Dear Readers,
I wanted to thank everyone who has made it this far. As you likely have grasped, unraveling a 40-year-old mystery is akin to flying a plane with a shattered navigation system after the pilot has ejected with the last parachute. Extreme measures have been taken to obscure the tracks of those involved in this story.
Here is some feedback I’ve heard:
“Wow! Your level of detail is staggering.”
“I get lost in all the names and government entities.”
“Oh my gosh!!! I'm not smart enough to read your book.”
“I think you should stick to your family’s story.”
First and foremost, thank you for your feedback. I’m a single strand of spaghetti trying to find the meatball. Art is hard. Putting yourself out there is even harder. Impostor syndrome is a real. I find myself asking, “Who are you to write this story?” And my answer is always the same, “Perhaps the only one still interested in telling it.”
The better question may be “Why are you writing this story?” Stories like these are important. In a world obsessed with symptoms, I’m a root cause guy. An article on social media this week asked, “6 million migrants have entered the USA illegally in the last 4 years. Is this something you support?” My brain immediately yelled back, “You are asking the wrong question! The right question is ‘Why are 6 million migrants fleeing their countries?’” When I drive through large cities and see mass homelessness, I don’t see the tents as the problem. I think of Fentanyl, opioids, and a mental health epidemic.
People have lost faith in American institutions—the press, the politicians, and the police, to name a few—but few address the root causes, because that takes time. The truth is that as a country, we are reaping what we have sown. For over a century, we’ve meddled in other countries' elections while preaching democracy at home. Now, those countries meddle in ours. Look no further than our story so far. You’ll see how we’ve aided drug traffickers, spread propaganda and fake news, and it has come home to roost.
The American dream is being suffocated by weeds—invasive species that we ourselves have sown. Past generations attempted to spot-spray the weeds with poison, but they never removed them by the root. Powerful men have commandeered our democracy for financial gain. They have eroded the legal protections established to prevent us from being overrun by kings and tyrants, which has been the fate of most people throughout history. We must have the courage to confront these shadows if we hope to survive as a nation. That is what this story is about.
You are here because either you like me and my stories or you long for truth. Deep down, you know there is more to most stories than meets the eye. You are tired of being lied to. The world feels overwhelming, and you don’t have time to sort it out. It would be nice to have someone you can trust telling you a story. I hope to be that kind of storyteller for you— even if we may not agree on everything. But trust must be earned, so let me commence with some housekeeping by telling you a little about me.
In the Smith house, we operate under three rules:
The first is radical transparency. If my children ask a question, as uncomfortable as it may be, we do our best to respond with the most honest, age-appropriate answer possible—even if it leads to some bizarre dinner conversations. This commitment to openness is one of the reasons why I provide footnotes and links in my writing. Don’t take my word for anything. You should always be skeptical. Conduct your own research, identify my blindspots and question my sources. Reach your own conclusions only after rigorously testing their logical soundness.
The second rule is tailored solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for parenting, and anyone who insists there is might just be peddling a book or a seminar. We evaluate each child and every situation on its own merits, figuring out the most sensible approach—even if it's different from how we were raised. These unique challenges of our times demand that we adapt and evolve. My experience so far with Substack has taught me that not everyone enjoys consuming content in the same way; while some prefer reading long-form stories, others might choose listening to podcasts. This has inspired me to expand the formats I offer by adding recordings and videos in the future, allowing you to engage with the story in the way that suits you best.
The third and final rule is radical love and forgiveness. Humanity and this planet possess incredible resilience. Where love and forgiveness are present, healing and growth naturally follow. It’s why I’ve not lost hope in the face of overwhelming darkness. This is why I ask for your grace during this project. I’m just a guy trying to piece together his puzzle, just like you. You act as my mirrors, revealing my blindspots and biases. It's inevitable that I will miss things, and mistakes will be made along the way. When they do, please let me know (kindly). I will try my best to own them. Jesus said it best, “The kingdom of heaven is within you.” It exists wherever we practice love and compassion.
So, as we journey deeper into the labyrinth of history, politics, and personal stories that comprise Operation Suriname, I thought it would be a good idea to pause and glance back at the path we've tread together, and then prepare for the mysteries that await (hopefully with a few more meatballs and a little less spaghetti). This cheat sheet aims to clarify the intricate web we're navigating, remind you of key characters and introduce pivotal new players— setting the stage for the revelations to come.
Key figures to remember:
Oliver North: The key figure in the Iran-Contra scandal, North, a lieutenant colonel, spearheaded Project Democracy. This secret program, endorsed by President Reagan, sought to sidestep congressional restrictions on funding efforts to overthrow foreign governments. North's strategy involved the creation of shell companies, fundraising through right-wing religious and anti-communist groups, and orchestrating the controversial sale of American missiles to Iran at inflated prices. The proceeds from these sales were covertly diverted to back the Contras in Nicaragua, sparking a major political scandal.
Jurgen Roth: An investigative journalist based in Germany, Roth delved into the nexus between the conservative, Catholic organization Opus Dei and international arms dealers. His investigation led him to uncover a conspiracy to overthrow the Surinamese government, revealing a broader geopolitical intrigue that may overlap with Iran Contra.
Fred Rich and Jim “Tank” Wester: Partners in a survivalist camp in Missouri, "Rich’s Love, Sweat & Tears," located just outside of Columbia. Rich, a key figure at the Midwest Training Center, and Wester, a commander of Freedom Force One, embarked on so-called humanitarian missions to Guatemala and Nicaragua. These missions, later found to be cover for arms shipments to the Contras, underline the shadowy overlap between philanthropy and militarism.
Dr. John: A clinical psychologist with academic ties in Florida and possibly New York, Dr. John's adventurous streak saw him participate in incursions in Mexico before joining the Contras' efforts. His involvement with the Miskito combatants and the M3 faction led to his recruitment by the Council for the Liberation of Suriname. Tasked with leading a coup, financial limitations saw his grandiose scheme downgraded to a smaller operation out of French Guiana, which failed to unfold as planned. The Council's decision to leverage his story for media attention, notably with CNN and Soldier of Fortune Magazine, highlights the complex interplay between realpolitik and public relations.
New Faces in the Shadows
George Baker: In the last chapter, Dr. John was greeted upon arrival in Cayenne, French Guiana, by “a self-proclaimed hustler who had once dealt heroin and operated a prostitution ring from his bar in Amsterdam.” This matches the description of George Baker, the mastermind behind the Ansus Foundation and a linchpin in the invasion plans for Suriname. Baker's involvement points to a broader collusion with U.S. and Dutch elements, a connection that Jurgen Roth aims to deconstruct as he penetrates Baker's mercenary circle to expose those pulling the strings of these clandestine endeavors.
Tommy Lynn Denley (aka Tango Lima Delta): The press would later dub him, “the man who would be king,” a former American customs and intelligence officer with high security clearance. His transition to orchestrating the movement of mercenaries to aid Nicaraguan rebels marks a significant pivot from his former government role. His advertisement in "Gung Ho," a magazine catering to military enthusiasts, serves as a catalyst for his involvement with George Baker. Together, they conspire to seize control of Suriname, a plot ripe with the intrigue of subterfuge and international drama.
What Awaits Us
The coming chapters promise a whirlwind of action, intrigue, and discovery:
Infiltration and Revelation: Jurgen Roth's daring venture into the heart of the Ansus Foundation will peel back layers of secrecy, revealing the depth of international involvement.
The Assembly of Forces: A formidable American invasion force takes shape under Tommy Lynn Denley's leadership, signaling a pivotal moment in our narrative.
Economic and Social Turmoil: As Suriname teeters on the brink of chaos, we'll witness the impact of these grand schemes on the nation's fabric and our family's fate.
The Rise of a Revolutionary: The enigmatic "Black Robin Hood" emerges as a figure of hope and contention, backed by powerful allies and fraught with complexities.
Personal Reflections: I will explore what it was like to live in Suriname as a child during a Civil War. What lessons changed my outlook on life and how I see some of those patterns repeating themselves today.
Themes to Explore Further
As our story evolves, so too will the themes we've begun to unravel:
The Consequences of Certitude: The unwavering confidence of our characters, devoid of nuance, leads to decisions that reverberate through nations and lives.
The Fallout of Unrestrained Covert Operations: We'll delve into the murky waters of Project Democracy and Operation Suriname, exploring their interconnections and lasting impacts.
The Human Cost: Central to our narrative is the toll these grand designs take on everyday people, often overlooked in the machinations of power.
A Call to Reflection
As we navigate this complex narrative, I urge you to pay particular attention to:
The Unseen Victims: The stories of those whose lives are upended by decisions made in distant rooms of power.
The Echoes of History: How the past informs the present, offering lessons and warnings for our future.
Engaging with Your Thoughts
Your feedback has been invaluable, highlighting a love for more personal stories and the challenges of navigating the dense historical backdrop. Moving forward, I'll strive for a balance—maintaining the richness of detail while ensuring clarity and accessibility, focusing more on dialogue and personal narratives that bring history to life.
Looking Ahead with Questions
As we continue, I invite you to share your questions, reflections, and the themes that resonate most deeply with you in the comments. What aspects of the story do you find most compelling? Which characters do you wish to learn more about? Who would be a great person to interview? Your insights will help shape our journey as we seek to uncover the truths hidden in the shadows of history.
In Conclusion
This story is more than a recounting of events; it's a quest for understanding, for uncovering the human stories intertwined with the forces of history. As we move forward, let us do so with open minds, compassionate hearts, and a keen eye for the lessons the past can teach us about our present and our future.
Together, we uncover the untold stories, seeking light amid the shadows. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Matthew
In particularly intrigued by the references to Hindu and Hindustani in the first few chapters, and look forward to discovering India and Indians role in this unraveling.
Love this. Might be helpful to link to the cast of characters in every post.