WHO
This is Tom’s story – – His trip down the rabbit hole as he chases the American Dream across the Straits of Florida…
A former New Jersey fireman, who got his kicks from running into burning buildings –
But, always wanting more… more risk…more action…more money…
In his own words, “I should have been happy….should have been happy, but no…”
WHAT
Like all good Florida stories, the truth is always stranger than fiction; This is inspired by a true story.
After numerous entrepreneurial exploits, mainly legal, some not so… from New Jersey to Los Angeles, to Vermont – Tom lands in Florida. His latest venture positions him in the strangest of all worlds…
In all starts with an unexpected invitation to attend a fishing tournament in Havana, Cuba (via Mexico, to avoid US travel restrictions), which triggers Tom’s imagination – For the biggest deal of a lifetime.
Out of the blue, Tom finds himself being courted by a U.S. Congressmen and an offer to become a member of a D.C. based Rockefeller led Advisory Committee; including deepening ties with executives from the Department of Commerce.
Tom has joined the Big Leagues…
Money, adventure and a fulfillment of his quest for legitimacy are all coming to fruition – Never does he imagine how this deal could also mark the end of the Cold War between the U.S. and Cuba impacting millions of lives. Or, how, regardless as to the Big Picture results, his own life as he’s known it, will be over.
WHEN
The story unfolds between 1997 and 2000 – A pivotal time for relations between the United States and Cuba. As well, a crucial moment in time for the pending U.S. presidential election.
On one side you’ll find Pope John Paul II visiting Cuba calling for increased aid and relations (1998); President Clinton expanding humanitarian aid to Cuba; And, the opening of cultural and educational relations between the countries (Cue a Ry Cooder soundtrack)
On the other side, Cold War Hawks court Florida’s Cuban-American community to maintain the embargo and decrease relations, in the hopes of regime change.
In the middle of it all, is Tom.
2000 – Bush v. Gore, it all comes down to Florida:
ChatGPT
The percentage of the Cuban American vote in Florida in the 2000 presidential election is not precisely documented, and estimates may vary. However, Cuban Americans traditionally lean towards the Republican Party, and their votes were considered influential in the closely contested Florida election.
Prompt
Conceptually, if U.S. and Cuban relations had improved in 1999 is it possiblethat would have increased Cuban American votes in Florida for the Democratic nominee?
ChatGPT
Conceptually, improved U.S. and Cuban relations in 1999 might have influenced the political landscape in Florida. If relations had improved, it’s plausible that some Cuban Americans, who traditionally leaned Republican due to anti-Castro sentiments, could have been more open to Democratic candidatesHowever, individual political preferences are complex, and other factors would also have played a role in shaping voters’ decisions.
RELEVANCE TODAY
Even in 2023, the United Nations General Assembly continues to be unsuccessful in passing it’s overwhelmingly desired resolutions for the U.S. to end it’s 60-plus year economic, financial and trade embargo against with Cuba – Losing by the American vote and its Plus-1.
Free Trade, embargos and tariffs are now part of the public lexicon.
This is a story that begins with personal self-interest – But, ends with a venture that is far larger in scope and has the potential for one man to actually change history.
THE ARCS
On the surface, it appears that Tom has support from both the highest levels of both US and Cuban governments to pursue his quest.
But, each government official has their own agenda, and Tom is merely their Pawn. As he gets closer to succeeding, someone, or someones, decide it’s time to take him off the board.
The factions are divided between those holding Political power and those seeking financial profits.
In his own backyard, he has a marriage under threat – Eventually he succumbs to the charms of his Cuban translator, who it turns out is an undercover agent for the Cuban government.
Then it all goes sideways.
One man. Two governments. No Backup.
