The story about 6-year-old Elian Gonzalez has been leading the morning, noon and evening news for days now as Americans debate whether or not the little boy should be returned to Cuba.

Thursday, January 27, 2000

The story about 6-year-old Elian Gonzalez has been leading the morning, noon and evening news for days now as Americans debate whether or not the little boy should be returned to Cuba.

We have heard from the grandmothers, the families, the lawyers, legislators, clergy and just about everyone else involved with the case more than two or three times on the news programs.

Both sides’ arguments sound reasonable – and all those involved in the discussions seem to be well-intentioned. How lucky that little boy is to have so many people who want him.

But there are some serious considerations, too. Some people say that the reason the father has not come to the United States is that he is a flight risk. If he came to the U.S., he would stay. They say that the families are being manipulated by the Cuban leadership and have no choice but to claim that little Elian would be better off in Cuba.

The family in Cuba claims the boy belongs with his father and grandparents – not with other relatives.

No matter which set of adults is telling the truth, there is still one person who has not been officially head from who needs to have a say in how this case is resolved – Elian.

A judge should sit down with the little boy – alone – and talk to him about what he wants. Children of that age cannot help but tell the truth – and away from any influencing adults – he probably will.

There will still be a lot of factors to consider, but at least one of the most important – a child’s happiness – will have an eyewitness testimony.