Time out...for Charles Wilson's War...

While my two friends are having dinner...and "the conversation". I took some time to finish my end of the deal...and then treated myself to a movie...Charles Wilson's War...

Charles Wilson you ask? Well...let me share...

In the early summer of 1980, Wilson read an Associated Press dispatch on the congressional wires that described hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing Afghanistan. Few, however, were paying attention, even in the American government. According to his biographer, George Crile, Wilson placed a call to a staff member of the US Congressional Appropriations Committee who dealt with "black appropriations" (CIA funds) and requested a twofold increase in the appropriation for Afghanistan. Wilson had just been named to the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, a small panel of lawmakers in the House responsible for funding CIA operations, putting him in a position to make such an order.

This would not be the last time for Wilson to greatly increase the CIA budget for its Afghan operation. In 1983, he won the approval of $40 million more, with $17 million especially earmarked for anti-aircraft weapons that could take down Soviet Mil Mi-24 helicopters, known as the "Hind," that caused heavy damage and casualties to the Afghan Mujahideen. The following year, Wilson was approached directly by CIA officer Gust Avrakotos, who, breaking the CIA's rule against lobbying Congress for money, asked Wilson for $50 million more. Wilson agreed to the increase and convinced his colleagues in Congress by saying that "The U.S. had nothing whatsoever to do with these people's decision to fight ... But we'll be damned by history if we let them fight with stones." Wilson later succeeded in moving $300 million of unused Pentagon funds into the Afghan operation right before the end of the fiscal year. In this way, Wilson had a significant influence on the level of support the Afghan Mujahideen received from the United States.

Charles was a flawed man by any standard...and would not be invited by good Christians to tea...but like Michael the Archangel...Charlie is not that kind of angel...

He loved women...and a good bottle of scotch. But, Charlie is a man who understands power...and the need to use it...for good. So, I would say, by any measure...Charlie will have no doubt "earned his heaven points." If not...I would have to say...I would stick my mother on a long conversation with God. No doubt, the conversation is not necessary. A man of passion...does passionate things...in my book...that is perfect...

The film is great and Tom Hanks plays the person of Charlie very well. Not to mention, honestly.

If you have the opportunity see the movie...and if you do you will see what lead to the rest of the story in Afghganastan.

I think the fable of unintended consequences, recounted by Gust(CIA operative) to Charlie, really makes the point. A horse is given to a boy and the villagers rejoice. "We'll see," the Zen master says. The child falls off and breaks his leg, an unfortunate turn of events. War breaks out and the injury keeps the boy at home, a blessing, it seems. Good and bad intertwine...and that is life...and so whenever I am congratulated on something or given comfort for misfortune...my response is usually, "we shall see..."

Tonight my friend Phil is going to propose marriage to Ann...and I already know the answer...will this be happily ever after...I think the odds are very good...but like the Zen Master says...we shall see.

I have one more duty to perform tonight....So...back to work...

Oh...and Happy New Year...

Love,
the Lass