Posted on Feb 8, 2023
Elián González nearly became an American. Now, he's poised to become a Cuban lawmaker
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https://www.npr.org/2023/02/08/ [login to see] /elian-gonzalez-cuba-national-assembly-nomination
Elián González, the Cuban national who set off an international custody battle as a child when he was found floating alone in the Florida straits in 1999, is about to become a member of the communist country's parliament.
González, who is now 29 and an industrial engineer, is one of 470 municipal leaders who have been nominated to serve in the country's National Assembly. While elections have yet to take place – they're planned for March 26 – his nomination is expected to go through.
News about the political post was first reported by Granma, the Communist Party-run newspaper in Cuba.
As a 5-year-old, González was rescued off the coast of Florida on Thanksgiving by fisherman who found him clutching onto an inner tube. He'd been adrift for two days – the sole survivor of an attempted escape from Cuba by his mother and nine others, who all died when their boat capsized and sank.
González was brought to U.S. shores and sent to live with relatives in Miami. But back home, his father, Juan Miguel, and the father of Cuba's communist revolution, Fidel Castro, wanted him back. Together they waged a campaign demanding González's return.
Elián González, the Cuban national who set off an international custody battle as a child when he was found floating alone in the Florida straits in 1999, is about to become a member of the communist country's parliament.
González, who is now 29 and an industrial engineer, is one of 470 municipal leaders who have been nominated to serve in the country's National Assembly. While elections have yet to take place – they're planned for March 26 – his nomination is expected to go through.
News about the political post was first reported by Granma, the Communist Party-run newspaper in Cuba.
As a 5-year-old, González was rescued off the coast of Florida on Thanksgiving by fisherman who found him clutching onto an inner tube. He'd been adrift for two days – the sole survivor of an attempted escape from Cuba by his mother and nine others, who all died when their boat capsized and sank.
González was brought to U.S. shores and sent to live with relatives in Miami. But back home, his father, Juan Miguel, and the father of Cuba's communist revolution, Fidel Castro, wanted him back. Together they waged a campaign demanding González's return.
Elián González nearly became an American. Now, he's poised to become a Cuban lawmaker
Posted from npr.org
Cuba
Communism
Miami
Posted 1 y ago
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Since repatriation, he's been a rockstar and a member of the elite class in Cuba. It pays to be on top
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."As a 5-year-old, González was rescued off the coast of Florida on Thanksgiving by fisherman who found him clutching onto an inner tube. He'd been adrift for two days – the sole survivor of an attempted escape from Cuba by his mother and nine others, who all died when their boat capsized and sank.
González was brought to U.S. shores and sent to live with relatives in Miami. But back home, his father, Juan Miguel, and the father of Cuba's communist revolution, Fidel Castro, wanted him back. Together they waged a campaign demanding González's return.
A legal battle dragged on for several months, stoking Cold War-era hostilities between the two nations. Still, the boy's family in Miami refused to give him up.
Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal that would keep him in the country. Then on April 22, 2000, armed federal agents launched "Operation Reunion," storming González's relatives' home. The controversial raid was televised, sending images of the terrified child into homes across the globe. It sparked protests and counter-demonstrations."...
..."As a 5-year-old, González was rescued off the coast of Florida on Thanksgiving by fisherman who found him clutching onto an inner tube. He'd been adrift for two days – the sole survivor of an attempted escape from Cuba by his mother and nine others, who all died when their boat capsized and sank.
González was brought to U.S. shores and sent to live with relatives in Miami. But back home, his father, Juan Miguel, and the father of Cuba's communist revolution, Fidel Castro, wanted him back. Together they waged a campaign demanding González's return.
A legal battle dragged on for several months, stoking Cold War-era hostilities between the two nations. Still, the boy's family in Miami refused to give him up.
Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal that would keep him in the country. Then on April 22, 2000, armed federal agents launched "Operation Reunion," storming González's relatives' home. The controversial raid was televised, sending images of the terrified child into homes across the globe. It sparked protests and counter-demonstrations."...
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Way to piss on his mother's grave and give America the middle finger - she died escaping Cuba's oppression. Seriously how bad is Cuba if a dozen people cram into small boat and risk their lives hoping they make it across the open seas. Seems the risk of drowning in the ocean is better than living in Cuba. Curious what would have happened if his mother didn't drown? Its all should of, could of, would of but someone in that boat wanting to be an American could have used his inner tube.
As well he's vowed - "to fight from whatever trench the revolution demands".
As well he's vowed - "to fight from whatever trench the revolution demands".
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