John Perkins: Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

Latin America Strikes Back

Dear Friends,

We may feel hoodwinked by the big US banks, but the Latin Americans are striking back!

On September 26, seven presidents signed the document officially starting the Bank of the South. Opening with $7 billion in capital that is expected to grow to $20 billion in coming months, the bank’s objective is to finance development projects in agriculture, energy, and health care for member nations and to boost trade throughout the hemisphere.

To a large degree this bank will replace the World Bank, IMF, USAID, and other “development” organizations that have been used by economic hit men to enrich the corporatocracy and gain control over Third World resources.

The presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela signed the document during the historic Africa-South America Summit held in Venezuela following the 2009 meetings opening the United Nations in New York.

“This is historic for the true independence of Latin America,” Ecuador’s president Correa said. “We’re done depending on the North for, on the one hand, kneeling down to ask for some dollars and, on the other, sending billions of dollars to them. We’ve had enough of that contradiction.”

As detailed in my new book, HOODWINKED, a wave is sweeping Latin America. People who have been exploited for centuries are rising up and demanding that their resources be used to lift them out of poverty. During the Africa-South America Summit, the wave spread across the Atlantic.

Now it is time for us in the US to also surf that wave!

John

New Book!
Hoodwinked
An Economic Hit Man Reveals
Why the World Financial
Markets Imploded...and
What We Need to Do to
Remake Them
by John Perkins
NY Times Bestselling Author
Pre-Order at Amazon.com
November 2009

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

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