Most of the pesky laws that people find difficult now have been repealed,
                  in effect, thanks to the efforts of some of the Miami relatives of Elian
                  Gonzalez. With the income tax deadline just around the corner,
                  hard-pressed taxpayers will be comforted to learn that they no longer have
                  to heed court orders and the law: Just refuse to obey and threaten a
                  disturbance. Understanding politicians, from Miami's mayor to presidential
                  candidates, will make sure that law enforcement does not intrude on the
                  self-given right to ignore inconvenient laws.

                  FRANK STOPPENBACH

                  Red Hook, N.Y.

                  The support shown for Elian Gonzalez has been inspiring, but if it is true
                  that Cubans are so unfortunate because of Fidel Castro's oppression, then
                  it seems wrong to wrest from the father and grandmothers what little
                  source of happiness they enjoy.

                  To allow Elian to remain in the United States would be like the rich man
                  taking the poor man's lamb.

                  KENDALL WELLS

                  Knoxville, Tenn.

                  We hope Congress will pass a law to give Elian Gonzalez, as well as his
                  father and his family, permanent residency status in the United States, as
                  has been endorsed by Vice President Al Gore.

                  This could solve the political problems and would be the best solution for
                  the welfare of the child.

                  Mr. Gore has said that Elian's father and his family should be allowed to
                  come to the United States for an unlimited period to allow time for Elian to
                  make a personal adjustment and for the relatives to resolve their conflict
                  through a family court.

                  This solution also would defuse Fidel Castro's efforts to dominate the
                  situation. The father and his family could decide to stay here or return to
                  Cuba, without Castro controlling them.

                  Elian seems to have transferred the bond he used to have with his mother
                  to his cousin, Marisleysis Gonzalez. After what he has already been
                  through, to wrench him away from her suddenly would be another terrible
                  trauma for him.

                  JAMES N. FORDHAM

                  ANDREA FORDHAM

                  Waynesboro, Va.

                  In deciding to back measures granting Elian Gonzalez permanent residency
                  status, Vice President Al Gore has seriously injured his chances of
                  becoming president.

                  Cuban Americans are overwhelmingly Republican, and Gore should realize
                  that he cannot carry Florida in November on the strength of the Cuban
                  vote. What he has achieved, rather, is the alienation of many non-Cuban
                  voters, and not just in Florida.

                  JOHN WILROY

                  Brussels

                  It sickens me that President Clinton was allowed due process during his
                  impeachment and yet the Justice Department is curtailing Elian Gonzalez's
                  due process.

                  Why does this administration negotiate with Fidel Castro? Nothing has
                  changed in Cuba.

                  Would we return a child to Saddam Hussein?

                  What Americans fail to understand is that parents have no rights in Cuba.
                  The state controls the upbringing of the children. Children are indoctrinated
                  into the Castro system. Why are we committing this injustice?

                  OZZIE BARRETO

                  Coral Gables, Fla.

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