Coast to Coast AM - 12-28-09 - Predatory Capitalism

Predatory Capitalism

Date: 12-28-09
Host: Ian Punnett
Guests: John Perkins, Peter Lance, Fred Burton

Ian Punnett spoke with economist John Perkins, who pointed toward predatory capitalism as the real cause of the current global financial meltdown. He outlined his former work as an "economic hit man" in which he helped convince third-world governments to accept huge loans for infrastructure projects that they ultimately wouldn't be able to afford. When they couldn't pay back the loans, the US govt./corporations would instead demand cheap oil/resources or political/military favors, he said.

This kind of stratagem has gone global with corporations, rather than governments, controlling human and natural resources around the world, he continued. Morality aside, the exploitative nature of predatory capitalism has left the world in a mess, and the planet is spiraling toward disaster, Perkins argued.

To change the situation, he suggested people work toward building a different economy-- creating their own companies that make things the world actually needs like sustainable energy, and anti-pollution products. Also, consumers can also exert influence over corporations by complaining or not buying their goods or services if they don't approve of their practices, such as making clothes in sweatshops. Further, he believes poverty is one of the root causes of terrorism, and by combating it we could help reduce the problem.

Christmas Day Terrorism

Commenting on the Christmas Day terrorism attempt, investigative reporter Peter Lance appeared in the first half-hour, discussing a report that "a sharp dressed man" aided the terrorist at the Amsterdam airport. Even though the incendiary device failed, he considers the attack to be a propaganda victory for al Qaeda.

Security expert Fred Burton also discussed the incident in the first half of the last hour, calling it a "counter-terrorism nightmare." Full body scanners, which likely would have prevented such an attack, are not being used at airports as of yet because people consider them to be an invasion of privacy, he noted.

Website(s):
# johnperkins.org
# dreamchange.org
# peterlance.com
# stratfor.com
Book(s):
# Hoodwinked
# Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
# The Secret History of the American Empire
# Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent