Confessions of an Economic Hitman (PG 44-92)

Summary
There is many background information not only about the author's life in this book but also some past historical events of the United states. The Nixon- world puppeteer show where an Indonesian was stab by the Bucket mans flag and died a dramatic death. The Indonesian woman believe that the American government see Indonesia and other countries as "grapes" to them or inferior countries to them. Indonesians are very conscious of politics. Arnold Toynbee was a historian and in the fifties he predicted that the war in the next century would not be between communist and capitalist, but between Christians and Muslims, and he was right. I agree with what the English major said when she said the U.S Nation are more concern with big houses, fancy stores and oil for there cars instead of concerning about dieing babies, poverty and cries of help in other countries. After the Major have said that, John thought about it for a while and then went on the streets and handed money to beggars, attempted to engaged lepers, prostitutes, and street urchins in conversation. John consider himself as a person who wasn't innocent anymore, he has seen the big picture. He thought about what could of been if the U.S and its allies were to do the common good. Later on in the book, when he tried to get back in contact with Claudine the MAIN offices said they have no record of that person. He starts to wonder about many different things such as benefits from war and he starts to look at people differently. Panama was ruled by an oligarchy of wealthy families with strong connections to Washington. Torrijos, the head of states was committed to turning his nation into a haven for fugitives from persecution a place that could offer asylum to refugees.

Quote
"Our own statistic about violence, depression, drug abuse, and crime indicated that although ours was one of the wealthiest societies in history, it may also be one of the least happy societies" ( pg 57)

Reaction
I agree with this quotation 100%. I think that our societies has a lot of problems and it is covered up by the money. In most places in our society some can say that people keep quit about certain things and do not interact with each other that very well. There is hatred among ourselves, even though its not noticeable. Our statistics on those matters and high.