A few days ago, Jason left a comment that I wanted to share with you, along with my response, which follows his message.
Dear Mr. Perkins,
My name is Jason. I'm a student filmmaker currently residing in Belgium.I have just finished reading your book, which I would like to say was not only very inspiring, but also extremely accurate and sharp.
I would like to congratulate you for your courage that was necessary to write your book. I can not imagine how hard it was for you to make this decision, with the thought of taking a possible life-threatening risk, considering your past as an EHM.
My view of the world has surely changed and I would like to thank you for showing me more about the corporate past,present and future of the USA through your eyes. As an activist against the war in Iraq, and especially after reading your book and researching for my documentary, I have become deeply concerned with the capabilities of the USA concerning international politics and terrorism, but also concerning freedom of speech.
That is why there is one question I continue to ask myself:
In your book you write: "When 9/11 struck, I had a change of heart. I knew the story had to be told..."
If it was so difficult to come to terms with your previous life as an EHM, then to quit your job at MAIN and eventually publish your book, and to articulate your experiences, thoughts and feelings so precisely, why do you not discuss the possibility, which in 20 years or so will probably become a fact, that the US government let 9/11 happen? Why did you not discuss the possibility of your goverment turning a blind eye to the terrorists, if not helping organise the attack?
This question has been raised several times, especially outside the United States, but due to the pain it caused to the American people, which was particularly blown up by the corporate media, the question remains to be a question which we are not allowed to ask. I do not mean to bring disrespect to the people who lost there lives on that day, but I find it hard to believe that with the knowledge you have, that you didn't ask yourself that question.
Did you purposely not mention it in your book?
MY RESPONSE:
In "Confessions", I discuss things I personally experienced or have inside information about. I try not to speculate. I have no special info about the 9/11 events. I have certainly read a great deal that begs questions similar to the ones that haunt you and I have seen DVDs that raise many questions. However, I can only speculate since I have no info that isn't available to you and anyone else who cares to look.
My book is based on facts of history and my personal experiences around those facts. I don't want to dilute it by speculating on things that other writers can address with greater authority than me. As I've traveled around the US speaking about Economic Hit Men, I have frequently called for a thorough investigation of 9/11. In my opinion there has never been one, and we need to continue to insist upon it.
Thank you for your inquiry and the work you are doing to make a contribution to build awareness and be a catalyst for change.
John
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