The following are word definitions that come before and after the
alphabetical insertion point of "Elián" in my Webster's '71 English dictionary.
elevate, to raise; in a literal sense, to raise from a low or deep
place to a hither; to raise to a higher state or station; to improve,
refine, or dignify; to raise from a low or common state, as by training or
education; to exalt; to excite, cheer animate; to augment or swell; to make
louder.
This definition is loaded with application to the situation with Elián
Gonzalez. First is the issue of where to raise the child. Second
is the idea that by coming to America, Elián has far greater opportunities in
life than he would if he were to return to Cuba. Third is the idea of
the excitement this issue has raised here in America as well as in Cuba, which
debate only seems be growing louder.
Next word:
eleven, Ten and one added.
The idea I see conveyed here, in looking for an application, is the idea of
youth. Another application is that he arrived in American in November,
the eleventh month.
elf, ...a mischievous person; a pet name for a child.
Again the idea of a child.
elicit, To bring or draw out by reasoning, discussion,
examination, or the like; to deduce or educe (as truth, facts, etc.)
Here again is the idea of the debate that this issue has raised about
rights and freedom. It is causing people to think about values and
priorities. The case is not a clear one and lends to the discussion of
many different factors and their priority one above the other.
Next in sequence comes the insertion point, alphabetically, of Elián's
name.
>Elián
Next word:
elide, To cut off or suppress, as a syllable.
One side claims that Elián is being cut off from his Father and from his
fatherland. The other side claims that sending Elián back to Cuba and
its tyranny would suppress his ability to excel.
eligible, Fit to be chosen for some purpose or duty; worthy of
choice; desirable; legally qualified to be chosen. --eligibility,
Capability of being chosen --eligibly, In a manner to be worthy of
choice; suitably.
A major principle of debate here is freedom, both the freedom available in
America versus the lack of it in Cuba, as well as Elián's agency and right to
choose. But also at issue is Elian's father's legal rights over his
child. What complicates the matter is that at his young age it is very
easy to answer according to the pressures being put on oneself rather than
from one's heart.
Another thought that comes to mind when reading that definition is the idea
of the noble spirit that Elián surely possesses to be the center of such
frenzied attention.
eliminate, To discharge or throw off (as a secretion of the human
body); to take out or separate as not being an element of value or
necessary; to set aside as unimportant or not to be considered.
This definition is quite curious in this context. On one hand, it
could hardly be said that Elián's case has been set aside and ignored, for
the opposite has been true. On the other hand, one gets the feeling that
this is precisely the attitude of some who are quick to follow popular
sentiment rather than what is just and best for the child.
The scripture comes to mind, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the
least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." The sum of
the letters that spell the name of Jesus in Greek total 888. Word 888 in
the New Testament lexicon means, "Unprofitable,
one who has been set aside and is no longer useful" -- nearly a verbatim
match with the above definition. That is certainly how Jesus was
treated. The lesson we were to learn from that is that we should not
treat anyone that way, including Elián. He is not just another
kid. His mother risked and lost her life in escaping with him from Cuba
and coming to America. He has relatives here who care for him and would
gladly see to his proper upbringing.
The mother's sacrifice of her life for her son's freedom should not weigh
less than the father's desire to have his son back with him.
