Shorties 30 March 2000

6:43 PM: It's cold. I was late. The crowds are building. Supporting actor pieces arrive but no computer. Surfaces are rare anyway. Our corporate overlords gave us new business cards today whether we wanted them or not, in the ongoing campaign to erase history. Why not just give us new names while they're at it? Good morning, Jonny eDonohue!

You know cold weather has arrived when the air conditioning is on at night. (Because it makes no sense.)

11:04: Other World News Dept.:

Though lawyers for Elián's Miami family met for the second day with the Immigration and Naturalization Service and secured an extension until Tuesday of the deadline for the latest legal proceedings, many Cuban exiles have already come to their own verdict: The legal system under President Clinton and Attorney General Reno can not be trusted, and no matter what the federal courts might decide, they will take personal responsibility for every orphan, every child illegal immigrants, and every refugee child in America.

"Reno killed children in Waco and Clinton marched with people who burned the American flag during Vietnam," said Aguilar's friend, Maria Alonso, 73. "Who are they to speak about justice and patriotism? If justice is done, I will devote my life to children of all races and creeds who are fleeing repressive regimes, no matter the ideology, as well as those who are fleeing crushing poverty worse than any tyrant's heel."

"It is a matter that should be decided by courts that have the experience and expertise to resolve custody cases," Gore said. "That is why I am urging Congress to immediately pass legislation that is being sponsored by Senators Bob Graham and Bob Smith -- which would grant permanent resident status to all children on Earth under the age of 10."

A key Cuban exile leader shared Gore's position. "For too long I have pursued my own selfish desires, in my obsession with Fidel Castro. What the children lost in America need is for us to open our arms to all of them, and take them into our homes, even if they have parents here or in their native countries. We'll fight for that."

Miami politics, stormy and insular at the best of times, have grown even more so during the crisis. Miami Cubans have defied both Republican, Democratic, and corporate opinion to insist that the children stay in the United States. Wednesday, 24 mayors from around Miami-Dade County blasted the federal government for charting a path of confrontation with the emotional exile community.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, a Democrat, offered the bluntest criticism: "If their continued provocation, in the form of unjustified threats to deport these children simply because they are in the country illegally, leads to civil unrest and violence, we are holding the federal government responsible, and specifically Janet Reno and President Bill Clinton." Penelas and Miami Mayor Joe Carollo also said they would not allow their police forces to assist federal authorities in any attempt to take any children from the homes of the Cuban community.

Or, not. (Apologies to Salon)

Willfully blind self-indulgent nebbish or amusingly quirky old coot? And how bout that local sports team? Discuss among yourselves.

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