John Perkins: Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

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

SPREADING THE WORD: Creating a sustainable, stable, and peaceful world

Dear friends,

I am just returning from an extensive road trip. It has been rewarding to see the ever-increasing interest and passion to create a better world everywhere I go. The Omega NYC Conference I wrote about previously sold out with 2,000 attending and at the Chicago Green Fest 40,000!!

My new book, The Secret History of the American Empire, will be in stores June 5, 2007. One of the world's great historians, Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States described the work in these words: "A sweeping, bold assault on the tyranny of corporate globalization, full of drama and adventure, with devastating stories of greed run wild. But Perkins is undaunted, and offers imaginative ideas for a different world."  I hope you read it, discover its meaning in your own life and spread the word.

I wrote Secret History as a follow-up to Confessions because of things I heard during the last 2 ½ years, as I traveled around the U.S. and Latin America, speaking in public, meeting with presidents, former presidents, and other government officials, and talking with an array of people in places like Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. Secret History zeroes in on hot spots around the world, and drawing on interviews with Hit Men, Jackals, reporters, government officials, and activists, examines the current geopolitical crisis. It's clear that the world we've created is dangerous and no longer sustainable.  How did we get here?  Who's responsible?  What good have we done and at what cost? And what can we do to change things for the next generations? The answers to these questions - especially the last one - are the soul of Secret History.

HOW YOU CAN HELP SPREAD THE WORD TO OTHERS
Many people ask me how they can help. One immediate way is to pre-order the book, read it and share it. It was the people around the world --- not mainstream media ---- that helped Confessions of an Economic Hit Man earn 59 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. This recognition opened many doors to share its message, waking up people on a global scale. It also resulted in the book being published in 27 languages and also engaged and ignited a powerful movement toward creating a better world. For this I am most grateful.

You can help build the momentum for change by ordering The Secret History of the American Empire online today. It is a way to join others in demonstrating your support for the message of change. The goal is to surpass what we did with Confessions, making this important message one no one can ignore. The more copies you order – for friends and family – the more energy for a better world!

Ordering at Amazon.com through Global Dialogue Center or at www.dreamchange.com will ensure a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to programs devoted to inspiring change.

Together let’s create a sustainable, stable, and peaceful world for future generations everywhere. I look forward to seeing and talking with many of you in the months ahead as I begin touring again.

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
on sale June 5, 2007 
Learn more about the new book
Pre-Order at Amazon.com

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

Halliburton: The corporatocracy has no concept of "nationalism" or "good citizenship"

Dear friends, 

I wanted to comment on the recent news of Halliburton's move to the Dubai.

THOUGHTS ON HALLIBURTON's MOVE TO DUBAI
Halliburton's move to the Dubai tax-haven simply confirms what I discuss in detail in The Secret History of the American Empire. The corporatocracy has no concept of "nationalism" or "good citizenship" and that its executives will go wherever the money is greatest and the laws most lax. They do not see their jobs as being good citizens, but only as maximizing profits for themselves and their biggest share-holders.

We must all take actions to change this. No more sitting back and zoning out on TV or even a good book. It is our responsibility to demand better. Capitalism may be here to stay, but we do not need to accept Imperialist Capitalism. Lets demand Democratic -- and transparent -- Capitalism.

Our coprorations enjoy all the legal rights of an individual. Now they must accept the responsibilities required of individuals. You and I must stand up and make this happen. If you haven't yet taken time to get informed on this happening and its implications, you should invest in doing so. I've provided a few links below. Investigate for yourself.

I know many of you are already taking actions every day to make positive changes. I invite you to continue writing to me to share your ideas, so I can share them with others.

John Perkins

Related Reading on Halliburton:
Halliburton Moving CEO from Houston to Dubai NY Times
Halliburton to Open HQ in Dubai Reuters/MSNBC
Leahy on Halliburton Move Think Progressive
Halliburton bails out of Iraq, KBR and now America Halliburton WATCH

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
on sale June 5, 2007 
Learn more about the new book
Pre-Order at Amazon.com

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

BEING FEARLESS: Have you thought about it?

John Perkins' video message to YOU
I recently created a short video for the Omega Institute. Hope you'll find it inspiring in these challenging times. Also welcome your comments and ideas to pass along to others. SEE VIDEO NOW

A PERSONAL INVITATION...
Being FEARLESS
Weekend Conference April 13-15, 2007
Sheraton New York

Dear friends,
I am happy to tell you about Omega Institute’s 4^th annual Being Fearless conference, a celebration of courage and spirit in our everyday lives. We all have the potential to live a fearless life. Fearlessness is not the absence of fear; rather, it is seeing crisis as opportunity, and using the challenges in our personal lives for our own growth and for the greater good.

As a faculty member, I will be teaching a pre-conference intensive called Shapeshifting to Higher Consciousness; and several workshops called Transforming Fears into Action; and, The Secret History of the American Empire & How to Shapeshift It. In these workshops, you will experience a shapeshifting journey, access inner powers, and explore new levels of consciousness.

THE FACULTY
Omega Institute has lined up a great list of faculty. Former Vice President Al Gore and renowned primatologist Jane Goodall headline a cast of courageous keynote speakers. Other keynote faculty include screenwriter and humorist Nora Ephron; visionary and healer Caroline Myss; author and activist Arianna Huffington; Tibetan spiritual teacher Samdhong Rinpoche; and on Friday night, musical innovator Bobby McFerrin. There are over 25 distinguished faculty participating in this unique event.

Below are links to additional information and registration. I hope to see you at the Being Fearless conference!

John

Register NOW
If you have additional questions, please contact Omega Institute at          800-944-1001       or visit the Omega Institute website.

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Pre-Order at Amazon.com

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

The IRAQ-IRAN SUPERBOWL: To YOU from John Perkins

Dear friends,

As our nation’s eyes were focused on the Super Bowl yesterday, I kept thinking about who we are, what we stand for, about the role violence plays as a tool of US foreign policy. . .

Every poll shows that we the people strongly oppose any further escalation in the Iraq war and that we do not want to invade Iran. We are intelligent enough to understand that threatening other people encourages terrorism.

We know that the way to create a safe and sustainable world is to alleviate the root causes of anger and hatred: starvation, poverty, disease, environmental degradation, and injustice. It is what we must do if we want to protect ourselves and our progeny. It is the right thing. It is the practical, pragmatic, and rational approach to solving our most serious problems.

There are voices shouting that a dictator has taken over our government. The Bush administration does indeed defy the will of the people; yet we must not lull ourselves into seeing the current crisis as “his” responsibility. We - you and I - must take action. This is not a football game where we are relegated to the sidelines.

Our politicians - Democrat and Republican alike - are beholden to big money, to the corporations and those who become rich enough from corporate ownership to sponsor candidates. It is essential during this year that kicks off the presidential election campaigns that we make ourselves heard by those who control the purse strings - the corporations - as well as by the politicians. The polls do count, but our voices, our emails, phone calls, marches, demonstrations, protests, and rallies count more. The message we send every time we buy a bottle of water, t-shirt, or loaf of bread is heard at all levels of government and business.

Complacency is our biggest enemy - and the corporatocracy's ally. All you had to do was watch the ads during the Super Bowl to comprehend that those who run our biggest businesses want us to feel like impotent spectators. This is the year when we must show them otherwise; we must stop complaining and instead commit to acting according to our principles. Please join with me. Become a member of Rainforest Action Network, the Pachamama Alliance, Amnesty International or other organizations that are forcing corporations to become good citizens.

Sign up with www.moveon.org to support their e-mail and phone-in campaigns. Subscribe to www.democracynow.org and other media outlets that offer real journalism. Call your Congresspeople. Buy as little as possible, make things last, and when you must shop do so consciously.

If the “surge” becomes a reality, if more troops are sent to Iraq, or if the White House launches an invasion of Iran, do not hesitate. Don't be complacent. Take to the streets. This is a time for courage - and actions that reflect the feelings in our hearts – and the love we hold for the Earth and future generations of all living creatures.

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Pre-Order at Amazon.com

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

PUTTING ACTION INTO A NEW DREAM: Sustainable, compassionate societies

Dear friends,

One of the most meaningful parts of my journey since writing Confessions of an Economic Hit Man has been discovering how many people around the world are looking for ways to expand their contributions to make our world better.

Last week, I received an inspiring message from Madeleine Parry from Australia. I wanted to share it with all of you. You'll notice that Madeleine has just graduated from high school. She is setting an example and spreading the word:

MADELEINE's MESSAGE

Dear Mr Perkins,
I'd like to say thank you for writing your book, "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" and that I am looking forward to reading your most recent publication.

Even before I read your book last week, I was at a point where I brought nothing but neccesities, or products of which i knew had a moral source, and shared your frustration over the Christmas season. I share your enthusiasm for this year (as I've just completed High School and have a lot of time to spend on 'shapeshifting' endeavours) and assure you that many others in Adelaide, Australia will be reading your book due to my recommendation.

Thanks again,
Madeleine Parry

MY RESPONSE:
Dear Madeleine,

I thank you for sharing your commitment and for your shapeshifting work. We can all take heart that you and many others are putting action to this new dream of sustainable, compassionate societies. I hear a great many stories from people who are determined to turn the tide. It is turning. I am totally confident that we will transform ourselves.

My next book The Secret History of the American Empire addresses these very issues and is intended to inspire more and more people to join you and the others who have begun the march to a world your children will be proud to inherit. Keep dreaming the dream and turning it into reality!

Many thanks and much love,
John

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stories like Madeleine's make me very confident about what we can do together. I welcome your ideas and learning about how you are making a difference where you are.

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Pre-Order at Amazon.com

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

FOCUSING IN ON HOT SPOTS AROUND THE WORLD

Dear friends,

As I wrote previously, I entered 2007 with a renewed commitment to create a stable, sustainable, and peaceful world. The weeks that have followed have strengthened my resolve. How about you? As more and more of you are becoming aware of the facts of our world, our march is gaining momentum.

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man continues to be a catalyst for change. I am grateful to all of you that have used it to enlighten and awaken others around you. It means a great deal to hear of the ways you are using it across the globe. One demonstration of results of your work in spreading the word was in the November edition of Ode magazine (the one with Nelson Mandela on cover). They reported that they "contacted ten leading independent bookstores from all corners of the Earth and asked them to compile a list of their TOP 10 non-fiction bestsellers during the first six months of 2006. Only six books appear on the various lists more than once." 

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man was one of those 6 books, appearing on the US list (at #4) and the Africa list (at #6)!

As I've also shared with you, I spent a good portion of last year writing my new book that will be released in June 2007: The Secret History of the American Empire: Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and the Truth About Global Corruption zeroes in in on hot spots around the world. It draws on interviews with other hit men, jackals, reporters, government officials, and activists and examines the current geopolitical crisis. It affirms that instability is the norm—it’s clear that the world we’ve created is dangerous and no longer sustainable. The book explores the compelling questions: How did we get here?  Who’s responsible?  What good have we done and at what cost? And what can we do to change things for the next generations? In addressing these questions, I reveal the secret history behind the events that have defined our world, including:

·         The current Latin American Revolution and its lessons for democracy
·         How the “Defeats” in Vietnam and Iraq benefited big business
·         The role of Israel as Fortress America in the Middle East
·         Tragic repercussions of the IMF’s “Asian Economic Collapse”
·         US blunders in Tibet, Congo, Lebanon, and Venezuela 
·         Jackal (CIA operatives) forays to assassinate democratic presidents

From the U.S. military in Iraq to infrastructure development in Indonesia, from Peace Corps volunteers in Africa to Jackals in the Indian Ocean, my book exposes a conspiracy of corruption that has fueled instability and anti-Americanism around the globe. The message sounds the alarm, yet meant to be hopeful by providing a compassionate plan to re-imagine our world. The book releases in June 2007.

I am optimistic about what we can do together!

John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins 
Pre-Order at Amazon.com

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