BuzzFlash Reviews

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS

Although it was a bestseller, particularly with progressives, BuzzFlash didn't offer "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man." We liked what John Perkins had to say in the book, but we were uncomfortable with the large number of anonymous sources in his work and anecdotal examples that were not fully identified.

Nonetheless, we found little to disagree with in terms of analysis in "Economic Hit Man." And Perkins, while often not revealing details of his sources, provided information that appeared consistent with what we know of how multi-national corporations exploit third world economies. With the assistance of the World Bank and the IMF, "economic hit men" turn poor nations into junkies financially dependent upon the West.

In this sequel, Perkins offers a compelling picture of the sham of Western efforts to end poverty. What our nation and companies are really doing is ensuring long-term markets -- profit centers -- for multi-national corporations.

In "The Secret History of the American Empire: Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and the Truth about Global Corruption," Perkins moves on from just describing the scam to offering some potential solutions.

It's bound to be another "hit," so to speak, because its perspective is on target, even if its sources are sometimes unnecesarily mysterious.

The problem, after all, is systemic. And despite the well-meaning of celebrities, tossing more money at poor nations is not going to solve the problem that they are being financially enslaved by lending policies that discourage the growth of local industries and job development.

Perkins has a handle on this through the prism of corporate exploitation, and fills in an important piece of the exploitation puzzle.

From an online reviewer:

In his first book, Confessions of an Economic Hitman, John Perkins lifted the veil on a world rarely seen by most people. He took us on a tour of the costs and consequences of American corporate hegemony, dispelling myths of the `free market', and forcing us to peer deep into our own souls. As Perkins states in his earlier works, "The world is as you dream it," so the question is, what will you dream?

Picking up where he left off, Perkins continues down the path of redemption. Once serving the masters of modern slavery, Perkins now works tirelessly to free those who have been oppressed by the corpratocracy. His thesis? Our planet cannot survive ruthless consumerism at the expense of the world and its people. When all the trees are gone, and all the oil is tapped, what will be left? Does your shirt still feel nice when you understand the suffering involved in its production?

The world John Perkins envisions is one in which personal participation is crucial, and power does not rest in the hands of the few. We have everything we need to create a sustainable global society. We have the resources, the technology, and viable social models. What we need now is a vision, and the inspiration to create such a world. In 329 pages, Perkins provides us with the inspiration to fearlessly question ourselves, and the power structures that exist around us.

Traveling through countries like Indonesia, Brazil, Bolivia, Iraq, and Iran, Perkins paints a picture so vivid its life-altering. This is an amazing follow-up to Confessions, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone who still believes the `free market' benefits all, or anyone who is still waving a flag. This story is brutal, harsh, and real. But the good news is: life can change. We can change. Deep down we all share common values. We all want to live peacefully, we all want to prosper, and we all want to feel love.

If you wish to understand the world for how it really exists, and you seek the tools to help create positive changes, then you have to read this book.

As John says, "Today is the day for us to begin to truly change the world."



BUZZFLASH REVIEWS