Charles Wilson (politician)

Charles Wilson (born June 1, 1933 in Trinity, Texas) was a Democratic United States Congressman from District Two in Texas.

Related Topics:
June 1 - 1933 - Trinity, Texas - Democratic - United States - Congressman - District Two - Texas

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The East Texas Congressman was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a veteran of the Korean War. A staunch anti-communist, he was known for a very hawkish foreign policy and helped direct CIA funding to the mujahideen in Afghanistan. In comparison with the rest of the Texas congressional delegation, Wilson took a liberal stance on domestic issues such as fiscal and social policy. He was probably better known in Washington for his nightlife than for any legislative accomplishments. Nevertheless, he was very popular with his constituents and later in his career staved off several Republican challenges with relative ease. He retired from the United States House of Representatives in 1996 and is now a lobbyist.

Related Topics:
East Texas - United States Naval Academy - Korean War - Hawkish - CIA - Mujahideen - Afghanistan - United States House of Representatives - 1996 - Lobbyist

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Wilson returned to public attention in 2002 with the publication of Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History, by George Crile. In this book, Crile argued that the actions of Wilson, as well as CIA agent Gust Avrakotos, were chiefly responsible were funding the mujahidden and thus they were vital players in the downfall of the Soviet Union.

Related Topics:
CIA - Soviet Union

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A movie about Wilson's life is reportedly in the works, starring Tom Hanks.

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