If you were Fidel Castro, from what profession in America would you recruit spies? A professor, Carlos Alvarez, who doubles as a diversity trainer, and his university administrator wife, Elsa, were arrested on Friday, and arraigned on Monday, for spying for Cuba. Both worked at Florida International University, a school with a sizable population of Cuban immigrants opposed to Castro, and attended a local Catholic Church known for its support of anti-Castro activists. The FBI charges that the Alverezes sent encrypted messages to Cuba via shortwave radio, and transported messages to and from Cuba on trips to the island prison. The Alvarezes travelled to Cuba several times under the guise of academic exchanges organized by FIU.
Three years ago, I spoke at FIU. Amidst an overflowing crowd, I encountered a hostile group of radical professors, students, and activists who shouted throughout my afternoon talk. I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez fit in well in their FIU surroundings. Who knows? Perhaps they attended my speech on Why the Left Hates America with the heckling professors. What troubles me is that on that memorable FIU trip, I also met numerous Cuban Americans active in opposing Castro. The organizer of my FIU speech, as well as the talk-show host who interviewed me on one of Miami's Spanish language radio stations, were both Cubans vehemently opposed to Castro (A type of Cuban not hard to find in Miami--or in Havana for that matter.). The FBI alleges that the academic couple provided Castro with information on Cuban Americans in South Florida. Perhaps information on friends that I made at FIU? What was this information used for? Most anti-Castro activists in South Florida have relatives in the old country. Is the Communist state exacting retribution upon them? Harassing them? Making their lives hard?
Legally, the couple faces lesser punishment because they allegedly spied on private citizens instead of the U.S. government. Morally, the accused may have committed a more horrific offense in spying on private citizens because of the track record Communist governments have compiled in punishing family members of defectors and dissidents.
The Alvarezes face ten years behind bars if found guilty. I know a prison ninety miles south of Florida that would be glad to have them.
Disney World?
Dan, you left out one of the best parts of WTLHA and IM.
If you were Fidel Castro, or a communist for that matter, from what ideological pedigree would you recruit spies? The answer is found in WTLHA, when you discuss the Venona project and in IM, when you discuss ol' Alger Hiss.
"from what ideological pedigree would you recruit spies?"
Why, Democrats, of course, Herman. Just like the Soviets did.
Indeed, Gary. Indeed. Although, I might say "liberals" instead of "Democrats" because I referred to "ideological pedigree" and not "political party."
Regardless... compelling moments of history, eh?
