Charlie Wilson's War

So I just came from watching Charlie Wilson's War. Another great pick to watch (thank you, Time Magazine). It was a great eye-opener to look into what really caused the issues we are looking at today - why we basically are the way we are as a country today. Why we are waging this war in Iraq, which is bringing our economy down with it. The end of the movie, after the war against the Soviets is won (this ain't no spoiler, might I add - first of all, the beginning tells you the end and second of all, it's history, darling), shows Charlie Wilson asking for another mere 1 million dollars to rebuild the schools for the Afghan children (which, at the time, consisted of 50% of the population). Another 1 million added to the 1 BILLION already spent on the war.

The movie itself, filled with great lines (I really liked the screenwriting, some of the lines were great) was really good and entertaining, nonetheless, it was the very last bit that was my absolute favorite: "All these things have happened, and they were glorious...and then we fucked up the end game" - Charlie Wilson. Great man, he is. The film touches upon some controversial points - well, point, I guess - that we, the United States, are to blame for the current state of the Middle East. And we are, to a certain extent. Had there been that 1 million alotted to the Afghani people, schools could have been built, allowing for diversion from radical terrorism and giving opportunities to look forward to. And I can somewhat agree with the people agree with the Aghani people - the Americans backed out on finishing out their job - they failed to provide a life after the tanks retreated and the guns stashed. The people were free from the oppression of the Soviets, but it was the oppression of depression and inability to move forward that caused what we deal with today.

At one point, when the people were crowded around one of the Congressmen who had come to visit, telling them that the Americans were going to train them to fight against the Soviets, and I couldn't help but think that somewhere in that crowd a little man by the name of Osama was stading, awaiting his training as well. Oh how little things can make a big difference.

Just some food for thought for your everyday life.