Question 1

The Economic Hit Man is an engaging story which is presented as a factual autobiography, but many of Perkin's critics have noted that his book reads like a Grisham novel, and is probably just as fanciful. What is your gut feeling? Were any parts too unbelievable?

On the flip-side, we also see corporations like Halliburton and Blackwater are in trouble with war crimes, and satellites intended to reduce our CO2 levels are falling from the sky. Will this be the book that finally substantiates the conspiracy theorists?

Question 2

Since he wrote the book, Perkins formed a foundation in an attempt to do more than just write about the problem. Has reading the book motivated you to do something in reaction? either in countering or profiting from the alleged "American Imperialism" and its corporatocracy?
Any ideas on how to 'take the power back'?

Question 3

Perkins' story revolves around private US companies undermining foreign governments, but Perkins clearly saves his harshest criticism for the US government, calling the CIA agents "the jackals." Is it disconcerting that in this story the US is the villain instead of the hero of the story?

Is this perspective helpful in understanding the reasoning behind terrorism and drug-trafficking?

Question 4

This EHM theme has been very popular lately in Hollywood with movies like Syriana, Quantum Solace and the International. Does such publicity end up helping or hurting Perkins' cause? Does it popularize his story to the point of fiction?

Question 5

The book sends a clear message - that we (the US) make up a fraction of the worlds population, but use the majority of its resources. However, the US also has a very strong anti-socialistic tendency, making it doubtful that we will change to the extent of "sharing the wealth."
So, how can we reconcile these two mentalities on a national or personal (Ward) level? Can we?