[bert]

.....Could the Italian "dupes have been in on it?....

Yes, definitely.

....Could the Italian dupes have gotten a cut?....

Well yes but..... if the funds were raised to idealogically support the insurgents, it would seem that all the money would be passed on.

and of course, the strength of the concrete is inversely proportional to the water cement ratio.

[concrete is my business]

That is a big if on the "idealogy of the insurgents".

There may be no honor among these thieves.

I like your tag line.:0)

Mind if I use it over Easter dinner with the left wing of the family?