What's your thoughts on Charlie Wilson's War and Charlie Wilson in general?

[Drunken Irishman]

The movie looks good, but I still don't agree with what Charlie Wilson did during the Afghan/Soviet War. Regardless of that, though, wasn't Wilson a fairly progressive Democrat? I heard he was one of the most liberal while in office. Any thoughts on him?

[pscot]

1. I think by today's standards

Wilson would be a deep blue dog. The most amazing thing to me about the book, was Israel's willingness arm the mujahedeen. That, and the collusive way that business got done, and money got passed around in the House of Representatives. The Congress was a fucking snake pit. Makes you wonder just how different things are today.

[tigereye]

2. great interview on Fresh Air last week...

scary events....


I had never heard of him...

[Drunken Irishman]

4. Mind a small recap of what he said?

I think it would be interesting to know what he thinks about the current affairs in Iraq.

[last_texas_dem]

3. He used to be my Congressman

but I don't really know much about him, because that was from the time I was born to when I was twelve years old. He definitely sounds like he was an interesting character.

Politically, he was definitely more liberal than the worthless Repugs getting elected from this area now. Perhaps not particularly social liberal by today's standards, but he sounds like he was definitely a "New Deal" Democrat. From his Wikipedia entry:

>>>For the next 12 years, Wilson made his reputation in Texas as the "liberal from Lufkin," viewed with suspicion by business interests. He battled for the regulation of utilities, fought for Medicaid, tax exemptions for the elderly, the Equal Rights Amendment, and a minimum wage bill. He was also one of the few prominent Texas politicians to be Pro-choice. Wilson was also notorious for his personal life, particularly drinking, picking up the nickname "Good Time Charlie.">>>