why did our government change its initial position and not allow the case to be handled in family court? Politics, pure and simple.
Hasn't it been explained 10,000 times or more that the family courts have no jurisdiction over illegal aliens, and that the parole system (unique to Cubans) under which Elian was staying did not change that status, and that therefore the INS had sole jurisdiction? The degree of force used to enforce the order to turn him over may have been reprehensible, but the legality of the order itself was beyond question.
The law, pure and simple.
My own feeling on the relatives is that from the moment they announced their intention to hold onto the boy they were acting as stooges for the CANF crowd, which is every inch a political organisation. They were playing politics as much as anyone; they had the misfortune to lose. I suspect also that once the case is out of the public eye the goodies they've been getting from the CANF leaders will very quickly evaporate.
BTW, the US Navy was in town not long ago, first port call in many years. I was amazed by the lack of security. Joey wanted to have a look at the ships, so we took the sailboat out and went over. I was expecting to be chased off before we got too close, but we were allowed to sail right up to them. A couple of jetskis were doing the same. One muslim fanatic with a jetski, 20 kilos of plastic explosive, and a firm conviction in the greatness of God could have made a real mess out there. Those boys should be more careful.... |
