Although the public discussion was called "The Dilemma of Elian Gonzalez, it actually encompassed a lasting hostility between a democratic nation and a communist island. Each speaker presented evidence either for, but mostly against, granting Elian political asylum; all agreed that his custody battle needed to be separated from the uncompromising and strained relationship that exists between the United States and Cuba. The panel members included a Cuban diplomat, a Cuban graduate student, and two UVA law professors. Throughout the two hour discussion, passionate patriotism emerged from the two Cuban speakers as they discussed their personal opinions. Conversely, the American professors remained somewhat more stoic as they briefly reviewed American family law and human rights policy. It is likely that the audience members left better educated concerning the political circumstances surrounding Elians custody dispute and possibly with changed opinions.Johanna Tablada, a Cuban diplomat in Washington, D.C., was the most passionate speaker. "I want him to go back sooner than later, every minute that passes is outrageous," she said at the onset of her talk. Prior to her trip to Charlottesville, she had spoken with Elians maternal grandmother, Raquel Rodriguz, and paternal grandmother, Mariela Quintana. Johanna shared the "factual information" she received from their conversations with the small group gathered in Clark Hall, as well as her personal outrage.Elian was found off the Florida Coast, clinging to an inner tube, on Thanksgiving Day. Johanna adamantly argued that following this type of traumatic event he needs to be with his close relatives. Elians mother "never even met the people he is now living with!" she said, almost yelling. She added, "I was born and raised in Cuba and I dont think my life is hell."Her statement was in reference to an earlier comment made by Ivan Pertez. If Elian is returned to Cuba he "will not live...
