Congressman Charlie Wilson poses with a Lee Enfield Rifle. Known for championing the cause of the A
Congressman Charlie Wilson poses with a Lee Enfield Rifle. Known for championing the cause of the Afghan Mujahadeen against the occupying Soviet Union, he convinced congress to fund supplies and weapons to Afghan rebels, which really put the hurt on the Soviet Union. While before Mujahadeen guerillas had little more than Enfield bolt action rifles, WWI and WWII vintage rifles that by then were woefully outdated, Wilson ensured that the fighters would be armed with the latest in technology, including AK-74 assault rifles, RPG’s, and most importantly, Stinger Anti-Aircraft missles. Afghanistan became the “Vietnam” of the Soviet Union and the Russians were forced to pull out in 1989. The Soviet Union fell two years later.After the Soviet withdrawl he lobbied congress for funds to rebuild Afghanistan, revitalize its economy, and reform its education system. He feared that without American aid Afghanistan would be taken over by Muslim extremists. Congress took over the country in 1996.Known as a hard drinker and womanizer, “goodtime” Charlie Wilson would serve in the House of Representatives until he retired in frustration in 1996.While it does not look like he has good trigger discipline in the photo, keep in mind that he was probably really drunk at the time. -- source link
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