In his groundbreaking book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman," John Perkins pulls back the curtain on the covert world of economic imperialism and its profound impact on global politics, economics, and social structures. Through his firsthand experiences as an "economic hitman," Perkins unveils a shadowy network of corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions that exploit developing nations for profit and power.
At the heart of Perkins' narrative lies the concept of "economic hitmen" – individuals tasked with persuading foreign governments to accept enormous loans for infrastructure projects, often financed by organizations like the World Bank and IMF. These projects, touted as catalysts for development and modernization, instead saddle nations with crippling debt and perpetuate a cycle of dependence on Western powers. Perkins reveals how these loans are intentionally designed to benefit multinational corporations and the political elite, rather than the citizens of the recipient countries. Through coercion, bribery, and manipulation, economic hitmen ensure that these projects serve the interests of their benefactors, while exacerbating poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation in the target nations. Moreover, Perkins exposes the role of "jackals" – covert operatives tasked with ousting leaders who refuse to comply with the demands of economic hitmen. Through political coups, assassinations, and regime change operations, these agents ensure that dissenting voices are silenced and compliant puppet regimes are installed to further Western interests. Perkins' revelations shed light on the dark underbelly of capitalism and globalism, revealing how corporate greed and geopolitical ambition drive the exploitation of vulnerable nations. He argues that the pursuit of profit and power at any cost has led to a system of economic colonization, wherein developing nations are systematically plundered for their resources and labor. Furthermore, Perkins warns of the broader implications of this system for global stability and security. By perpetuating poverty, inequality, and social unrest, economic imperialism fuels resentment and anti-Western sentiment, ultimately contributing to the rise of extremism and conflict on a global scale. In the context of capitalism and globalism, Perkins' account serves as a cautionary tale about the unchecked power of corporations and the need for greater accountability and transparency in global economic governance. It underscores the urgent need to reevaluate the prevailing economic paradigm and pursue policies that prioritize human rights, environmental sustainability, and social justice over narrow corporate interests.
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The 2010 Supreme Court decision on Citizens United fundamentally changed the landscape of campaign finance in the United States and sparked debates about the influence of corporations on the political process. It relates to the notion of corporations having the same rights as people which raises concerns about corporate influence on political policy. The Citizens United decision, in essence, extended the concept of "corporate personhood." This legal doctrine treats corporations as legal persons with certain constitutional rights, primarily protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to free speech. The majority opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, argued that limiting independent political expenditures by corporations, unions, and other associations violated their First Amendment rights. The Court equated political spending with a form of protected speech, maintaining that corporations, like individuals, should be able to freely express their political views. The practical implication of Citizens United was the removal of restrictions on independent expenditures by corporations, labor unions, and other entities. This allowed these entities to spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose political candidates, as long as they operated independently of the candidate's campaign. Critics of Citizens United argue that by granting corporations the ability to spend unlimited funds in political campaigns, it creates a scenario where the wealthiest entities can exert disproportionate influence over the political process. This has raised concerns about the potential for corruption, the drowning out of individual voices, and the perception that the political system is skewed in favor of corporate interests. The decision paved the way for the creation of Super PACs (political action committees), independent political action committees that could raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, often without disclosing the identity of their donors. This influx of "dark money" into political campaigns has intensified concerns about transparency and accountability. Citizens United contributed to a shift in the political landscape, allowing corporations and wealthy individuals to have a more significant impact on elections through massive, unrestricted spending. Some argue that this has led to a political system where the influence of money plays an outsized role. The decision continues to face criticism from those who advocate for campaign finance reform, transparency, and efforts to reduce the influence of money in politics. Some have proposed constitutional amendments or legislative changes to address the perceived problems associated with corporate spending. While Citizens United did not explicitly state that the United States is "ruled by corporations," it has undeniably shaped the nature of political campaigns and fueled debates about the role of money and corporate influence in American democracy. ReferencesCitizens United v. Federal Election Commission, Oyez (Retrieved March 20, 2018).
Dan Eggen, “Poll: Large majority opposes Supreme Court’s decision on campaign financing,” Washington Post (February 17, 2010). Gabrielle Levy, “How Citizens United Has Changed Politics in 5 Years,” U.S. News & World Report (January 21, 2015). Jane Mayer, Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right (New York: Doubleday, 2016).
In the public consciousness, there's a pervasive misapprehension that the game revolves solely around money. Traditionally, money has indeed served as a proxy for power, but the reality is far more complex—the true game is about power and control.
Contrary to popular belief, money doesn't function in the straightforward manner we assume. While it has historically represented a means of exchange and a storage of wealth, its true value is subject to manipulation and control. At its core, the ability to store wealth in money is contingent upon policy and the faith we place in its value. However, when those in power resort to printing money to address crises, they effectively undermine the value of existing currency, robbing individuals of their stored wealth without ever directly accessing their bank accounts. This manipulation places the value of our stored wealth under the control of external forces, leaving us vulnerable to the whims of those who understand and control the game. Money operates on two distinct levels:
However, the powers that be are acutely aware that dollars and other forms of currency will likely retain their traditional meanings for the foreseeable future, allowing them to enact strategies for safeguarding their wealth, even in the face of global crises. In essence, we're being set up—a grand illusion is being perpetuated, wherein the true game of power and control operates behind the facade of money. To truly understand and navigate this game, we must recognize that the rules are constantly shifting, and the value we ascribe to money is more fragile and contingent than we realize. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of the modern financial landscape, it becomes increasingly important to question the narratives we've been fed and to strive for a deeper understanding of the forces at play behind the scenes. Only then can we hope to reclaim agency and autonomy within the game of power and control that shapes our world.
In our exploration of the intricate game of power and control behind money, it's essential to delve deeper into the strategies employed by the powers that be to safeguard their wealth, even amidst global crises.
One notable tactic often employed is the adage of "never let a good crisis go to waste." This mantra underscores the opportunistic nature of those in positions of power, who capitalize on moments of turmoil to further their agendas and consolidate control. The problem-reaction-solution paradigm is another tool wielded by those in power. By manipulating public perception and exploiting crises, they can steer the narrative and implement solutions that serve their interests while ostensibly addressing the issues at hand.
A telling example of this dynamic is illustrated by Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve. In a revealing interview, Greenspan candidly admits the power of the Federal Reserve to "print more money," underscoring the autonomy and influence wielded by central banks.
Furthermore, Greenspan's assertion of the Federal Reserve's independence highlights a crucial aspect of the power structure—an independence that effectively shields central banks from external oversight or interference, allowing them to operate with impunity.
The Federal Reserve, often referred to as the Fed, is commonly misunderstood as a government entity. However, it's crucial to recognize that the Federal Reserve is, in fact, an independent agency. This distinction is essential because it means that the Federal Reserve operates autonomously from direct government control.
Established in 1913 by the Federal Reserve Act, the Fed functions as the central bank of the United States. It was created with the intention of providing a stable monetary and financial system for the country. One of the primary purposes of its independence is to insulate monetary policy decisions from political influence, allowing the Fed to focus on long-term economic stability rather than short-term political considerations. This independence is enshrined in law and is supposedly designed to ensure that the Fed can make decisions based on economic principles and data rather than political pressure. It allows the Fed to carry out its dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and stable prices without undue interference. Understanding the independent nature of the Federal Reserve is crucial for comprehending its role in the economy and the significance of its actions, including setting interest rates, regulating banks, and managing the money supply. United Nations: agenda 2030
The 2030 Agenda, encompassing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ostensibly aims to "end poverty in all its forms everywhere." While this goal is undoubtedly noble, scrutiny reveals the underlying mechanisms—such as central bank digital currencies—that serve as vehicles for accruing power and control under the guise of humanitarian efforts.
Ultimately, it's crucial to recognize that the elites driving these agendas are driven by self-interest and the preservation of their power. They operate without moral constraints, prioritizing control and dominance over the welfare of the populace.
In navigating the complex landscape of global finance and governance, it's imperative to remain vigilant, questioning the motives and actions of those who wield power, and advocating for transparency and accountability in all aspects of governance and finance.
History has documented this agenda of globalist powers and the pivotal role played by private central banks perpetuating conflicts and oppression worldwide. Meticulous research and critical analysis has veiled mechanisms behind historical events and emphasizes the severe consequences of unchecked power.
Delving into the historical context of private central banks, a repeated pattern of wars throughout history have been instigated and financed by powerful banking interests to further their own agendas. From the American Revolutionary War to the establishment of the Federal Reserve, a pattern of manipulation and exploitation emerges, with banking elites profiting from conflicts at the expense of entire populations. Key historical events, such as the World Wars and political assassinations, have been scrutinized to reveal the underlying motives and consequences of these conflicts. The recurring theme of deception and manipulation orchestrated by private central banks is documented, underscoring the need to question mainstream narratives and take action to reclaim sovereignty and freedom. It's time to confront uncomfortable truths and challenge the status quo. By exposing the dark underbelly of globalist agendas and the complicity of private central banks in perpetuating oppression, it is in the world's best interest to resist tyranny and strive for a world of sovereign human beings. The Great Taking
"The Great Taking," as articulated by David Rogers Webb, unveils a grand design orchestrated by a select few—a scheme of unfathomable magnitude aimed at the systematic confiscation of all assets, marking the culmination of a globally synchronized debt accumulation super cycle.
This meticulously planned endeavor encompasses the appropriation of collateral on an unprecedented scale, transcending boundaries of financial assets, bank deposits, stocks, bonds, and the underlying property of corporations and individuals alike. No facet of wealth, whether public or private, remains immune from the grasp of this audacious conquest. At its core lies the consolidation of control over all central banks, exerting dominion over the levers of money creation and, by extension, the political, corporate, and media landscapes. The orchestration of a hybrid war against humanity, waged by shadowy figures hidden from public view, underscores the magnitude of the threat posed by this clandestine agenda. David Rogers Webb's insights, drawn from a wealth of experience navigating the intricacies of financial markets and governance, offer a sobering perspective on the forces at play. With a keen understanding of historical precedents and evolutionary imperatives, Webb shines a light on the enduring quest for control and power—a timeless pursuit that transcends epochs and civilizations. As we confront the realities of a world shaped by hidden agendas and opaque power structures, Webb's warnings serve as a clarion call to vigilance and discernment. In an era defined by uncertainty and upheaval, it falls upon us to challenge the narratives of control and domination, and to safeguard the principles of transparency, accountability, and human dignity. references
United Nations. “The 17 Sustainable Development Goals.” United Nations, 2024, sdgs.un.org/goals.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has offered a glimpse into a potentially dystopian future with its "8 predictions for the world in 2030." These prognostications paint a vivid picture of a world undergoing profound transformations. Let's delve into each prediction, exploring the potential dystopian aspects that lurk beneath the surface.
Unveiling the wizard of Oz
Behind the curtain of the WEF's predictions lies a concerted effort to bring about change. The WEF has been actively engaged in influencing policies and providing financial support through diverse channels to pave the way for the envisioned future.
As these initiatives unfold, the global community must remain vigilant, ensuring that the pursuit of progress is coupled with ethical considerations and a commitment to the well-being of all individuals.
In a recent interview, Mike Benz, Executive Director of the Foundation for Freedom Online and former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State, discussed the evolving landscape of free speech on the Internet and its intersection with geopolitics. According to Benz, free speech on the Internet has been a strategic tool in the realm of statecraft since the early days of its privatization.
Benz highlighted Google's origin as a DARPA grant and its transformation into a military contractor, emphasizing the military-industrial roots of prominent tech companies. He pointed to a paradigm shift in warfare following the annexation of Crimea, leading NATO to acknowledge the importance of controlling the media and social media ecosystem for electoral influence—a concept known as the Gerasimov doctrine. Notably, NATO identified the manipulation of media and social media as a significant threat, with the primary concern being the potential impact on domestic elections across Europe. The interview included a quote from a four-star general, questioning the fate of the U.S. military when major news outlets are reduced to the scale of social media pages. Benz expressed concern about the rise of the censorship industry, describing it as a fundamental inversion of democracy. He argued that the current state of affairs resembles a form of military rule, where controlling narratives and information flow takes precedence. In his view, the essence of democracy has been distorted, with power shifting towards aligning non-governmental organizations, financial entities like BlackRock, major media outlets, and community activist groups. The interview sheds light on the intricate relationship between free speech, technology, and geopolitical dynamics, raising important questions about the impact of information control on democracy and the evolving nature of warfare in the digital age. The national security state is the main driver of censorship and election interference in the United States. "What I’m describing is military rule," says Mike Benz. "It’s the inversion of democracy." transcript
In THE SHOCK DOCTRINE, Naomi Klein explodes the myth that the global free market triumphed democratically. Exposing the thinking, the money trail and the puppet strings behind the world-changing crises and wars of the last four decades, The Shock Doctrine is the gripping story of how America’s “free market” policies have come to dominate the world-- through the exploitation of disaster-shocked people and countries.
At the most chaotic juncture in Iraq’s civil war, a new law is unveiled that would allow Shell and BP to claim the country’s vast oil reserves…. Immediately following September 11, the Bush Administration quietly out-sources the running of the “War on Terror” to Halliburton and Blackwater…. After a tsunami wipes out the coasts of Southeast Asia, the pristine beaches are auctioned off to tourist resorts.... New Orleans’s residents, scattered from Hurricane Katrina, discover that their public housing, hospitals and schools will never be reopened…. These events are examples of “the shock doctrine”: using the public’s disorientation following massive collective shocks – wars, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters -- to achieve control by imposing economic shock therapy. Sometimes, when the first two shocks don’t succeed in wiping out resistance, a third shock is employed: the electrode in the prison cell or the Taser gun on the streets. Based on breakthrough historical research and four years of on-the-ground reporting in disaster zones, The Shock Doctrine vividly shows how disaster capitalism – the rapid-fire corporate reengineering of societies still reeling from shock – did not begin with September 11, 2001. The book traces its origins back fifty years, to the University of Chicago under Milton Friedman, which produced many of the leading neo-conservative and neo-liberal thinkers whose influence is still profound in Washington today. New, surprising connections are drawn between economic policy, “shock and awe” warfare and covert CIA-funded experiments in electroshock and sensory deprivation in the 1950s, research that helped write the torture manuals used today in Guantanamo Bay. The Shock Doctrine follows the application of these ideas through our contemporary history, showing in riveting detail how well-known events of the recent past have been deliberate, active theatres for the shock doctrine, among them: Pinochet’s coup in Chile in 1973, the Falklands War in 1982, the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Asian Financial crisis in 1997 and Hurricane Mitch in 1998. This film is based on the New York Times and International #1 bestseller, Winner of the 2009 Warwick Prize for Writing and translated into over 30 languages. The Shock Doctrine was originally published in September 2007. Naomi Klein’s third book, The Shock Doctrine is the unofficial story of how the “free market” came to dominate the world. But it is a story radically different from the one usually told. It is a story about violence and shock perpetrated on people, on countries, on economies. Based on breakthrough historical research and four years of on-the-ground reporting in disaster zones, Klein explodes the myth that the global free market triumphed democratically, and that unfettered capitalism goes hand-in-hand with democracy. Instead, she argues it has consistently relied on violence and shock, and reveals the puppet strings behind the critical events of the last four decades. The six minute companion film, created by Oscar Award winning director Alfonso Cuarón, was an Official Selection of the 2007 Venice Biennale and Toronto International Film Festivals. An investigation that spans four decades of history, from Chile after Pinochet’s coup to Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union, from Baghdad under the US “Shock and Awe” attack to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. “Shock doctrine” describes the brute tactic of systematically using the public’s disorientation following a collective shock—wars, coups, terrorist attacks, market crashes, natural disasters—to push through radical pro-corporate measures, often called “shock therapy.” Based on breakthrough historical research and four years of on-the-ground reporting in disaster zones, Klein explodes the myth that the global free market triumphed democratically, and that unfettered capitalism goes hand-in-hand with democracy. Instead, she argues it has consistently relied on violence and shock, and reveals the puppet strings behind the critical events of the last four decades. The Shock Doctrine retells the story of the most dominant ideology of our time, how the “free market” came to dominate the world — Milton Friedman’s free market economic revolution. In contrast to the popular myth of this movement’s peaceful global victory, Klein shows how it has exploited moments of shock and extreme violence in order to implement its economic policies in many parts of the world from Latin America and Eastern Europe to South Africa, Russia, and Iraq. A program of social and economic engineering that is driving our world, that Naomi Klein calls “disaster capitalism”. Klein vividly traces the origins of modern shock tactics back to the economic lab of the University of Chicago under Milton Friedman in the 60s, and beyond to the CIA-funded electroshock experiments at McGill University in the 50s which helped write the torture manuals used today at Guantanamo Bay. At the core of disaster capitalism is the use of cataclysmic events to advance radical privatization combined with the privatization of the disaster response itself. By capitalizing on crises, created by nature or war, Klein argues that the disaster capitalism complex now exists as a booming new economy, and is the violent culmination of a radical economic project that has been incubating for fifty years. Thrilling and revelatory, The Shock Doctrine cracks open the secret history of our era. As John Gray wrote in The Guardian, “There are very few books that really help us understand the present. The Shock Doctrine is one of those books.” |
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