John Perkins, the (former) Economic Hitman

Last week, the University of Colorado’s Model United Nations brought Economic Hitman, John Perkins back to Boulder to address the students on what we do today. The author of bestselling Confessions of an Economic Hit Man faced murmurs of controversy in the crowd. After all, he made big money fucking over developing countries in the 70s and now is cashing in on exposing what a dirty, rotten practice it was. I am glad to hear he is heavily involved with non-profit work these days, and at least he is spreading a good message.

The only problem is…I’ve already spent most of my life trying to live by this message.

This is what he advised:

1. follow passion, not money
2. exercise your consumer right. in today’s capitalist society, a purchase from a specific company may be more important than a vote. (boycott unsustainable, unfair practices).
3. it’s up to me.

…I grew up on these words. Suffice to say, my mind was not blown.

But instead of griping about stale inspiration, instead I should be thankful for the fact that I find this advice to be rather trite. For once these words emit a collective “duuuuh” among the masses of young people, it may well indicate that our society has turned around!!