I see plaw's point regarding the dismissal of Tom from the Johnny Ola meeting: Back in GF1, Michael explained to Tom that he wanted him to be his lawyer for his legitimate operations only. And he was courteous, after all, when excusing Tom. But I still saw distinct hurt in Tom's reaction. He's probably thinking like Kay: "But that was seven years ago... and where's this legitimate business I'm supposed to be running?" If only a small part of the legitimacy plans have gotten off the ground, then Tom must feel more and more out of the loop. To Tom, Michael's treatment probably seemed rather whimsical. And at that time Michael, who was becoming more and more "strictly business," likely wasn't thinking of the emotional repercussions this would have on Tom, who was not merely an employee but a brother who had always given his full service and loyalty.

Shortly after that scene, there is another one in which Michael seemed to be decidedly displeased with Tom. It is the segment where Michael meets with Senator Geary. As Geary recites the number of hotels Michael owns and Michael's plans to move out Klingman, Michael gives Tom a sideways glare and Tom looks abashed. It's as if this information was supposed to be kept secret and Michael is angry with Tom that Geary somehow discovered it. I at first wondered if Tom actually did something wrong, or if this was another of Michael's ploys (or "strategies," if you will) to keep Tom off balance around Al. (I can't recall if Rocco was present at that meeting as well.) After reading plaw's post, I wonder if Michael was peeved because Tom happened to hear about the Klingman takeover, which was to be a mob operation and not a legal maneuver. The harsh looks Michael gave Tom certainly made it appear as if Michael blamed him, though. Even the coldness with which Michael says, "You're out Tom" in GF1 depicts the alternating warm and cold shoulder treatment Michael seems to give him.

Shortly after the attempt on Michael's life, Tom is back in his good graces again. Tom has certainly been put through an emotional roller coaster with Michael! As Sicilian Babe says, Tom truly IS the only one Michael can trust, and the audience knows that he has been faithful all the way. But as the film progresses and the Tahoe hit retreats from the front burner, it is Michael who loses sight of Tom's loyalty and begins to treat him more shabbily. This illustrates how much mob life has tainted Michael: He has lost sight of the human and vulnerable side of those around him. He has lost his instincts for whom to trust, seeing instead potentials for betrayal.

It makes me wonder, if Michael had not kept his inner circle off balance regarding where they stood with him (and among each other), would Rocco have felt obligated to "prove himself" by assassinating Hyman Roth?