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Monday, January 18, 2000 Editorial     THE GUARDIANCOLUMNIST    Elian is being hurt by political games   Julia Kulla-Mader The guardiancolumnist   It's easy to just ignore the political battle over Elian Gonzalez and to laugh at the excessive attention lavished on him by the media and politicians.   After all, the whole situation does seem just perfect for an Oscar-caliber film.   Just imagine studio executives pitching the story: A Cuban boy clings to an inner tube for 2 days after surviving a shipwreck that killed his mother, stepfather and other passengers fleeing Cuba.   After being rescued, the boy is subjected to a bitter custody battle between U.S. politicians, Cuban exile groups, his father and Fidel Castro.   Then, the INS rules in favor of returning the boy, only to be thwarted by a Florida court ruling that the boy remain in the U.S.   I think that Haley Joel Osment (the kid from "The Sixth Sense") would do a wonderful job playing Elian.   Osment doesn't look at all like Elian, but, with a little Hollywood make-up, I'm sure he would be able to bring a new dimension to the boy's character.   The real Elian often appears to have a smile frozen on his face. Just think of the range of emotions Osment could bring to the character.   Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, what's good in the movies is not always good in real life. Although Hannibal Lector may be appealing on screen, no one wants to invite him over for dinner.   Similarly, although Elian's story could garner some Hollywood big shot an Oscar, it may just bring Elian a lifetime of psychological damage.   It is downright disturbing to listen to politicians and interest group representatives speak about Elian's situation. Listening to the presidential candidates talk about Elian, one might assume that the boy is their own son.   However, President Clinton has repeatedly insisted that the decision over Elian's fate is apolitical.   Meanwhile, Vice President Gore, carefully studying public opinion, seems to change his mind on the matter every time a new Gallup poll is released.   The irony of it all is that while all these parties act paternally toward Elian, their energy is unnecessary. Elian has a father, one who loves him and desperately wants him back.   Unfortunately, due to a heightened political atmosphere, the boy is instead forced to stay with distant relatives that he met for the first time on Thanksgiving.   His relatives argue that Elian is happy and will live a better life if he stays in America.   But this isn't an auction for the highest bidder. And a pile of expensive toys does not equal a happy home.   Moreover, everyone knows that these fancy gadgets won't be flowing into Elian's home forever.   When the free trips to Walt Disney World end and Elian's 15 minutes of fame are up, it's doubtful that any of the politicians who were once so enamored with the boy will be there to throw him a life preserver.   Julia Kulls-Mader is a columnist for The Guardian. Her views do not necessarily represent those of the Kernel.   Current Headlines OnCampus/News

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