John Perkins: Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

What's Up with Free Trade in Colombia?

Dear Friends,

On radio interviews I am frequently asked about the "free trade agreement" the Bush administration is trying to hammer out with Colombia and about John McCain's recent trip to Colombia. Here's my answer in a nutshell:

Nine countries in Latin America have recently voted in presidents who are saying "no" to staying the course with international policies that allow foreign corporations to exploit human and/or natural resources. These democratically elected presidents have gone on the record of not seeking US aid but instead asking for reversals in policies, including "free trade agreements," that have been very destructive to their economies -- and resulted in a huge influx of  immigrants to the US.

Colombia is a major exception. Washington's push for a new trade agreement with Colombia is an attempt to bolster the Uribe administration -- a president who is held in very low esteem throughout most of Latin America and is seen  (along with Mexico's Calderón) as one of the last of the old "Washington puppets."

Uribe infuriated many Latin Americans when he illegally sent troops into Ecuador to assassinate FARC representatives who reportedly were there to try to negotiate hostage exchanges and a peace deal.  I was traveling in Central America at the time and heard first-had the anger directed at the Colombian president for the way he ignored Ecuador's sovereign rights and escalated hostilities.

This "free trade agreement" is Washington's desperate attempt to shore up one of its few remaining Latin puppets and at the same time tilt the playing field even further in favor of the big corporations.

What you can do:

• Speak out against "free trade agreements" that are written to help multinational corporations exploit other countries.
• Email your representatives and the corporations whose goods and services you buy. Tell them you know that what is best for the US are strong Latin American economies where local resources are channeled to the poor through health, education and other social services.

Best wishes,
John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Order at Amazon.com
Learn more about the new book

Visit the
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center

Changing the world for my GRANDSON and Yours!

I'm in the middle of a cross-country speaking tour. I always talk  about my grandson, Grant, and the need to create a sustainable, just, and  peaceful world for him -- which means doing that for EVERY child on this  planet!

Imagine the pride I felt to see him and my daughter, Jessica, and  son-in-law Dan featured on the front page of the Palm Beach Post. I'd like to share that moment with you...

From Palm Beach Post
by Susan Salisbury

"Grant Miller was born in September, and bisphenol A has never touched his lips.
His parents, Daniel and Jessica Perkins Miller of Palm Beach Gardens, spurn plastic baby bottles that contain the chemical compound. (Click on the photo to see larger image from my personal photos.)

"We did a lot of research and decided not to use plastic bottles to feed him," said Jessica, 26, membership and development director at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. "We didn't want to use them because of the chemicals they're made of. We don't want our son to have the chemicals inside his body."

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a hormone-mimicking chemical widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate bottles, food containers, compact discs and some baby bottles. A preliminary report in April from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' National Toxicology Program said there was "some concern" about BPA's effects on fetuses, infants and children, particularly on the neural system, behavior and the prostate and mammary glands.

Front Page with Picture:
http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/palmbeachpost/pdf/pbp_mon.pdf

The full article:
includes a great quote from Dan, a professional gourmet chef, about preparing baby food.

Best wishes,
John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Order at Amazon.com
Learn more about the new book

Visit the

Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center

JOHN PERKINS: Join me for San Francisco Events

Dear friends,

My regrets for being quiet on this blog. I've been on the road most of the year and just ending a five-week book tour for marking the release of the paperback edition of The Secret History of the American Empire. Thank you for all you done to help spread the word. As I have met people on this tour, it is clear that many people are finding ways to contribute to the change we so badly need, one person at a time using their unique skills and influence.

JOIN ME IN SAN FRANCISCO EVENTS ...

You're invited to join me in three intimate, conversational venues to discussion what I've learned in my travels, ask questions, and hopefully leave inspired to make your contribution to creating a better world than we know today:

Sunday, June 1, 2008
BOOK PASSAGE
Corte Madera, CA 7pm
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925

Monday, June 2, 2008
CODY'S BOOKS
7 pm
2201 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA
Store: 510-559-9500

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
COMMONWEALTH CLUB OF CALIFORNIA - San Francisco
595 Market Street
San Francisco 94105
6:30 pm
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
$12 members; $20 nonmembers

Hope to see you there!

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Order at Amazon.com
Learn more about the new book

Visit the John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

Signs of Progress

Dear Friends,

This time of year gives us the opportunity to stop and appreciate the signs of progress toward a better world for our children and grandchildren. It all starts within each one of us and it shows up in different ways to remind us. Sometimes, it comes in the acknowledgements we give one another that inspire us and help us know we are headed in the right direction:

Recently, I received a hand-written,  signed note from Rafael Correa Delgado, President of Ecuador in Spanish on his official  notepaper. The English translation is:

"I would like to thank you for your trust and support, as well as for your book "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man", which represents a great contribution to the new universal way of thinking in search  of innovative and better approaches  to coexistence."

As I talk about in my mini-podcast series, Our Geo-Political Crisis and YOU that was inspired by my newest book, The Secret History of the American Empire, we all have our own passions and unique talents to contribute. I am grateful for the tens of thousands of you that have shared your inspiring stories with me as I've traveled around the world. As we work toward the close of this year, I invite you to look for additional ways to expand your influence just by the way you live and work. In my book there is an extensive list of ideas to get you started.

Warm wishes of peace and love to you all,

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Order at Amazon.com
Learn more about the new book

Visit the John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

Washington REJECTS 370 Million's Self Determination

Dear Friends,

The under-reported stories are a clear sign of the need for each of us to be paying attention. We must shake our country awake! Below is an excerpt from a recent example. Did you read or hear about this victory for 370 Million indigenous peoples' right for self-determination and control of their land and resources in the face of U.S. opposition?

Haider Rizvi
OneWorld US
Fri., Sep. 14, 2007
<http://us.oneworld.net/article/view/153160/1/>

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 13 (OneWorld) - Despite strong objections from the United States and some of its allies, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution Thursday calling for the recognition of the world's 370 million indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and control over their lands and resources.

The adoption of the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples comes after 22 years of diplomatic negotiations at the United Nations involving its member states, international civil society groups, and representatives of the world's aboriginal communities.

An overwhelming majority of UN member countries endorsed the Declaration, with 143 voting in favor, 4 against, and 11 abstaining.

The United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand stood alone in voting against the resolution.

It is a terrible shame that Washington decided to object to, and vote against, the UN General Assembly resolution calling for the recognition of the world's 370 million indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and control over their lands and resources. Fortunately, most of the rest of the world is more conscious. An overwhelming majority of UN member countries endorsed the Declaration, with 143 voting in favor, 4 against, and 11 abstaining.

Please let everyone -- your elected officials, neighbors, family -- know how ashamed you are that we were one of the 4 who voted against. Insist that we shapeshift ourselves and never make such a horrible mistake again.

You and I must shake our country awake!

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Order at Amazon.com
Learn more about the new book

Visit the John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

John Perkins FALL EVENTS

RELATED:
PERSPECTIVES at the Global Dialogue Center
by Debbe Kennedy, Founder
370 Million People Stand Up - U.S. Stands Down?

Zimbabwe - Africa: The urgency of stability, sustainability and peace

Dear friends,

Recently, I received an inquiry from Gwatakwata Mlambo from Zimbabwe. He wrote:

I bought and read Confessions of an Economic Hitman, and I have begun to put things happening in my country Zimbabwe into perspective. To me, it now appears our problems in Zimbabwe have to do with EHMs. Do you share the same sentiments or there are other issues at play?

I've never worked in Zimbabwe and have no personal experience related to EHM working there. However, from what I read it is easy to conclude that EHM -- and jackals -- have played a role in that country, and continue to do so. Zimbabwe's motto "Unity, Freedom, Work" is one to inspire us all.

I've learned that Africa is really the least understood continent on the planet--- least understood by the United States and the people of the G8 and perhaps by the African people too. Since it is the least understood, it is the one that is most easily ignored and the most vulnerable to plunder. We must look at Africa. We must study and and we must help change it --- helping bring stability, sustainability and peace to Africa --- because if we don't, we will not be able to achieve stability, sustainability and peace for our children and grandchildren either. Africa brings all the issues together. In a way, it is the last frontier of unabashed exploitation. It also presents an opportunity for each of us to get involved.

In my mini-podcast series, Our Geo-Political Crisis and YOU that was inspired by my new book, The Secret History of the American Empire, I talk about the lessons learned from Africa and other regions of the world. I also offer ideas of what you can do to apply these lessons to your efforts to create a better world. I invite you to listen in:

http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/insights-johnperkins

I look forward to hearing what you think.

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Order at Amazon.com
Learn more about the new book

Visit the John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

NOW is the Most Exciting Time to Inhabit Our Planet

Dear friends,

It has been a busy, rewarding summer so far. I've enjoyed every minute with all of you that I've had a chance to meet and hear from as I've continued my book tour.

One of the opportunities that came my way was interviewing with Keri Lynch from Seattle Conscious Choice. Keri asked meaningful, thought-provoking questions. Consequently, the interview addresses a number of topics that have come up in your inquiries while I've been on the road. I wanted to share a few excerpts with you and invite you to visit Seattle Conscious Choice to read the full interview. I was struck by their mission: "...the authoritative publication about deepening the quality of life in the Seattle and Puget Sound area." Imagine all of us dedicated to improving the quality of life for everyone.

Excerpt from:
Conversation with John Perkins
Introduction by Charles Shaw, Interview by Keri Lynch
Seattle Conscious Choice   Read full Interview

Keri Lynch: At events such as the Green Festivals, topics have gone beyond environmental issues to include spirituality and peace. Do you see these issues coming together now?

John Perkins: Absolutely. They are all coming together on a very profound level. My true belief is that we don’t have to seek spirituality, it’s within us all the time. All we have to do is open our hearts to our spirit’s eyes. And we also need to understand why our spirits chose to take human form at this particular time in human history. This particular time in history is begging for transformation. It’s begging for human beings to become more conscious and more peaceful and more ecological.

Keri Lynch: What question do you wish our readers would ask themselves?

John Perkins: The essential question everyone should ask is: What can I do to create a sustainable, stable, peaceful world — for everyone everywhere? We must understand that it has to include everyone everywhere because it’s a very, very small and highly interconnected world. People in the most remote forests of the Amazon now understand what’s going on in the rest of the world. They didn’t 10 years ago and they certainly didn’t when I first lived in the Amazon in the 1960s.

__________ 

Beyond these questions, Keri also asked me to comment on my favorite conspiracy theory, which gave me a chance to share thoughts that are important to me about this work. She also asked me about the effectiveness of voting with your dollars for social and environmental change, my views on GREEN and what keeps me motivated and hopeful.

I hope you'll take time to listen. I welcome your thoughts in return.

Read full Interview

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Order at Amazon.com
Learn more about the new book

Visit the John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

Liberty and Equality: A Renewed Sense of Hope

RELATED PODCASTS:
Our GEO-Political Crisis and YOU
with John Perkins at the Global Dialogue Center
John talks up-close and personal with you and offers ideas of what you learn and do to contribute to a better world. It is a powerful primer to his new book, The Secret History of the American Empire. Six mini-podcasts; free to the world.

Dear Friends,

I'm spending most of the summer on the road, traveling  across the US, speaking about The Secret History of the American Empire, and encouraging audiences to commit to creating a sustainable, stable,  and peaceful world for everyone every where. Thousands of people have  promised to do so.

Thanks to you and your support, Secret History  made it to the New York Times bestseller list after just 5 days in  book stores. Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is back on the  list (now in its 63rd week in on the list. Both books are at #22 (one as a hardback, the  other as a paperback) on the July 15 list.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN; WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

To me, It is a strong indication that  people want to know. They want to be informed . . . and they want to take action. We all want a  better world.

On July 4th, I watched the fireworks and thought about all the  courageous people who have fought in so many ways to defend the ideals of liberty and equality. I thought about us and our growing community throughout the world. I felt a  renewed sense of hope.

Thank you for all you are doing to change the dream!

I hope to see you at one of my upcoming events.

Much love,   John

P.S. SPREADING THE WORD
Many of you ask if there is anything you can do  to help spread the word. YES! Here's a simple one: Please submit a review of  Secret History to at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/)  or  whatever on-line vendor you use. If you buy from a local book store, God bless you -- submit an on-line review anyway! Letting the world know your  feelings, thoughts, and ideas, is a powerful expressions of your First Amendment  rights.

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Learn more about the new book
Order at Amazon.com

Visit the John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

People are the Difference Makers Once Again!

John writes from the ROAD...

Dear Friends,

This first week for The Secret History of the American Empire has been remarkable. I continue to be moved by how many of you are committed to make the world a better place our children and grandchildren.

Once again, I am deeply grateful for all your hard work to spread the word. Today, I received a message saying that The Secret History made the New York Times Bestseller Extended List at #22 in its first week! This also influenced Confessions... again landing at #26 (previously 59 weeks on the list).

This response is again a symbol of our collective power to create change. I feel absolutely confident that as each person reading The Secret History finishes it, we will do the right thing. As I wrote, "Together we will utilize the resources providence has provided to establish human societies that reflect our highest goals."

Many of you continue to ask how you can help. Spreading the word for the good of all is a big step forward. So, I welcome your help. There are a couple resources that you may find helpful as you reach out to help others get informed and learn how they can join you in a plan of action.

I've asked the Global Dialogue Center to share the details with you below.

I look forward to meeting many of you as I continue my book tour and welcome your comments.

John Perkins

RESOURCES TO SHARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

1. DEMOCRACY NOW! Interview with Amy Goodman
This is a full hour interview that I did live on June 5, 2007.  Read|Listen|Watch|Print

2. The Moments of Insight Series at the Global Dialogue Center
This is a series of six short audio programs, I recorded based on requests from many of you. It is based on The Secret History...:

Our GEO-Political Crisis and YOU
with John Perkins, New York Times Bestselling Author
The Secret History of the American Empire and Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
Six-episode audio learning program: Listen NOW www.globaldialoguecenter.com/insights
1-Wake-UP Calls
2-Lessons from Asia Pacific
3-Lessons from Latin America
4-Lessons from the Middle East
5-Lessons from Africa
6-Changing the Dream; Changing the World

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Learn more about the new book
Order at Amazon.com 

Visit the John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback

On the Road Again --- The Secret History of the American Empire Launches

Message from the Road...

Dear friends,
I'm  on the road again beginning my book tour. It has been a remarkable beginning already. My message to you is to get people talking. Get people thinking. We all need to look differently at the world. Help your neighbors. Help your family get informed. We all impact people every day. Remember, your attitude---what you say and do has an influence on others. Instead of lecturing, look for ways to encourage others. Sometimes watching a movie, reading an article, sharing a book or listening to a radio or TV program can help broaden someone's view of the world, so they can join you and millions of others that really want to make the world a better place for our children and grandchildren.

TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
One of the requests many of you had when I wrote Confessions was to have something downloadable to share with friends and family. This time, I recorded a series of six short podcasts based on my new book, The Secret History of the American Empire. I've asked the Global Dialogue Center to share the information on how you can access them. See below.

I look forward to hearing what you think and what you are doing to reach others.

Hope to see many of you as I travel around!

John Perkins

Moments of Insight at the Global Dialogue Center
Our GEO-Political Crisis and YOU
with John Perkins, New York Times Bestselling Author
The Secret History of the American Empire and Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
Six-episode audio learning program: Listen NOW www.globaldialoguecenter.com/insights
1-Wake-UP Calls
2-Lessons from Asia Pacific
3-Lessons from Latin America
4-Lessons from the Middle East
5-Lessons from Africa
6-Changing the Dream; Changing the World

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Learn more about the new book
Order at Amazon.com 

Visit the John Perkins COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Confessions of Economic Hit Man with new material in paperback