Charlie Wilson was a Texas politician who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1997. He was known for his advocacy of the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War, which earned him the nickname “Good Time Charlie.”

Wilson was born in Trinity, Texas in 1933. He attended Sam Houston State University before earning a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1960, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, and he served in that position until 1966.

In 1972, Wilson was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing Texas’s 2nd congressional district. He was re-elected ten times, serving a total of 24 years in Congress. During his time in Congress, he became known for his skills as a dealmaker, particularly in securing funding for his district.

One of Wilson’s most notable achievements was his advocacy of the Afghan Mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War. In the 1980s, Wilson became convinced that the United States should support the resistance fighters who were fighting against the Soviet Union. He worked behind the scenes to secure funding and support for the Mujahideen, and his efforts were instrumental in defeating the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

Wilson’s role in the Afghan War was the subject of the 2003 book “Charlie Wilson’s War” by George Crile. The book was later adapted into a Hollywood movie starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. The movie brought renewed attention to Wilson’s role in the conflict and helped to cement his legacy as a political figure.

Despite his successes in Congress, Wilson was not without controversy. In 1980, he was investigated by the House Ethics Committee for his alleged involvement in the Korean influence-peddling scandal. He was cleared of any wrongdoing, but the investigation damaged his reputation and led to criticism from some of his constituents.

In 1995, Wilson announced that he would not seek re-election, citing health issues as the primary reason for his decision. He retired from Congress in 1997 and returned to Texas, where he lived until his death in 2010.

Charlie Wilson was a complex figure, beloved by many for his advocacy of the Afghan Mujahideen and criticized by others for his sometimes-controversial actions. But his legacy as a dealmaker and a champion for his district is undeniable, and he will always be remembered as one of Texas’s most colorful and influential political figures.

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