Banjer, I don't like it any more than you do that the kid had to be taken by force. The fact is, the Miami relatives brought on the situation due to two reasons: 1) Their basic obstinacy and willingness to flaunt their disobedience to rulings by the American Courts that were not in their favor and 2) Their enjoyment of being in the media spotlight, for personal gratification, the supposed advancement of their cause, what have you.

Several arrangements were made by the Court and agreed to by the parties holding Elian, only to have them disregarded and denied by the family at the last minute. In my opinion, the full responsibility for the manner in which Elian was captured lies squarely on the shoulders of the Miami relatives.