John Perkins' NY Times Bestseller, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, is stirring a nation and the world person-to-person. It is moving up the charts not by traditional hype, but by the passions of the people who read it. His message was initially far too controversial for the mainstream media to readily risk talking to him about things that are so close to the highest levels of government and mega corporations around the world, but gradually, the way is being opened. Amy Goodman of Democracy Now was the first of the major radio/TV hosts to interview him on November 9, 2004 shortly after the book came out. The program engendered so much feedback from listeners that Amy did a full hour with him two weeks later--something she rarely does. The show aired on December 31st. Business schools are now calling out his name. This Sunday, C-SPAN is airing their interview again on Sunday, February 13 at 9:30 ET (not to be missed). Word is out that an interview will soon air on PBS' NOW with more in the works. There is a conversation just stating at the Global Dialogue Center at the 24seven Conversation Forum Board. Everyone is welcome!!
In some ways, this people-driven book success reminds me of "the little engine that could." The people have been self-propelled into action and against all odds, whatever controversy has been raised has not been able to muffle their resounding voice. Margaret Meade would be cheering, recognizing once more that you can "never underestimate what a small group of committed citizens can do" to spread the word on a message we all MUST hear. Just yesterday, the story circulated about a woman who tried to check out Confessions... at the Denver Public Library only to find out 900 people were on the waiting list. Why are so many interested???
Well, for starters, it is "connecting the dots" for many of us to many things we've observed but never quite put together. After reading John Perkins' book, I remain stunned at how most of us walk around blind to what it happening in this country and around the world and its far-reaching implications on everyone... and our future. Even more, what struck me hard was how by my own denial and willingness to turn a blind-eye have contributed to this mess we are in. I assume you too may see some unintentional role you have played.
It was chilling to read the statement of R. Paul Shaw, Formerly Lead Economist, Currently Program Adviser, Human Development Group, World Bank Institute, "As a senior economist in several development agencies and a lead economist at the World Bank over the past decade, I find John Perkins' book provocative and disturbing. With honesty, remorse and compassion, Perkins describes the motivation of 'economic hit men' (EHM) and the corporations they serve as being far more prevalent than many of us would like to believe. Moreover, Perkins makes a good case that most of us help further the agenda of EHM and such corporations by unknowingly and unwittingly doing their bidding, failing to appreciate the sinister architecture behind the global empire. The book succeeds as a wake up call because the reader cannot help but assess his or her role on a personal level, thus providing an impetus for change."
If you haven't read John Perkins' book, READ IT NOW. Listen to the interviews. There is a conversation just stating at the Global Dialogue Center at the 24seven Conversation Forum Board. Everyone is welcome!! Join in. Share your perspective. Come tell us what you've learned and experienced.
Debbe Kennedy
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