The author became involved personally with Omar Torrijos, the ruler of Panama from 1968 to 1981, a vital period in the history of that country which saw the end of the rule of the United States in the Canal Zone His dream was to provide inspiration to the people of Nicaragua and El Salvador who were fighting against brutal dictatorships In getting to know the General, the author also came to know and love Chuchu, the security guard and his bizarre and beautiful country