The emotional outcry over Elian, a custody case that has now cost taxpayers over $500,000, is understandable, especially within the Cuban-American community. However, the American public needs to reexamine the values that place the case of a Cuban boy so far above that of a Haitian girl. The war against Communism is ended. Castro no longer represents a dangerous threat to American national security, (if it ever did) and the Cuban Embargo may soon be lifted.

Meanwhile, the people of Haiti face political violence, economic hardship and little foreign aid, (millions of dollars in much-needed relief are currently blocked by legislative impasse). Sophonie Telcy is a refugee who, like Elian, was brought to America in search of a better life. A private bill called "For the Relief of Sophonie Telcy," consciously modeled on a bill written for Elian Gonzales has been sent to Washington. Like most private bills, It has little chance of passing.

Let us hope that the United States government will begin to treat all refugees equally, and that there will soon be television crews and front-page headlines for this motherless girl from Haiti.

Christina S.N. Lewis '02 is a history and literature concentrator in Leverett House. Her column appears on alternate Wednesdays.