Once Upon A Time In The C.I.A.

[RogerWarner]

@akubot24 Yup. The documentary is still in production. Concentrating more these days on a parallel project -- writing nonfiction about the same set of events -- but the documentary is very much alive. Roger Warner

[akubot24]

@ Roger: Hi Roger, I've been keeping my eyes out on this case since the beginning. I know it's been a couple of years now. I don't know if the case is still going on because my research are coming up to dead ends or just to old news or post. Have there been any new reports on the General Vang Pao case? Are you still pursuing the documentary of "Once Upon A Time In The CIA"? If you are, how close are you to being done with the documentary? Please post back.

Thanks,

[kvanga]

why is this information not in the U.S history book.

[KillerXify]

Does Bill Lair has a daughter? I would Love TO Date HER.

[RogerWarner]

@KillerXify Bill Lair does have a daughter. She is happily married, and she is a very smart lady.

[BoyCary]

Laos secret war is so facinating. The US uses this technique still today. Latest place Afghanistan.

[Zoidborg1]

Looking good

cant wait to see it

can you post bigger sample

[McGavernVue]

I have a question? how and who funded Bill Lair? was it the government?? of US? How did he convinced the Hmong people to stand along side of US? just wanted to know how he was able to succeed on doing that or so.

[RogerWarner]

@McGavernVue Bill Lair worked for the C.I.A., although he was also the founder and guru of a special operations unit in the Thai Border Police. He actually had the rank of colonel in the Thai police, which is why he was known as Col. Bill Lair.

You ask a very good question, which is, how did Lair convince the Hmong to fight? You can find out more about that in my book Shooting At The Moon, which is available on amazon.com

[meng120690]

long life GVP.

[oarfishtkb1]

are you the one who wrote a book named " Back Fire"? The CIA secret war in Laos and its link to the war in Vietnam. i have read it three times and it also translated in Thai language. thanks for sharing.

[elizavang]

Bill Lair? Why isnt he awesome? Do you know if I can contact him in anyway? I know it's weird to just give out someone's contact but me and a group of high school students were going to make a video of why the "Secret War" isn't in the textbook.

[JerryT94]

To: Roger Warner: Release date set? Look forward to the movie after reading "Shooting at the Moon"

Thanks

Jerry T

[RogerWarner]

@JerryT94 Release date not yet set. Documentary film ongoing but not yet finished!

[Gallileo60]

They must have wanted to fight in the first place..

[ckjaytxt]

"fight an american war without american soldiers" of course it would work well for americans. and when you lose you can just bail out just like what america did to the Hmong....and what they did in the middle east, and in korea, and in south vietnam, heck, pretty much everywhere.

[KillerXify]

The reason why the Hmong were left behind because the Hmong were not American Military Members. Teh Hmong were almost like Mercenaries hired by the CIA only. Thats why American troops never really cared or known about the Hmong/Laotian forces. The CIA has many change of plans and will do whatever it takes to fullfill its objective even if it means leaving behind the Hmong/Laotian to die. The Bay of Pigs is a good example of how the CIA left the Cubans to die like how they left the Hmong to die.

[Moniraks]

Roger my name is Monirom. My father was Chao Sopsaisana Southakakoumar, he died this year. If you've done your research you know who he is. Mention his name to Vang Pao and you'll get an earful. I've subscribed to your channel. Please keep me apprised about the progress of your doc., I would greatly appreciate it as I still am piecing together his role and my understanding of the Secret War in Vietnam/Laos. (your website url id broken) BTW I use my brothers name as my signature only in tribute.

[weejiweeg]

Hi, Roger Warner,

Hows the documentary film coming along? I think the story would translate well into a screenplay for a feature film. Any interest in that?

[RogerWarner]

Of course ...

[nofearyang]

Is this Video out yet? and if yes where can i get a copy of this ?

[RogerWarner]

Am going to keep shooting footage until the end of Vang Pao's court case, so, no, the film isn't finished yet. But thank you for your interest. Roger Warner

[aid2003]

Great video..

[makelikeatreeandie]

This note is for RogerWarner. Most Americans are oblivious to what's going on. If these brave hmong freedom fighters are being ignored by the U.S. will there be another loose-end after we pulled out of Iraq as well? The reason I ask you because I find Bill Blair's comment truthful and yet disturbing for insinuate that an American life is more precious than others. Hope our gov. isn't recruiting any ethnic groups to fight for them in Iraq. But then again, we'll never know the truth.

[RogerWarner]

Roger Warner to makelikeatreeanddie: Yes, I think there will be LOTS of loose ends affter the U.S. pulls out of Iraq. And that is a part of what is so disturbing about the jungle Hmong story. Do we really want to be cleaning up the after-effects of the Iraq war 30 years after the figtht is supposed to have ended?

[chengkhang]

So where are you hoping to have a screening of this movies? Ccause I mean, wow, it seems sooo good. Can't wait to see it.

[thukidad]

This is a good documentary. I must say that I was a little disturb by what Bill Lair said about recruiting his own army from within (another country) so American lives would not be lost. To me, every life is important so for him to insinuate that an American life is more precious than others is just disappointing. I'm just glad that Bill Lair never had the chance to recruit another army somewhere else...we don't need any more loose ends...

[YamTwvHuab]

I agree with you. Bill Lair's comments just shows a truth about him that we wouldn' t know about in absence of his comment. It's disappointing to see that he, like many Americans, do not see the value of the lives lost in exchange for theirs. Any life is as worthy as an American life and should not be devalued like this. Every life is worth the world to the people who love them. No American has the right to take away the life of an indegenous person in order to save one of their own.

[jayxiongsta]

i totally agree with you..now his comment makes u double guess what his real motives were..were the hmong meant to be bullet shields and a distraction to the communist, or we're we valued as a fighting force?

[jolly113]

What's up with his wife? Stand by your man. Working that long for the CIA takes a toll on the mind.

[brubruboy]

It is not so much about what Bill Lair did ... but what he didn't do is of concern. While he was driving a truck and watching his family, "learning to become Americans again", he didn't lift a finger to help the Hmong. For thirty years he turned a blind eye on the mess he help created. To this day, every word that Bill Lair uses with reference to the Hmong is measured. Bill, you can only shoulder the Red, White, and Blue for so long.

[RogerWarner]

Roger Warner response to brubruboy: You make an interesting point. In the last two years, however, Bill Lair has travelled twice to Thailand to advocate for Hmong refugees. To date these trips have been unpublicized, but that will change, and then perhaps your point of view will change a bit, too. Having said that, however, the overall abandonment of the Hmong by the U.S. government is disgraceful.

[brooklypark]

man..thanks for this vid. one quick question..will this be a vid to my power point in college? i'm presenting on Genarol Vang Pao? answer bac please

[RogerWarner]

The finished film will have a lot about Gen. Vang Pao, who is a very interesting complex man in a tough situation. But the film won't be finished until Vang Pao's court case is over with ... and just so you know, I think the charges against him are a crock. The U.S. should be putting its efforts into helping the last of the jungle Hmong and bringing the leftover war in Laos to a peaceful end.

[transit1457]

I agreed...however, the justice dept will get VP for his other illegal activities: Fraud, Money Laundering, Wire Fraud, and Tax Evasion.

The Justice Dept. has hired hundreds of translators sifting thru the truckloads of documents seized. I think they have invested too much not to go forward without a trial of some kind.

[301vtec]

this was the saddest quoted from Kia Yeng a former CIA still in the jungles of Laos..."I am very sad because the Americans ask us to help them in the war, then they fled.. and now the Lao government is persecuting us..no matter how much we write to them they won't come help us..."-Kia Yeng how many dead bodies does it take for the UN or US to intervene!!!

[teshlau]

Will this video answer McCoy's claim that the war in Laos was a drug war?

[RogerWarner]

Roger Warner reply to teshlau question: Well, people love conspiracy theories, so McCoy's claim will probably live on as folklore forever. But I certainly don't agree with McCoy. He trapped himself by creating a theory that was popular, even though it was wrong ... and now he can't afford to renounce it ...

[301vtec]

american cowards!!! leaving your allies the HMONG behind enemy lines and don't have guts to go help them!!! the lines never leaving any soldiers behind enemy lines has been betrayed!!!american cowards!!!

[RogerWarner]

Roger Warner's reply to 301vtec: You have a valid point. I don't any CIA or USAID guys who worked in upcountry Laos who feel proud of the U.S. government for the way it pulled out and abandoned the Hmong. They were dismayed. There are a lot of people to blame, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Henry Kissinger back in D.C., rather than any Americans who worked in the field with the Hmong and other Laotians.

[301vtec]

that is a point but what im trying to say was...why wouldn't the government send aid back to those who are behind in the jungles of laos??? the UN and the US do not even appeal to these international issues!! i am soo sad to see my people die!!especially the UN...when will the world lend a ear...

[RogerWarner]

Answer to new comment from 301vtec: I went to Laos and Thailand and found nothing but incompetence and frustration in dealing with the question you raised. The UN is being excluded. The US has few people with the field skills to make a difference to the underlying situation. And as you say it is sad. And unnecessary.

[hanvwj]

this is so typical of an american. as a young boy growing up in america, i liked to watch a lot of cowboy movies and i was always confused everytime i saw a native indian fightin' another native alongside the whites. now that i am older, i understand...use one's environment and surroundings to benefit himself.

[sweetzoee]

i love you bill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[XiongThaoS]

The truth hurts sometimes... and the truth I feel would have been us (Hmong) having to pick either sides, fight with the CIA or with the communist Laos...Our people were caught up in a wirlwind of a superpower (USA) and an oppressed people and country (Vietnam)because of the Vietnam war. Sooner or later we had to pick a side, and we are alot better off today as a people because we choose to help the CIA...

[YamTwvHuab]

True. But I do not think we had a choice. In the end, we would have had to help the CIA. Hmong boys only 12 or 13 years old were forced to join with Vang Pao in this flight to help the CIA. I cannot imagine a 12 year old doing this. How can the US have been so cruel and downright evil!

[SoldierHeart]

great job!

[asianhugh]

Great Work Roger! These men, Bill Lair and especially the mythical Jerry "Hog" Daniels, NEEDS to be praised and remembered by Americans for their relentless support and caring for the Hmong People of Laos

[benhur55]

Roger,

When is the movie coming out?? I can't wait. This preview is favorited in my youtube list.

[RogerWarner]

Reply to benhur55 question: When Vang Pao got arrested in California, the production schedule got extended again. We are waiting to see what happens in this case. Incidentally, Bill Lair is offfering assistance to Vang Pao's lawyers.

[klinkysworld]

This is a nice piece of documentary on my people. I truley appreciate the fact that our efforts and struggles are being documented.

[phillipvang]

I just want to say that bill lair is a nive person but what about my people left behind they did every thing for him and he just left my people behind!!! I seen in the news of many reporters, soliders, citizens capture behind enemylines were resucued right away and my people which served loyaly for the US and learned that the hmongs were the most loyal allies every for the US for this they were left behind enemy line for 32 years!!! what friendship is this....anwser me...

[RogerWarner]

Reply to Phillip Vang's comment: There is no question that the Hmong were abandoned by the American in 1975 and suffered hugely at the hands of the communists in Laos. Bill Lair, the founder of the C.I.A.s Laos operation in 1961, did not agree with his government's conduct of the war and so he left Laos in 1968. Lair is working with Vang Pao's defense lawyers in the attempt to free Vang Pao and the other defendants in the current Sacramento court case.

[Championbloodline]

I like this, this is part of hmong history and should be known by all. at the same time, we should do what we can to help stop the genocides in Laos. It will show the world America is a great and trustful country who will help and not leave there helpers behind in poverty. It will also help in making more trustful allies in other countries if needed. Remember, the world will be watching now.

[rockleex]

So basically, this video is saying, use other people, to fight our wars for our own cause... O_O

[RogerWarner]

Reply to comment by rockleex: I can understand how you might say that from just watching the trailer, but the full story is far more complex. Also, consider how poorly America does sometimes in fighting its own wars (Iraq), in part because our soldiers don't speak the local language or understand the cutlure. This, anyway, is some of the territory the film explores, both pro and con.

[omegay2k]

Once upon a time? No, this is no fable. A story of courage, loyalty, and a broken promise. This is about my people, the Hmong race, their sacrifice for freedom. My people fought side by side with a "trusted friend", in return they were left to fend for themselves and face genocide. Be strong, even if your "friend" has deserted you. Once upon a time will be once upon a time, when my people are no more, but fairy tale figures.

[jxhensley]

Poking around the internet tonight because of the arrests, I found this. Definitely something I'd want to see.

[rebellious81389]

wow..

[Prepare2009]

The idea of not using American soldiers is an excellent one. Many parts of the world are controled by cruel military leaders, this would give an opportunity for others to achieve freedom and democracy. As Sir Winston Churchill once said, "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."

[RogerWarner]

I agree -- in theory. In practice, various U.S. government bureaucracies have an uncanny knack for messing up these operations. In this film, as you will see, Bill Lair struggles with his own government almost as much as he does with the enemy.

[Prepare2009]

When is this film being released?

[RogerWarner]

Most likely 2008. The original timetable was extended to allow filming of Bill Lair with some remarkable Hmong who stayed on inside Laos resisting their enemies (the Pathet Lao) for more than 30 years after the war was supposed to have ended ...

[JBXyooj]

Was Blair wearing a Laotain Uniform in that Old potrait?

[RogerWarner]

No, a Thai uniform. Before he came to Laos, Bill Lair founded a special ops unit in the Thai Border Police, called the PARU. Lair was a Thai police colonel at the same time that he worked for the American C.l.A.

[RogerWarner]

Reply to JBXyooj question about Bill Lair's uniform: He was wearing a uniform of an officer in the Thai Border Police. Lair actually started an elite parachuting unit in the Thai Border Police, called the PARU, and served openly in the PARU at the same time that he worked for the C.I.A.

[benhur55]

Bill Lair and Anthony Poshepny aka "Tony Poe" rumored to be the REAL Col. Kurtz are great American Heroes. Why are we not training mercenary armies now!!

[tragedy]

I love the trailer already. This is very informational and historical to me and my people. I look forward to the feature documentary.

[devaraj]

You can't understand the Vietnam war without knowing this hidden story. If you like the video read Warner's book "Shooting at the Moon" (used copies at abe.com). Bill Lair is an American hero with an amazing tale... How 'bout a movie version, Roger?

[thisiskia]

Hmong FTW!!!

[octanetank]

this film is interesting, keep it coming. For those who don't know why, should watch this film. that's young Vang Pao infront of Bill Lair

[yuesx1234]

:) awesome!