question the actions and statements of this administration when they are in such gross violation of the rule of law, judicial decisions, and the Constitution. If we have, we do not deserve to be FREE! SHADES OF WACO!!

In the last seven years, ythe Clinton Administration has repeatedly assaulted and corrupted the very foundations that this country is built on by attempting to destroy the reputations of it's founding fathers, teachings of tolerance which are in reality teachings of intolerance, deliberate destruction of our Bill of Rights and undermining of the Constitution of the United States. We charge you with doing what you can to stop this assault on the Constitution. If this is allowed to continue, in another decade this will not be a nation of freedom and individual rights!

If you think that this statement is outrageous, then I ask you, in your wildest dream, would you visualize an American law enforcement officer hold a rifle in the face of a child and the adult holding him in a non-violent, non threatening situation where an Appeals Court granted the child the right to due process? In China, Cuba and other totalitarian regimes, you would see this. Not in the land of the free. This cannot be tolerated.

This question here is not who you personally want to see have custody of the child. The real question is, do we allow a branch of the government to usurp the law, deny Constitutional Rights and destroy due process of the law.

One final note: A Clinton Administration apologist, in a misuse of words or Freudian slip, noted that the Cuban Americans in Miami were "Flaunting the Law!" (Flaunt-to make an ostentatious display). That would be understandable. By contrast, the Clinton's are notorious for Flouting the Law. (Flout-mock, insult, treat with contempt, defy).


Barbara and Jerry Bible

* * *

So, the Miami family was unlawfully keeping Elian. What's the charge? Was anyone arrested? Perhaps Elian could be charged with "resisting arrest."

Jana Craig

* * *

...Rush, ...i was watching cbs, channel 5-north carolina, the morning elian was snatched from his family's home...the tape of this event was played over and over...
...PLEASE SIR, locate and view the FIRST tape of this event...please notice on the left of your screen, a person with outstretched arms approaching a fed. as the child was being brought out...this person was immediately put down by the officer..keep watching..if i'm not mistaken, this person was then stomped by the officer,several times...so much for " kinder-gentler "... ...i called channel 2, my local cbs affiliate, and asked them to review the tape and give an explanation....this never happened...

BIG SURPRISE..i have not seen the tape played again..since, they have shown another at a different camera angle...i called again yesterday, being a bit more forceful in language and manner...still nothing...perhaps you can get to the bottom of this...another day or two 'n it'll be "time to move on" (clinton's favorite expression) from this unresolved matter....i'm damned tired of having my Constitution raped by the clintons and their marionettes...

Thanks,
george e. jones

* * *

Elian


Isn't Gun control one of the liberal cornerstones? And here is a federal agent sticking an MP5 (assault rifle) in a 6 year old's face. Where the hell is the press on this one?

Pete "wondering what country I really live in" Belford

* * *

Would you please encourage everyone to put a sign in their car window saying some brilliant slogan (I'm sure you have a good one) and maybe even a copy of the picture with the machine gun being held at Elian, in their car window.

I'm angry that the media wants to make us seem invisible. It is not just Cuban Americans that have the opinion that Elian should not be sent back to Castro. And even if people think he should be with his father, there are millions of us that believe Reno has abused power yet another time. Please think of something that we can do together to let each other know we exist. We need to let the media and politicians know that it is an outrage to bring machine gunsinto a peaceful home! If Elian's family had tried to defend themselves,it would have been another WACO!

Gayle Stucki (mother of five little children)

* * *

elian..
a little something some friends put together. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Cottage/3073/elian.html

Daniel Brightman
slappy@mindspring.com

 

* * *

. I felt compelled to express my absolute outrage at the forceful and arrogant way in which the Clinton administration handled this situation. I recently became a father myself. My initial feeling was for father's rights, until I listened to your show. I understand from listening, that in Cuba parents only have a right to the child as long as it doesn't conflict with the needs of the state. If by chance you find this e-mail among the several you will no doubtedly receive in the coming days, please address the following questions:

1).- Are people concerned that Elian will be reprogrammed in Cuba? Do you think Juan Migal is concerned about this? (I understand that Castro has made no attempt to hide this. Do you have his exact quote?)- Is there a way for justice to prevail in this case, or will this end in tragedy?
2).- Do you think that Congress will take the initiative and perform a thorough investigation, or will they be worried about the latest polls?

Thanks Rush keep up the good work.

Matt Preston

* * *

Listening to your discussion about the incident in Miami (storm trooper breaking in).I like to ask you why All pictures shown on CNN and other News Media that early saturday morning are not being repeated on all the Television new shows except the picture of the assault weapon on the fisherman and the boy; The picture leaving the house with woman INSholding the boy getting to the van.The pictures of the boy being transfered from the white van to thehelicopter (not shown ) being carried by three or four INS agents. The boy was in a prone position (the boy appeared to be drugged).

The Doctor on board the plane that transported the boy to Washingtonwas asked by the News Media if the boy was drugged. The Doctor responsed, "AS FAR I KNOW HE WAS NOT DRUGGED"

Is there anyway we can get the News Media to reveiw the pictures shown on TV by several News Stations. And ask why they have not repeated all the pictures shown asthey were occurring. I would like to discuss this matter with you or one of your associates.
Thank You
Mr. Harry Arnao

* * *

Rush,

Everything the Clinton administration does is for a political purpose. I think the current Elian situation is for political purposes as well. First it provides a distraction for the press from all the recent legal "revelations" about the administration, and a distraction to Janet Reno/ Justice department investigations. I guess Clinton has just about ran
out of places he can bomb - so why not terrorize some small minority that nobody in the US seems to care about?

The general impression is that this is being done to normalize relations with Cuba, for the legacy of Clinton. I think Clinton is more worried about keeping his rear out of jail. Which means that he must see tha tAl Gore can give him a pardon.

This could help AL Gore in Florida - if Al Gore "steps in" to mediate the process. Al Gore has separated himself from the Clinton position on this topic already. I think if the Cuban American community goes to Al and asks for his help in resolving this situation he can become a hero - and show that he is his "own man".

Just some thoughts down here in AL.

With the most sincerest of respect,

Paul Julino Huntsville,

* * *

Éllian Gonzales: In discussions recently with a young supporter of Mr. Clinton (I refuse to call him my president, because he isn't) She started by telling me she thought Elian should go back with his father. I told her that's not my concern. That's up to the courts, which does bring me to my concern.

First of all there were 4, count them, FOUR agreements signed by the American relatives. Each time Castro ordered the US to add more demands on the family. Demands he knew the family wouldn't accept. Then I asked her a simple question. "When did Castro become president of the United States?" With that she left my friends apartment.

A couple of minutes later she returned and asked me what else I didn't like about the situation. I told her that these two (Mr. Clinton and Janet "Let's blame it on" Reno) said they had the courts, and the law on their side. This we know is a lie. The courts had said they hoped the government and relatives would use their services to negotiate another settlement. The relatives had said they were willing. This administration was not. The courts also said they weren't going to forcibly remove Ellian from the Miami home. There was a stay issued in the case.

This means that all actions and orders are suspended until the case is heard and a decision is reached. This administration was afraid to let this happen. They just might lose and the Castro would be very upset. Again with the Castro thing. So, it was good ole Billy bob boy Ralph Sampson tinker twinkle Peggy Clinton who actually broke the law, not the relatives of Elian.

The last problem I had was the entrance. Here was an unarmed family, who was on the phone with the Department of Justice when their house was broken into without a warrant and without just cause. Elian was virtually kidnapped and this administration says it was legal.

I asked this young lady to tell me if she thought it was legal.
Bill

* * *

Why the Attack on the Gonzales Residence

Draw me another *believable* scenario that would have assured that Iian would have been handed over without a scene. I simply don't believethat you or anyone could have guaranteed that a suit clad marshall would have been able to walk up to the house and politely ask for thechild with the simple result that Ilian would have been handed over without a standoff involving weapons.

It sounds like you split hairs with Greta Van Sustern who claimed that the family did not break any laws by not delivering the child to thegovernment.You have claimed that the father does not love his son. How do you know this? All evidence is to the contrary.You have stated that there was no warrant. Is this true?

You neglect to address the main issue for the father which the Miami relatives refused to accept as a part of any arrangement for transfer; the immediate transfer of physical custody to the father. Is this not tantamount to breaking the law?

You are kidding yourself if you think that the family did not expect to be raided. This is clearly what they and the Cuban American Organization wanted.

This finally gets us back to the important issue -- the value of family and the importance of supporting our children. Who is really thinkingof Ilian. You seem todisregard the importance of mother and father to a child.

No court has decided that Elian can legally apply for asylum by himself. To assume that his is true and then to use it as the basis for a legal argument that Grieg Craig has broken the law is simply wrong.

Bob Lechner of MD

* * *

I am just a working sort form Harbor City, CA but I would CONTRIBUTE MONEY(as much as I can) to do the following: I would like to see a bulletin board as close to the White House as possible with a blown up picture of the INS agent grabbing for the scared little boy.

Across the picture should be the words "CLINTON'S LEGACY".I would contribute money because I want this to be personal not political.What has been happening is personally sickening to me.To carry this further one half of the bulletin board could be a picture of Monica along with the INS agent, with "CLINTON'S LEGACY" for all to see.(Maybe one in New York also).

Keep up the good work.

Chuck

* * *

BreakPoint Commentary #000424 - 4/24/2000
The Case of Elián González: A Moment of Truth for America
by Charles Colson

This was a weekend we will not soon forget. The pictures of Elián González facing helmeted marshals wielding assault rifles will remain etched in our memory - and the world's -- as a day I believe will live in infamy. Frankly, I'm still in shock as I broadcast this message. I never thought I would see something like this in America.

Outside the house in Little Havana, people had been peacefully praying, preparing for Easter. Suddenly, without warning, a SWAT team authorized by the Attorney General and the President burst through the door. They grabbed the six-year-old, smashed furniture, and fired tear gas into the crowd.

Mind you, the Feds were not attacking a terrorist stronghold. Rather, unarmed Americans in the sanctity of their homes. Anyone seeing the photos pictured around the world could only think of Nazi Germany, where any home could be invaded at will.

Janet Reno claims she was carrying out the law. Well, I question that. The Eleventh Circuit Court sustained a decision that stated that any individual at any age can apply for asylum, and Elián did that when he entered the country. Telephone records show that his father had called his family in Miami, asking them to take care of the boy.

It's especially grievous that the government would resort to such heavy-handed tactics on Easter weekend. In December 1998 the White House avoided bombing Iraq during the Islamic holiday of Ramadan. But four months later they bombed Belgrade on Easter weekend, and now they've targeted Little Havana, a Catholic community. What is it about Easter that causes this administration to want to bomb people?

This is not the rule of law. It's flak-jacketed marshals invading homes in the middle of the night. How can this Administration and those who defend it-- the liberal establishment pledged to defend civil liberties -- condone something like this?

The answer is that there's a great temptation for those in high office to believe that they ARE thel aw. When Janet Reno says she's upholding the law, she is simply upholding her own decrees. She may even believe her word IS law. But this is a dangerous mistake, as I learned in the Watergate years.

In child-custody disputes, remember, the law says a family court must decide the matter. No court has ordered Elián into his father's hands. And whether there was proper authority to break into the home has still not been made clear. So in the end, Janet Reno is merely enforcing her own decrees.

It seems as if the people who think it takes a village to raise a child are so certain that they're right -- that they know what's best for this six- year-old -- that they'll break down doors to force their will upon him. We saw the same phenomenon at Ruby Ridge, at Waco, and now in Miami. It brings to mind C. S. Lewis's trenchant quote that "of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive."

I am deeply saddened that something like this could happen in America. If there is no outcry at this kind of action, and if we're complacent when jackbooted marshals burst into private homes, then we no longer can claim to be the land of the free. As one middle- aged Cuban told reporters, "Something in America is broken."

He's right -- and we'd better fix it.
Copyright (c) 2000 Prison Fellowship Ministries. For product requests or to make a donation, please visit our website at http://www.breakpoint.org or call 1-800-995-8777.

* * *

If Mr. Limbaugh had relatives who were holding his 6 yr-old son hostage from him in another country, because they felt he preached too much hatred, would that government be fair in allowing his relatives to keep him, awaiting the court's decision, if the court determined that the child should be with him, pending the outcome?

What if his relatives had 500 protestors surrounding the house, saying, "we will do whatever is necessary to keep Mr. Limbaugh's son from going back to a hate-filled environment." How long would he wait for his son to be returned home and how patient would Mr. Limbaugh be?

What if he saw a videotape of his 6 yr-old son saying, "Father, I do not want to live in a hate-filled environment." I always thought
the best way to understand a situation was to put yourself in the person's shoes.

I knew these next few days would be like a wonderful holiday for Mr. Limbaugh. He gets to preach anti-Government messages to a new group of people, who will side with him, simply because they are angry about the Elian sieze.

Question #2
How does the raid in the Gonzalez home measure to the attacks of the many peaceful Black protestors that had dogs and waterhoses released on them in the 60's?

Question #3
Which does he think was more traumatic for Elian Gonzalez:
1) being rescued with guns drawn by agents from the Miami relatives who were holding him hostage, or
2) floating at sea, clinging to a raft, wondering what his mother must have been thinking bringing him out there

I believed five years ago that Rush Limbaugh's messages lived inside of the Oklahoma City bombers. People who fill the minds of terrorists and hate mongers with more hate encourage
tragic behavior.

I have never written in to a talk show before. I heard a little of his message on my way to my cousin's house this afternoon, and wanted to take a couple of seconds to tell Mr. Limbaugh a few of my thoughts. I am convinced that if the same INS moves had been made under a Republican Administration, Mr. Limbaugh would have total opposite views. These people were blatantly breaking the law and using protestors to shield them from any consequences.

Erica Smith via the email account of Evahn Smith
Rockville, MD

* * *

Mr. Clinton's new job.

I am disappointed in my fellow citizens who time and again have so readilyacquiesced to assaults on the rights of other Americans by their Government.

If Elian Gonzalez had been born outside of Cuba, the dispute over his custody would have been settled in family court, as the INS dictated on 12/1/99, before Castro issued a 72 hour ultimatum to the U.S. In a political response to a family dispute, the Justice Department, theINS, and US Marshalls pointing guns at the faces of children, have carried out the orders of a dictator who refuses to release from bondage a single child. Mr. Clinton's talent shines blinding the national conscience once again, in this instance, in his new job as Fidel Castro's Executive Secretary.

Arol Lora

* * *

guns at Little Havana

Reno claims that "intellegence" indicated their were guns at Elian's house. I saw those guns in the hands of little Elian as he played in the yard. To Reno a toy gun or a finger poin ted like a gun is justification for armed assault.

* * *

rom: "LISA & JAY GARRETT"

My husband and I moved to Utah from Waco, Texas. We just watched the video of the raid on the Miami Family Home of the Gonzalez Family. I noticed the black shirts with INS and it brought back to us black shirts with ATF inscribed on their backs. When the Waco Raid was going on the we were so incredulous. We had never heard of ATF before.

Janet Reno invaded the Waco Compound for the children and the Davidian children that weren't emotional scarred were dead. No one in Waco felt safe after that and now I think all the American People should not feel safe.

It causes us to wonder what kind of childhood Reno had and wonder if she is mentally imbalanced!

Our fore fathers are rolling in there graves!

* * *

INS & Reno's Incompetence and Bill's Bungle

I have been listening to you every day and am struck by the close parallel of your philosophy to that of the former INS Commissioner, Gene McNary. McNary lives here in St. Louis and has spoken out rather strongly on the poor management of the Elian Gonzalez case from the beginning.

On the Saturday 6:00 p.m. news on St. Louis Channel 4 (KMOV-TV), McNary was most critical of the INS handling of the case. He compared the tactics used to kidnap Elian to that of Hitler or Castro. He is right on and would, in my view, be an excellent resource for you. He supports your view 100%
and he certainly knows the INS operation!

Jane