the news commentator went on to say, “considered to be one of the young turks of Central American politics, was educated in the United States, where he lived and worked for thirteen years. He is a democratic thinker whose American ideas were said to offend some of his colleagues, who resented the old government’s alliance with the U.S. There is little doubt, however, that these differences will fade in light of yesterday’s victory, largely the result of his brilliant field tactics and charismatic leadership.” Helen sat transfixed, her gaze never wavering from the television. An old photograph of Matteo flashed onto the screen, identified as his Columbia yearbook picture. His hair was cut in the style of the mid-seventies, and he grinned confidently into the camera, totally at ease. The hair had changed but not the smile. “Montega orchestrated a carefully mounted campaign of raids on government installations, gradually weakening the military’s power to resist, and then struck the final blow, taking over the official buildings in San Jacinta about 1:00 a.m.
