The Aldrich Alert Gary Aldrich
A Publication of the Patrick Henry Center for Individual Liberty

Patrick Henry Center Alerts Leads To Action For Elian

by Gary Aldrich - Volume 1 Issue 3

In the battle to save young Elian Gonzalez from being sent back to Cuba, the Patrick Henry Center struck a major blow. According to a staffer for Senator Bob Smith, "your email imploring us all to do something gave me the idea to see about the possibility of Smith going down to Miami."

Last week, Senator Smith did indeed meet for over two hours with the family and lawyers of 6-year-old Elian, and announced he had learned of important new information.

"After meeting with Elian’s family, I have learned of new information regarding Elian’s situation that [Attorney General] Janet Reno and INS [Immigration and Naturalization Services] need to know before forcing the young boy back to Cuba," Smith said at a press conference following the meeting.

"Elian said to me, ’Ayudame Señor Smith por favor,’ which means ’Please help me, Senator Smith.’ That is what I intend to do," Smith said. "After spending time with Elian and his family, I know this is a good family situation. I am going to do everything in my power to keep Elian in America. After all Elian has been through, he at least deserves his day in court. "

On Monday, a Florida Judge agreed that the boy would face "imminent and irreparable harm" if he were returned to Cuba, including the "loss of due process rights and harm to his physical and mental health and emotional well-being," and the INS agreed not to remove Elian by force.

The Patrick Henry Center will continue to do all that we can to ensure that young Elian’s mother did not die in vain - and that all citizens understand the real horrors of Communism.