From a Raid, a Reunion
Never in my 39 years did I ever think I would be embarrassed to be an American, but after seeing the government “storm troopers” pointing a gun at a terrified Elián, my patriotic pride is shattered. Shame on you, Janet Reno. Hanna Clayton Springfield, Tenn.
My God, what a frightening sight your May 1 cover was. You made that INS agent look like a female version of the Devil, carrying poor little Elián off to the bowels of hell. Couldn’t you have retouched this photograph to represent Betty Mills’s true eye color? Judy Nichols Aurora, Ind.
It is ironic that Janet Reno, who has been so sharply criticized for her action in retrieving Elián from his Miami relatives, was one of the few people involved in the situation who demonstrated that her sole and complete concern was for the little boy himself. Amid the political frenzy on all sides, her constant focus on Elián ’s well-being was remarkable. It’s no wonder she wept when she finally did what she had to do. Robert L. Trezise Sr. Lansing, Mich.
It seems that Janet Reno takes the “general” in her title too seriously and the “attorney” too lightly! Sinara O’Donnell Springfield, Mo.
I’m sure the three minutes of “terror” it took to remove Elián from his great-uncle’s house were a lot less traumatizing than the five months during which he was used as a sideshow act. Jim Sisk East Fallowfield, Pa.
The photo of Elián being taken at gunpoint may become one of the memorable photos of our times, like that of the Marines at Iwo Jima. One big difference: the Marines’ battle gear was much less awesome. But then, they were only up against the Japanese Army, not a handful of cowering civilians. Brian F. Wilkie Fayetteville, Ark.
It is obvious that the child is going to need counseling–Marisleysis, that is. Elián will do just fine, but Marisleysis has bonded with him (which is no sin), and she is suffering from a “detachment disorder.” Roger Williams Prescott, Ariz.
Reno and Ruby Ridge
Where’s the Compassion?
Please tell me that George Will’s column was ghostwritten by the hysterical fisherman, the emotional nun or one of the other sad characters in the Elián González soap opera. Having always respected Will’s thoughtful writing, I was appalled at his intemperate and irresponsible diatribe against Janet Reno and the Clinton administration. James M. Kennedy Larkspur, Calif.
