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Elian Gonzalez was in effect kidnapped by drama queens who defied the rule of law and threatened the safety of law enforcement.
While the Pulitzer Prize winning photo gives the impression that the big bad government was invading the home of helpless citizens, it was the only safe response to the people who had taken the child hostage. A close examination of the photo clarifies that the officer does not have his finger on the trigger of the gun--in accordance with training.
If the relatives accepted the rights of the father and the rule of law (the relatives defied an order by the Department of Justice)--and if they had not threatened to harm federal agents--and if the relatives did not have concealed weapons permits and other indications of being armed--the transfer could have taken place in an orderly manner.
Once again, the kidnappers are responsible for what took place--and they strung the media along.
I remember the photos of Elian appearing happy to be back with his father, here in Maryland where they were reunited.
The "victim of the jackboots" mentality of that era had a direct link to the bombing in Oklahoma City. So I get a little angry when I see it rehashed.
