Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
Book Review: A must-read
Summary: 5 Stars
Although this book is a highly self-centred and personal account of his role in the "corporatocracy", Perkins' account is an eye-opener and a great introduction into the current state of our world. Perkins has been criticised for publically airing his guilt over his actions, however this is his way of coming to terms with his actions. I don't believe this is fair criticism, as this book is a personal account. It is engaging because it is about John Perkins. It's like criticising an apple for being an apple. However, I do admit that including a three page resume about himself was a bit much. That's way too much ego! That said, I would still recommend this book to people seeking answers to why the world is in the state that it's in, and for anyone else in fact!
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is an extraordinary story of a modern man facing his inner demons, with the backdrop of a world gone mad. Highly recommended!
Book Review: Confessions of an Economic Hit May
Summary: 1 Stars
This is one of the worst books I have read in a long time. All his mistakes in life are someone elses fault (ie, his parents, school, wives, employer,etc.) It amazes me he stayed with the organization for 3 decades and FINALLY decided it was evil. He takes no responsibility for his actions. Sour grapes to me.Book Review: Fascinating & Shocking
Summary: 5 Stars
During college I came across numerous critiques and debates over the negative aspects of globalization on "emerging countries" in how often times quality of life is worsened, not improved for the local populous. In this respect, Perkins's insights are not revolutionary. However, his discussion of how unchecked personal greed leads to the intertwining of political and financial interests to create a new global empire is fascinating. This new global empire, deemed the "corporatocracy", seeks to advance the interests of unbridled capitalism (read: corporate greed) through a combination of economic and military pressures. What's truly fascinating, and frankly shocking, is that this omnipresent greed is often not the work of handful conspirators, but rather the product of a system that equates materialism and consumption with economic and social development. That's not to say there aren't appalling examples of cloak and dagger conspiracies and purposeful manipulations, such as American support of the House of Saud, the Panamanian invasion, support for the Iranian Shah, and Halliburton in Iraq, but the truly sickening examples are the pervasive and far more subtle manipulations engendered by a system driven by consumption. This book exposes how special interest groups manipulate perception to advance personal interests at the expense of long-term national security and global stability.
This book is not "political" in the sense that it is a criticism of the current administration, or favors Democrats over Republicans, but rather is an indictment of all drivers of global empire, which includes government, media, and finance heads across the political spectrum. Moreover, this is not a criticism of America as some might suggest. It is a criticism of a perversion of the American ideals of freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness with the pursuit of ever-increasing consumption. This consumption fuels our need for natural resources, which in turn drives our foreign and economic policies leading to corruption and abuse of our power as the world's sole Super Power. It helps illuminate how this abuse has created many of America's enemies, because our dependence on foreign resources has forced us to create this global empire with little regard for those we seek to bring into our spheres of influence. This unsustainable empire building poses far greater risks to the U.S. than any individual terrorist or rogue nation threat because it is this reckless imperialism that destroys empires. Confessions of an EHM is essential reading to understand how the greed of our past continues to drive the current geopolitical instability. Open your eyes to prevent history repeating itself for the next generation!
Book Review: "Film Noir" or political-economic "third rail?"
Summary: 5 Stars
Why has America's prestige in the world fallen? Why are we involved in costly international intrigues? This book's title is sensational-appearing but the subject is serious. The issues raised aren't hype they are happening today.
Mr. Perkins' experiences relate closely to my observations as a national finance and banking executive in this country. The economic methods that he describes have been and are being used domestically. We are now experiencing their cannibalizing effects on our own economy.
What should have been obvious to me, in the international setting, was made clear by John Perkin's book with the "film noir" title. The corprate-political machine described has no respect for national sovereignty including, I fear, our own.
Please read, share and debate this very readable book.
P.S. When I wrote this review. I didn't think that the economic crises that we brought to other countries would come home so soon. Read the book to see what you may do!
Book Review: The Fabrications of an Emotionally UnWell Man
Summary: 1 Stars
I wanted to like this book. And I'm really a pushover for conspiracy and behind the scene shenanigans. But by page 6, I was done. There are little things that give away a lie, i.e. inappropriate self references that sound like puffery and macho sounding titles that no actual business or agency would use. And an overall sense of vacuousness as though words are just as good as reality.
Also, making conclusions about the most innocuous events based upon a stereo-typical liberal immaturity: hatred of America and anything that relates to morals (interesting how those 2 things always are found in the same person) He used the words puritan, prudish or moralistic several times in the first 3 pages of text. Few words expose a person like those do.