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The Untouchables Part IV. The Socialite
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The years 38 AD - 48 AD are interesting dates in the Roman calendar. They represent the years of activity of Messalina wife of emperor Claudius. The American period of 1980 to 1990 runs on a parallel course.
The United States eager to fight a proxy war in Afghanistan entrusted Texas socialite and talk show host Joanne King Herring to as act as the political liaison between senators, congressmen, international statesmen, dictators and power brokers. She played a pivotal role persuading influential people in the government to conform to the same contorted view as her crony and lover U.S. Congressman Charles Wilson.
Joanne Herring's life and career is a fascinating story but it wouldn't have much appeal if it weren't for the unsavory characters she consorted with. Completely void of any foresight or a high educational background, she took upon herself the role of the organizer and conference planner. A terrorist or dictator would meet and influence an American elected official. The purpose of her forum was to make sure that the country's politicians would give the same priority to foreign representatives as they would for any U.S. citizen. Many of them were bona fide murderers and vicious dictators.
As her husband Robert Herring pursued his oil and gas investments throughout third world countries, she was indiscriminate with her choice of friends. Pakistani President Zia-Ul-Haq, a bloody dictator, is invited to Joanne's tea party and enjoy the canapes along with U.S. congressmen and senators.
Cozying up to corrupt politicians and despots, this modern version of the American Messalina had no scruples when it came to furthering her husband's business interests. She brushed shoulders with criminals and succeeded in giving away taxpayer money to foreigners.
As a nexus in Operation Cyclone, she was indifferent that the money she lobbied so successfully for would line the pockets of international terrorists. As long as Cold War myths were preserved, an Islamic fundamentalist for the Taliban was a good friend to have.
Naivete and narrow-mindedness are characteristics in individuals who see the world as the extension of his/her own backyard. Joanne Herring saw the world as an extension of the Lone Star State. Oil money can make all absurdities possible. Little did she understand what the implications of the Iranian Revolution would lead up to vis-a-vis Afghanistan. The Cold War myths and hubris brought about by a warped conditioning impeded her to see further than her nose.
Joanne Herring might be blamed simply for having had bad taste and fall in the category of the "untouchable." The families of the victims of 9/11 and the ones with sons and daughters in the front lines of Afghanistan will certainly take issue with that.
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