Support Freedom for Elian Guestbook Cuba Guestbook, Elian Gonzalez, Fidel Castro, communism, oppression, refugee, Miami, Florida, freedom, capitalism

Support Freedom for Elian!
Guestbook Archives
February 1-14, 2000

Name: Keith Valenza
E-mail address: KValenza@aol.com
Homepage URL: http://keithvalenzaliving.8k.com
Comments: Some announcements: I have removed all of the posts from "ttt@aol.com." He/she is clearly a minor and pretending to be someone else. But more importantly, he has listed a bogus email address, which only displays cowardice. Also, remember that any posts with vulgarity or profanity will be removed, no matter what the opinion. And one other thing...when you post here, please do not use all caps. That is considered shouting, and can be very annoying to the reader. By the way, if you haven't gone to the main Elian site, please do it. I have added several features, including excerpts from an INS report about human rights abuses in Cuba. Apparently in their eyes, sending a six year old child back into a country that blatantly has human rights abuses is acceptable to the INS. Also, you can now submit prayer requests online for Elian. To all of you who have posted, thank you for your support. And if you have an opposing opinion, please do not let your opinion become a flaming war. It will not be tolerated. To those who want to send Elian back to Cuba, I say this: Would you send YOUR child to live in Cuba?
Tuesday February 1st 2000 01:22:30

Name: MARIA MILLER
E-mail address: CASPENG@AOL.COM\
Comments: OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, ELIAN! WE ARE CERTAIN THAT THE LORD WILL PROTECT YOU ONE MORE TIME AND ALLOW YOU TO STAY AND LIVE IN FREEDOM!!!
Wednesday February 2nd 2000 06:40:42

Name: Keith Valenza
E-mail address: KValenza@aol.com
Homepage URL: http://keithvalenzaliving.8k.com
Comments: Re: TTT's posts. I have and will continue to delete his posts only because he is a minor and has a bogus email address. From now on, this guestbook has been set up so that no one with a bogus email address can sign. Interestingly, he made a comment in a recent post (which I deleted) that warrants an answer. He said, "When Eilian gets older and wiser, he will hate you for separating him from his father and using him as a pawn in your political game. Why is he not allowed to talk to his father?" First of all, it is not ME who is making it a political game, but Fidel Castro. Castro wants Elian in slavery, plain and simple. He is the one who makes this a political issue. He is the one who stages those government-sponsored rallies where all Cuban citizens are required to attend, and if they don't, they are punished. He is the one who completely controlled the grandmoters' visits to Elian. Need I remind anyone that the grandmothers could have spent a much longer period of time with Elian if they had accepted the invitation to the Gonzalez house for dinner...but Castro nixed it. And finally...Elian's father calls him on the phone every day (and his calls are monitored by the Cuban government). However, Elian's father is not allowed to come to this country, as ordered by, you guessed it, Fidel Castro. Any normal father in a normal country would have traveled to the ends of the earth to retrieve his son, no matter what the danger. Parents who are reading this know exactly what I am talking about. Don't you think it is interesting that the grandmothers are the ones who came here to lobby OUR Congress...and that Elian's father has remained in Cuba? Cuba is not a normal country. Elian's father would have arrived in this country two months ago if Castro had let him. So, TTT, if you are reading this...I challenge you again, if you value your freedom in this country...why don't you go and spend a year in Cuba yourself and see if you would send YOUR child (if you were old enough) or even your worst enemy to that country. Would you send a child to Nazi Germany? Then why send him to Cuba?
Friday February 4th 2000 03:02:16

Name: Keith Valenza
E-mail address: KValenza@aol.com
Homepage URL: http://keithvalenzaliving.8k.com
Comments: URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! Elian's grandmother (the black haired one) was quoted on Cuban television as saying that when she met with Elian, she bit his tongue, then unzipped his fly to "see if it had grown." She claims she was teasing him. Janet Reno has had no comment regarding this, but all of South Florida is talking. This story was reported on channel 7 news in Miami. If you did not hear this on your local media, please telephone your local news stations immediately and ask them why not. ALso, please telephone CBS, CNN, ABC, and NBC news and ask them why this has not been reported. This is a clear case of child abuse and molestation, and it is NOT something cultural that should ever be considered acceptable. Do not ignore this story. Take action now.
Friday February 4th 2000 12:20:03

Name: Laura
E-mail address: Anna@AOL.COM
Comments: GOD BLESS THIS LITTLE BOY ELIAN. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS AND OTHER PEOPLE WHO WISH FOR ELIAN TO STAY IN THIS COUNTRY MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Friday February 4th 2000 10:29:33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Keith Valenza
E-mail address: KValenza@aol.com
Homepage URL: http://keithvalenzaliving.8k.com
Comments: MORE URGENT NEWS...Elian's father has written to the INS requesting that his son be transferred to another Miami relative. The INS has announced that it will make a decision on his request on Monday,February 7. Spread the word. This needs prayer, bigtime. And who is this relative...a Cuban agent? (Go to the main page and click on the link to his letter. It includes my wisecracks.)
Saturday February 5th 2000 02:23:34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Eduardo Rubiera
E-mail address: erubiera@bigfoot.com
Comments: Letter to Orlando Sentinel's columnist Kathleen Parker. What now Ms. Parker? Will you defend this aberration, this clear evidence of sexual abuse as "a Cuban custom we have no right to pass judgement on"? You have published at least three columns advocating the return of Elian Gonzalez to Cuba. Your position has been that a father's rights transcends any other considerations. You have shown to be ignorant of the facts and to be totally misinformed in your several articles regarding Elian Gonzalez. What is your position now that Elian's grandmother has admitted publicly over Cuban television to such a disgusting practice. Let me make something absolutely clear for you: what Elian's grandmother did IS NOT a Cuban custom. You can ask any person who has lived in Cuba, Cuban or of any other nationality, you may find in this or any other country. You can ask Orange County Chairman Mel Martinez. What this woman confesses with impunity to doing to her grandson is only one more piece of evidence of the degradation that Cuban culture, values and mores have undergone in the last 40 years. Do you still think Elian should go back to be raised in such environment? Let's see if you show the courage to admit it in your column. Eduardo Rubiera
Saturday February 5th 2000 05:57:31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Miguel
E-mail address: me2cold4you@hotmail.com
Comments: I live in Iceland right now, but I was born and raised in Miami with Cuban parents. I grew up listening to all the stories about Cuba before Fidel Castro. I then got a chance to volunteer at the Cuban Refugee Center in Key West in 1994. I heard first hand how bad life is in Cuba right now and the risk these people took fighting Sharks, Fidel's gun boats, starvation, and drowning, for a better life. I wish I could have been born and raised in Cuba, but Fidel Castro took that away from me. Althoug Fidel can't take away our history and heritage. Elian now has the chance to learn the real history of Cuba, English, Religion, and be what ever he wants to be. When Elian turns eighteen he could choose to go back to Cuba, but if he turns eighteen in Cuba he does not have a chance in hell to visit the States. He would have to risk the same waters that he and his mom risked. Living in Iceland I do not get updated in Elians quest for freedom. CNN is only good when a War breaks out somewhere. We are praying for him up here, and Educating people about the real Cuba. Its hard to do when the England Travel channel shows Cuba as a Tourist Paradise. We will keep fighting it. Miguel
Sunday February 6th 2000 08:05:57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Miguel
E-mail address: me2cold4you@hotmail.com
Comments: I agree on the kids stress and possible emotional scars. Did you Know that kids in Cuba are taken from the family to cut sugar cane at an early age, some if they show excellent marks in school are taken from their family to attend schools in Russia and Czechoslovakia. The living conditions in Cuba are so bad two or three families live in the same home with no privacy. Schools in Cuba teach the wrong history and Communist views. Adults that were trained as Doctors make more money working in tourist hotels than the practice; That's sad. I understand that politicians are not qualified to say what is good for Elian, but having family myself who defected Castros regime, I have to say I am qualified to say he is better off getting an education in the states and at eighteen it will be his right to go back to Cuba. I know for a fact if he is sent back to Cuba at eighteen he would not have a right to go to the States. Did you also know that if he is returned, he will undergo intensive deprogramming of imperialist views. I also know that there was sexual abuse by the grandmothers part in the visit to Miami. To bite the kids tongue and touch the kids privates to calm him down is not Cuban practice. In the USA no matter what nationality we apprehend the violator, I know because I am a cop. I would laugh if I ever heard a child molester say in my country its OK. As you know from my last entry I volunteered at a Cuban Refugee center and the horror stories I heard about Cuba hurts. I rememmber sitting outside the Refugee Center with an old lady who left her grandchild and son. I cried with her as she told me about the journey she took accross the Florida Straits. Did you Know that there are AIDS concentration camps with poor health conditions. I really do not think the family in Miami want to hurt the kid. I honestly think they are thinking about the kids welfare every second of the day. The Media, Castro and politicians for both sides might be the ones at fault. To those who want Elian to go back, I know I did not change your mind, but maybe I gave you something to think about. Miguel
Tuesday February 8th 2000 04:47:49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Danielle
E-mail address: Littlefoot_00@hotmail.com
Comments: Good luck
Tuesday February 8th 2000 05:08:08
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Nancy
E-mail address: nannikken@yahoo.com
Comments: Elian belongs with his father, his grandparents and those who are familiar to him. He should have been reunited with them immediately after he was rescued and medically examined. Those who insist that he belongs in the U.S. are concerned with their own agenda and not the emotional needs of the child. He lost his mother, should he be kept from his father too. The whole situation is ludicrous. He is living an artificial existence at present, not a normal life for any child living in this country. The people who have protested outside his house don't show a sincere interest for his well-being, otherwise why would they be rioting and causing disturbances to him. That's a real caring thing to do! Give it up and let the poor child go home to his Daddy.
Wednesday February 9th 2000 06:36:31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: John Hodges
E-mail address: Elvanjohn@hotmail.com
Comments: Just for a few moments give a thought for the feelings of Elian's father and family in Cuba. Since the sad events of the boat accident, Elian's father has had no opportunity to see his son or to express his feelings in any realistic way to his son. Just imagine if you can, how you would feel if this happened to your child. Not only did Elian loose his mother, but now he can't see his father either. The American people seem to have the idea that he will be better off in Miami, rather than returning to his home country. It's true his life in America would be filled with more financial security and opportunities but that assumes that his miami based family will able to afford a good education for him. What chance does a Cuban kid have in Miami to make a good life for himself? I doubt it would be that much better than a life in Cuba. At least in Cuba he would be with his closest relatives. You have to understand that any child is better off with a natural parent than with relatives he may have never seen before. His father has rights, it doesn't matter where his father lives, thats not the issue. America should keep its big nose out of other countries business and especially out of other peoples private business. If this child had been from oh lets say Mexico, he would have been on the next bus back home the next day. I am sure the ecconomic situation in Cuba and Mexico is very simillar. So why the big difference in policy? The kid should go back to his father, it's the only moral thing to do.
Saturday February 12th 2000 03:46:46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Amanda
E-mail address: apple85_04@yahoo.com
Comments: Elian, you are loved in USA, i can't deny that but they are showing their love to you in material ways. We might never know who you would like to live with because at the moment, your relatives in the US are doin everything they can to manipulate you, they wont let you talk to you father w/out interrupting or creating some kind of a disturbence. I feel very sorry for you because you have not been able to talk to your father. Elian, someday you will be able to return to Cuba, the place where you can grow up and have a good relationship with you father, grandmothers and your new half brother. All I have to say is that I hope that the later will come sooner for u. Hold in there Elian, you will be in Cuba soon!
Saturday February 12th 2000 04:19:25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Miguel
E-mail address: me2cold4you@hotmail.com
Comments: Reply to the last two entries: Amanda and John The father talks to his son every day. Did you know that? The family did not shower him with gifts, Christmas was a factor for those gifts, plus he needed a little distraction (away from TV). Disney world is every Childs dream, if Elian was to be sent back at least he got to see Disney World. Now the future for a Cuban kid in Miami is just as good as a white kid in Idaho. I know because I am a Cuban American. The college is there and Jobs are there. As a matter of fact he would get a better job because he would be bilingual. And as for Mexico, they do have it bad. Not as bad as Cuba. In Mexico the Government does not run your life. That is what is happening with Elians dad. He is being told what to say and do. Before Elian and his mom left Cuba his father had called Miami to let them know. When he found out about Elians Mother he called the family. He asked them to take care of Elian until he had a chance to leave Cuba. A bet you did not know that. It’s easy to sit back in America, where life is good and forget that life is screwed up. This kid is scared for life and both of you guys are right in what you said. If we lived in a world without hate. Neither you nor I know the whole story, but take time out to be educated about our Cuban history. Talk to Cubans that left Cuba recently, the same ones that would have fought to the death for Fidel Know say the same thing and are on the same page as the original people who fled in the 1950s'. Remember that Cubans in Miami are not conspiring or even trying to hurt the United States. The people you see are everyday middle class people who want their voice heard and are alone in their battle. If these Cubans banded together as one union; I am sure Elian would already be an American. What you are seeing and I hate is politicians from both sides sticking there hands in the pot. I also noticed that the news only puts out half information to the American public. That’s scary. That’s why I understand where you are coming from. I have strong feelings for this issue, not because of politics, not for selfish reasons, and not because of hate. I would honestly like to see Elian happy. I know in my heart that Elians dad will follow; when thing cool down. Again this is my opinion, but based on facts from history books and talking to real Cubans born and raised in CUBA.
Saturday February 12th 2000 10:33:09

More Archives

View current Dreambook

[ Sign my Dreambook | Back to Support Freedom for Elian! main page ]

Back to Keith Valenza Living
The World's LARGEST personal website!