Are you ready to read the truth? |
"Indeed, promoting capitalism often results in a system that resembles medieval feudal societies" - John Perkins
I have a banking background so I have always been a
financial market and economics geek. As an avid reader, I consistently seek out
action packed spy novels peppered with international intrigue and secrets that
the characters die for. Little did I think that I would find a non-fiction real
life book that quickly satisfied my reading appetite. Once I began reading The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
by John Perkins I couldn’t put it down! Not only does this book reveal bribes,
murder, sex, politics, and untold violence, it brings us on a historic journey
with real characters and events that we all remember.
Perkin’s book is an expanded edition of his original
classic. He updated this book with political and economic events through 2015.
You will quickly be chilled by his updates of recent events and the details
behind recent banking scandals, economic collapses, and wars. Even if you read
his first book you really need to pick up this addition to catch up on the
continued antics and impact of Economic Hit Men.
Perkin’s book recants his own journey going back several
decades. He tells a tale of a man who does things in the name of capitalism
only to find his conscience catches up to him and he decides that he must
instead have a positive impact in the world. John Perkins was an EHM – Economic
Hit Man who is a person that works for no government but for private industry.
The focus of the work is to convince foreign countries to accept large loans
for infrastructure such as dams, electric plants, and systems. Sounds great
right? Not so fast. These loans are made with inflated ROI’s knowing that the
country cannot afford to pay the loan back. The country defaults on the loans
after bringing in US contractors to manage the work and the US, World Bank, and
International Monetary Fund win. The US uses its pull to ask for favors and
control the government and economy. It’s a modern method of capitalist control
and way for our CIA to overthrow leaders and allows our presidents to control
debt bridled countries. No one wins but the US.
John compares the work of an EHM to a cancer that spreads
more quickly with a wider reach than anyone can imagine. It’s a dark method
utilized to become dominant in business while controlling others at the upper
levels. History repeats itself and we have all lived through times where we are
thrust into opening our eyes and seeing that whoever controls the economy
controls everything. Remember that little banking crisis in 2008-2009? Just who
do you think was behind the fall of some of our own powerful institutions?
Sadly for decades Americans have been proponents of
spreading capitalism and democracy because we believe it is the best model. We
have slyly crept into countries all over the world to exert our control in the
name of democracy. Remember the Shah of Iran? An American puppet. Ever hear
that we once supported Bin Laden? All in the name of democracy. Have no doubt
that there were numerous EHMs at work behind the scenes bringing about forced
change. John’s story is a journey through history of the US gobbling up smaller
countries for our own good and self serving purpose.
John Perkins excelled at what he did. He quickly rose to the
top of his organization MAIN but he was well known as a senior economist in
several circles as well. Initially, he enjoyed his power and his innate ability
to move around different countries and industries with ease and comfort. He
didn’t view his career as one who bribed people for the benefit of his country.
He actually half convinced himself that he was making a difference. His work
slowly deepened in the spy world. He introduces us to “Jackals” who are those
that overthrow leaders or even kill heads of state to serve the cause. It is at
this point in the book where I became uneasy. I had to face what I had always
personally denied – that our government is willing to go to great lengths to
control and spread their own views throughout the world. Although I love spy
novels I never wanted to accept that our own leaders play games and justify
immoral actions.
The New Confessions of
an Economic Hit Man pulls no punches. It truly reads like an unfolding
novel spanning over 80 years of real events and history. As I turned the pages I
relived numerous events that I saw on TV as a child or read about throughout
the years. The recounting of details of events such as the overthrow of the
Shah of Iran gives the book life and credibility. As I read this book I didn’t
want to believe the words that popped out at me, yet I knew they were true.
Ever since the US forged into Iraq so many years ago I had doubts and suspicions
about our motives. I remain jaded today about our continued “need” to butt into
foreign countries. Why do we feel that we need to be the ones to “defend” the
world with our military? Better yet, are we really defending them? Perkin’s
book quickly answers some of these complicated questions.
John Perkins was silently discontent as his career climbed.
He began looking around with new eyes at what was happening and that he was a
part of the cancer. After much soul searching he decided to end his EHM career
and find out what he really wanted from life. He founded and worked with
several non-profits that fought against the very injustices that he had been a
part of. He wanted to make a difference and help those with tiny voices to be
heard. John made the difficult decision to finish the truths that he began
writing years ago to expose our government, EHM, and Jackals, even if it meant
harm could come to him. He gave us all an eye into what really happens under
our noses in the name of democracy and capitalism. He gave us the truth.
John Perkins doesn’t stop with his tale of truths. He offers
us all a way to have an impact on our world and a way to fight back against the
system. He has suggestions for readers by offering 11 things that we can all do
such as pick a cause to support, fight for reforms, live consciously, and make heroes
out of those building a better world. He offers our retired leaders ideas that
they can do as well as suggestions for students, corporations, and
entrepreneurs. It takes a village folks.
I highly encourage you to read The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. As a citizen of the
United States you need to learn and understand what our country does in the
name of democracy and capitalism. The time to turn our heads from reality is
past. Personally, I was shocked how quickly the pieces of historic events fell
into place for me and I saw what I never wanted to see. I want to believe that
America cares about other countries and people and that we act in their best
interests. Sadly, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Now more than ever I
see that I need to become more involved in speaking out or taking action with
others against injustices. I can make a difference and by working with other
like minded people, I can!
I really appreciate your book review. Super job on describing the story and piquing my interest. I will have to get the book. It looks good.
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