Economic Hit Man Lecture by John Perkins

Introduction

• Speaker: John Perkins, former economic hit man.
• Overview of his role and the concept of "predatory capitalism."

Predatory Capitalism

• Description: A new form of capitalism that is detrimental to global society.
• Statistics:
  • U.S. consumes 30% of world resources with only 5% of the population.
  • Half of the world is on the verge of starvation.
• Call for change: A need for a re-evolution of the economic system.

Personal Journey

• Background: Grew up in a wealthy environment in New Hampshire.
• Experience in the Peace Corps in the Amazon.
• Joined an international consulting firm with ties to NSA and CIA.
• Training: Claudine Martin trained him to be an economic hit man.
  • Focused on money, power, and influence.

Economic Hit Man Role

• Function: Arrange loans from the World Bank to countries rich in resources (e.g., oil).
  • Money goes to U.S. corporations (Bechtel, Halliburton) for infrastructure projects.
• Consequence: Countries end up with unsustainable debt and their resources are sold off cheap.
• Threats: If leaders refused offers, "jackals" would follow to enforce compliance.

Key Assignments

• Indonesia: First assignment, where he struggled but ultimately succeeded with the help of supportive government officials.
• Operation Condor: U.S. involvement in the overthrow of leaders opposing U.S. policies (e.g., Jaime Roldós, Omar Torrijos).
• Emphasis on the dark side of U.S. foreign policy and interventions.

Capitalism and Its Evolution

• Shift in Business Ethics:
  • Milton Friedman's ideology (1976) prioritizes profit over social responsibility, leading to the rise of predatory capitalism.
• True Capitalism: Advocated as serving public interest, paying fair wages, and being a good corporate citizen.

Call for Action

• Historical Example: American Revolution as a model for change.
• Proposed Solutions:
  1. Spread Awareness: Shine a light on "the story behind the story."
     • Importance of transparency and questioning authority.
  2. Community Action: Use local power to influence laws and policies.
     • Example: Vermont’s GMO labeling initiative.
  3. Corporate Accountability: Encourage corporations to serve public interests through consumer advocacy.

Conclusion

• Empowerment: Each individual holds power in the current political landscape.
• Collective Action: Emphasis on community involvement and activism for a sustainable future.
• Vision for the Future: A renewed economic system serving both people and the planet.

Closing

• Acknowledgment of the potential of this generation to create lasting change for future generations.