Important Read
I just finished a book by John Perkins called Confessions of an Economic Hit Man.
It is an excellent read and I think it helps explain, for example, why we are really at war in Iraq, why terrorism has emerged as such an important issue in recent years, and how America uses its power to exacerbate the divide between the rich and the poor in our modern world. Not to get all serious on you, but these are things we all would do well to know more about.
DS
April 1st, 2005 at 10:18 am
I keep getting logged in as my brother. Sorry about that …
April 1st, 2005 at 10:28 am
Sounds interesting.
April 1st, 2005 at 3:54 pm
What’s interesting about that book is I heard he actually started writing it 15 or 20 years ago…
what a crazy world.
~Jen
April 1st, 2005 at 3:55 pm
for sure dude, its all about that dolla’. and theres always gotta be a bad guy. i look at it like : a forest fire, it purges the system, or cleans the economic colon, if u will. terrorism seems to be the weapon of choice in this day and age, or maybe the cause doesnt matter, it will always arise if the effect is needed by whatever force controls this crazy universe.
April 1st, 2005 at 4:44 pm
Duncan!
I am so happy that you started this. Also, I can’t wait for your next release!
April 1st, 2005 at 4:49 pm
I heard about that book. They had an interview with the author on Democracy Now I believe. Very very interesting stuff.
April 1st, 2005 at 5:23 pm
my sociology Prof recommended that book as well- I really want to check it out. i’m reading All the President’s Spin right now- it’s a great book about how Bush has been able to manipulate the media with conservative, often negative propaganda, especially relating to the war in Iraq. Great book. Thanks for the recommendation :), sybil.
April 1st, 2005 at 8:59 pm
I agree 100% and at my new job, I am dealing in matters with topexecs…and you get to see how the corporate thinks and ticks…..but the question is: How do we change it?
M
April 1st, 2005 at 9:07 pm
I hate to say it, but it is the Govenment systems we have. They certainly have alot to be questioned, to put it mildly. The problem lies in big business, only caring about big business….not the poor starving people of the world. If only they’d spend half the time feeding the hungry and poor, instead of fighting these wars. At the most basic level, we must try to stop world hunger at the most minimalist levels of poverty. Even at that level, the people are barely surviving, with not much of a chance to survive. In Africa, there are neighborhoods, where there are no young people, only elderly and babies…the rest have died off. If America wishes to shut it’s eyes upon all of these people and spend their big money on waging wars, and big Enterprise first, I should say, SHAME ON THEM!!!!!!
April 1st, 2005 at 10:22 pm
Yeah, I know it. Duncan, friends, somewhat related note on human rights here - have you caught much on Uzbekistan in the past couple years? Ever since they became our buddies in the ever-effective War on Terror, they’ve had free reign to commit nasty, nasty human rights abuses in the name of curtailing terror (as have many other states, especially our allies.) They’re oppressing their Muslim population in a way that we’re likely to see backfiring, oh… any day now. It’s amazing how we create these Frankensteins and then are mystified when things go wrong. (Mujaheddin ring a bell, anyone?) Not to be a downer, just to keep our eyes open in the hopes of a change…
April 2nd, 2005 at 2:56 am
DO NOT HATE ME…Mr. Perkins is politically partisan in this book…spent many pages bashing Bush and other republicans but left little or no criticisms for the democrats…and if he wanted to discuss fairly…there was no mention of Mr. Clinton’s prestigious scholarship from Oxford, or his extensive connections with international socialists and lastly his support for “corporate” America…
This author when he was CEO enjoyed a very long and lucrative career and made tons of money…I just do not buy nor think he is credible in all the facts he has stated in the book…did he write the book to make his past wrongdoings a bit easier to tolerate…
Apologies to Duncan and to other members…just do not like Perkins!
Cheers,
Leveriza
April 2nd, 2005 at 4:27 am
Funny, few days a go i saw one of your posts and and think, wow, “he plays wonderwall and have fun with that” well, here in Fortaleza-Brasil, i had 3 gigs for week in 3 diferent places, and play wonderwall or even this radiohead’s easy song like “fake plastic trees” here this is so normal, everyone do it, but now in my friday gig, i m playing only what i realy wonna play, and some of your music is in the set list among whit other that i love like jeff buckley, red house painters, radiohead, rufus wainwright… no one here knows you or the others that i used to play, but the history is, a friend come to my house and listen that musics in my cd player then invite me to play this songs is his bar, im so happy with that, what i wonna say is that, aplay your music is one of the moments that i have fun now on days, curious if here audience enjoy your music? i do!
hello from Brasil
ps: sorry for my english!
April 2nd, 2005 at 5:20 pm
andre. luis, If you want me to translate from Spanish into English what you are saying to help the otheres understand, just tell me!
April 2nd, 2005 at 7:09 pm
If you all really want to know why we got involved in Iraq and what terrorism is really about you should watch a documentary called “Burried In The Sand” it’s an eye-opening experience. It’s shows what really went on in Iraq while Saddam was in power.
April 2nd, 2005 at 8:33 pm
from my understandering…Saddam was not the real reason….just an excuse for Mr. Prez.
April 3rd, 2005 at 4:27 am
thanks duncan!
i will definitely be checking that book out soon as possbile..:)
April 3rd, 2005 at 3:14 pm
there is nothing that you can read that is not going to be biased and i am always careful of what i read nowadays.
April 3rd, 2005 at 5:20 pm
My one-time-only-I-swear post about the war:
Lately, I’ve been able to kinda see both sides of it. I get why the US is so um, hated. I get that the people who attacked us are extremists about nearly everything…
But I think the scarier thing here is the part where people start calling this a “religious war.”
I know “God” has been the crutch for conquests, rebellion, and evolution of Man from the get-go… but I’m still baffled by how the dogma- which Man has created to explain the universe- can be twisted to cause so much hurt. Shouldn’t we step back and ask “is this what ‘God’ would truly want?”
And of course the Taoist in me steps back even more, and says “hey look, it’s the balance.” And maybe this IS life for death, destruction for creation. Maybe we are doing as it is needed to keep things in check.
:big sigh:
I worry over the “justice” aspect of it too. What if we did find Osama? What then? Courts to justify his death with legal pads? Of course. That’s the US way… settle it in court. But I wonder if by killing him, we won?t be promoting more attacks: Osama becomes a martyr for the cause, and therefore the dissidents become even more enraged. More reasons to attack…
Maybe the bigger issue here is about cultural and spiritual education. Teaching tolerance.
It?s a can of worms, I know.
But that?s my piece.
I?m gonna have to definately check this book out…
April 3rd, 2005 at 8:44 pm
i also have to check out that book. of course if it’s in circulation here in manila.
bush attacking iraq… continuing his father’s legacy? well, that’s what i believe. and also for the US to make more money. and also, i believe that the US always, and i mean ALWAYS, wants to meddle in other countries’ affairs even if they’re not wanted. meddling when it has other bigger issues to repair and solve, like nationwide poverty, education decline, etc.
but i’m not saying my country’s perfect. hell, it’s less than perfect. it’s nearly hitting rock bottom. and the government leaders are still worried about not getting their “pork barrel” funds just to save the country from bankruptcy.
maybe we have to change the mentality first. not just the system. start within ourselves. there’s still hope.
April 4th, 2005 at 12:49 am
Look I’m not one to start a debate on my favorite singer “Duncan Sheik” site. Nor do I intend to offend anyone when I say what I am about to say. You can’t say this war was for money or for oil. If it was for money why then are we spending billions of dollars over there and haven’t received any money for it in return? If it was for oil, then why are gas prices still skyrocketing?
If Bush was so wrong about democracy working in Iraq then why did millions of Iraqis vote for a new government under eminent threat of attack? Do you think 70% of our electorate would have voted under the threat of death? I don’t think so. How come democracy seems to be spreading like wildfire through the Middle East? Maybe it’s because they know that America is serious about its promise to bring freedom to the region. These Iraqis were gassed, tortured, raped, and murdered under Sadam’s regime. Not to mention that the insurgents over there aren’t just targeting Americans, but Iraqis themselves.
America may not be a perfect nation, but it’s definitely the best one on the face of the planet. Now we can either do two things to solve the problem of terrorism. We can nuke the crap out of the Middle East or we can spread democracy and freedom. I choose freedom!
April 4th, 2005 at 1:03 pm
I read an interview with John Perkins where he explains he had to “expose the truth” post 9-11 because what happened at Ground Zero was a direct result of what economic hit men did.
In the interview he goes on to say that if he didn’t do something to change the course America was on in the world, his daughter would have no future.
I’m glad he feels this way now … but I wish he felt this way before. Before so many futures were changed forever.
- THL
April 4th, 2005 at 9:47 pm
Guys, I think everyone replying tothis comment is overlooking the fact that all Mr. Sheik did was recommend a book, everyone knows that there is some amount of bias in it, and that is why diversification is important in your educational reading experience, I wish I knew a book precisely on the same topic from the opposite end of the spectrum, but I don’t, so I suggest you give this a read and think for yourself.
And I am absolutely dying to hear some new music from you, Duncan! I was wondering also, are you a fan of British literature? I read books by Reginald Hill and they always remind me of songs from Phantom Moon and Humming. Just Wondering.
April 5th, 2005 at 11:55 am
It’s all about Benjamins and power in business and govt. We don’t really need Perkins’ book to figure that one out and he isn’t giving us his book for free either so he’s not any better.
April 5th, 2005 at 11:08 pm
I doubt Duncan’s blog was created for disagreement. I know with my blog, I say my views so people can hear them, and agree or disagree. But not make a big deal out of a suggestion I make.
Let’s just all get along!
April 6th, 2005 at 9:01 am
I live in Europe, not in America, but I think this is not important. I also have to check out that book.
April 6th, 2005 at 10:26 am
Insofar as it’s gone about respectfully, discourse on topics Duncan raises here is not only tolerated, it’s encouraged. Disagreements will present themselves, especially over social and political concerns, and provided we all stay civil, we may cull some insight even from those points of view we dispute. I don?t agree with RyanCosley?s premise, but I appreciate the spirit in which it was offered and encourage everyone to express his or her own point of view, no matter how wrong it might be (heh).
April 6th, 2005 at 11:00 am
Peter, wow…is there a professor in the house? An observation so eloquently placed! You are right in the fact that all the comments from Duncan’s most recent post has resulted in varied opinions, thankfully everyone’s been very respectful…keep blogging.
Is this really Peter…or Duncan logged in (again) as Peter :-)
Cheers,
Leveriza (aka domestic goddess)
April 6th, 2005 at 12:39 pm
Hehe…I was wondering the same thing leveriza. .. Peter or Duncan?
Laura
April 6th, 2005 at 12:48 pm
I’m with Peter on this. I think the important thing with these kinds of issues is to have respectful dialogue, and disagree with one another if need be. In truth, I will probably always disagree with the idea of “nuking the crap” out of anyone in any part of the world. And then I would urge those who hold that point of view to learn about how Britain, France and the U.S. have, since the first world war, contributed enormously to creating the conditions where many people in the middle east feel a need to “fight back” against what they percieve to be economic and military aggression against their own people and their own lands. That being said, the beliefs and tactics of both Islamic and Jewish fundementalists are reprehensible and truly sad, so it is very hard for me to see how there are good guys and bad guys in all of this. The only thing that is clear is that violence begets more violence and, bringing this back to my original point, that is why there needs to be more respectful dialogue from both sides.
DS
April 6th, 2005 at 1:59 pm
Thanks everyone for being respectful of my point of view. I also respect everyone else’s point of view as well. Respectful discourse is what makes this country so great. We may all disagree on how we are handling this war and our policies, but we all agree on doing the best thing for our troops and our country. We also can agree that Duncan and Peter Sheik are the best. I appreciate you all listening to what I have to say! (even if you don?t agree with me)
April 6th, 2005 at 2:47 pm
Duncan
I’ve been a fan of yours for many years now and I’ve been wanting to represent you as your booking agent for just as long. You met my boss and I a couple years ago, but made the wrong decision and chose another agent that I don’t believe you are still working with. Your fans want to see you play more live shows and I’d really like to help you. I’d email somewhere else, but i can’t seem to find a link to your email address anywhere on this site. I have many ideas how to help your career continue to flourish and I’d appreciate if you’d give me a ring. My info is below. Hopefully you can take my info down and then delete the posting so i don’t get any fans trying to play games. I know you are not interested in being a pop artist, and I’m not interested in trying to push you down any roads you are not interested in travelling. I believe you are
a credible and intelligent songwriter who is so much more than a few pop singles (as much as i’ve loved your singles!). I hope you’ll give me a chance to show you what i can do for you. Please give me a call or write me back. I hope to hear
from you soon.
All the Best,
Jordan Burger
The Agency Group
www.theagencygroup.com
Representing: Angie Aparo - Avion - The Big Wu - The Cat Empire - Crash Test Dummies - Danielia Cotton - Evan and Jaron - Finch - Glenn Tilbrook & The Fluffers - Home Grown - Jeffrey Gaines - Jim Bianco - Marc Cohn - Something for Kate - Teitur - The Trews - Theresa Andersson - Vienna Teng
PS - To the fans: I think if you all like Duncan, you’d love my client “Teitur” on Universal Records. He often gets compared to Damien Rice, Paul Simon and Sting. He’s from the Faroe Islands off the coast of Norway and is an amazing songwriter. www.teitur.com. Thanks
April 6th, 2005 at 3:07 pm
Interesting advert (above). Teitur sings “Shade of a Shadow” I think? Great song. And I think Vienna Teng sings “Mission Street” which is such a beautiful song, it always plays in my head when I’m visiting SF.
April 6th, 2005 at 3:23 pm
BTW: Funny that Jordan asks for the post to be removed so “fans” don’t “play games”, but still throws a quick advertisement in, targeting said immature folk! Bah!
April 6th, 2005 at 5:03 pm
haha I thought that was funny also JB.
Because we are all such young, immature people, us Duncan fans!! :)
April 6th, 2005 at 5:20 pm
Marla~
Apparently Jordan did not note the discourse that takes place on this blog before insulting the intelligence of its inhabitants!
April 6th, 2005 at 6:24 pm
Hello all,
I only have a couple things to mention. .
“You measure democracy by the freedom it gives it’s dissidents, not the freedom it gives it’s assimilated conformists.”
- Abbie Hoffman
“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”
- John F Kennedy
I must disagree with anyone who uses the phrase “nuke the crap out of the middle east” . I must agree with Duncan when he says violence begets violence. It makes me sad to think people would support this war. It is easy to say that we are doing good things in a place that you have never been and are not a resident of. I don’t pretend to have any knowledge of the feelings of the inhabitants of the war torn areas. I only know that there are children suffering and people losing life. That is never a good thing. No matter what your motives are.. and I question George Bush and his motives. It is my duty as an American citizen to question the leaders of this nation. Thus far, I have not heard any valid answers.
Kate
April 6th, 2005 at 9:28 pm
Well, again, I’d like to point out that neither side is more right than the other. The Democrat arguement being that the motives behind the war in Iraq are less then noble, which is true. And the Republican arguements being, look at the new democracy in Iraq, their percentage of voters (when they’re in danger of being killed) puts ours to shame, which is also true. Personally, I’d rather see Americans united in one effort to pressure Congressmen into ending the riduculous middle east conflict and shift our attention to the greater threat of nuclear war with China if a peaceful resolution over Taiwan cannot be reached. (I pray George Bush can at least do that right, otherwise we’re all dead.) Then, we as the American people, have to drag our sorry behinds to the polls EVERY election year, not just the presidential ones, and get these nuke-loving nutjobs in check. Or, I may be wrong and we should all keep arguing about what might have been and what should have been.
-Steve
April 6th, 2005 at 10:35 pm
“A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering their true sight, restore their government to its true principles. It is true that in the mean time we are suffering deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war & long oppressions of enormous public debt . . . If the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck turns, & then we shall have an opportunity of winning back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are the stake. Better luck, therefore, to us all; and health, happiness, & friendly salutations to yourself.”
- Thomas Jefferson (in a letter to John Taylor) 1789
April 6th, 2005 at 11:53 pm
I’m too tired now to think. You Guy’s/Gal’s do my thinking for me.
I must be working too hard…or something.
Goodnight Duncan.
xo
April 7th, 2005 at 12:24 am
I’m glad you brought up the origins behind what’s going on over there Duncan. I think that’s a super valid point. The details of drawing Western lines and mapping Western governments to tribal peoples-in my opinion-is something we need to take responsibility for. And not in the manner that we’re doing today.
I also agree with the idea that there is no “good guy” in all of this. My brother is over in Kuwait right now, and he’s got an online journal to keep in touch with family and friends. When I read it… it quakes me. This is the kid (okay, he’s not really- he’s 32) who was the quintessential art student. The mohawk kid, ya know? Not something to be watered down into “Cpl. Kill” as he puts it.
But despite my attachments to his well-being, I see what it is for the people over there. The extremists, the innocents, the bystanders. They?re all connected to someone who loves them like I love my brother.
These people have as much right to live, as my brother. As myself.
Again I reinerate my previous point on education.
Bridging bonds, and Gods.
Trying tie together instead of bombing apart.
:sigh:
If only others could feel understanding, rather than anger.
Signing out,
Tansy
ps. I?ve sacrificed my integrity by commenting again. I know, I?m aware.
April 7th, 2005 at 6:34 am
i think it’s interesting that jordan uses a blog about war for “personal/professional gain”… nice. you don’t sound desperate or anything. there’s a time and place for schmoozing, and it’s not in the middle of a dialogue (a good one, btw) about the state of the world.
had to comment on that first.
bill
April 7th, 2005 at 6:43 am
as far as the war,
i think it’s easy for me to pontificate about what/who’s right and wrong from my relatively unaffected armchair in the comfort zone we call america. don’t get me wrong, i’m glad i live in a place where all of my freedoms are afforded me, borne on the backs of the sacrifices of our forefathers. it’s just that the older i get, the more i’m convinced that war breaks the heart of God. there are times when it’s unavoidable, and there are times when it’s rushed into headlong, with little regard of the consequences.
bill
April 7th, 2005 at 12:47 pm
It’s just too difficult for me to discuss or debate this topic on a blog. And it’s frustrating. I’d probably say something and it would come out wrong or be misconstrued and someone would be offended and it would spiral into a heated argument….I tend to do this when I attempt to put too many heartfelt thoughts and feelings down in writing. I can’t say it all the way I want to say it. Or, I may just get pissed off and say something mean to somebody. This happens occasionally as well. Sooo, better to say nothing. My lips are sealed. Scary stuff though. I wonder what will become of all of us…
Thanks for the book recommendation Duncan. I think the important thing is to be informed.
And yes, it’s always good to look at things from both sides.
Laura
p.s. This topic is just one of the many reasons why I like animals better than most humans.
April 7th, 2005 at 3:38 pm
Everyday I like my dogs and cats better than people. You have the right idea Topaz =).
Kate
April 9th, 2005 at 5:02 am
I recommend that anyone interested in the Middle East read _The Modern Middle East: A History_ by James L. Gelvin, and _A Political Economy of the Middle East_, by Alan Richards and John Waterbury. The latter can be a little bit dry and heavy, but both are excellent background sources. It’s amazing how much current developments start to make sense when you investigate the past.
RyanCosley, I will have to respectfully disagree with you, particularly in your rhetorical question about democracy spreading like wildfire. There have been instances in the past where Middle Eastern governments appeared to be moving towards a more democratic system when, in reality, the changes were superficial at best. Egypt’s government developed to the point where opposition parties are (somewhat) tolerated, but the presidency is seemingly growing to be a more authoritarian position (it’s expected that President Mubarak’s son will take over after him…). Then there’s Turkey allowing opposition parties only to have the military intervene and suspend all government functions until the opposition was effectively crushed and the “right” party was placed back into power. Miraculously, they didn’t intervene last time! Maybe we’re seeing some progress. Overall, the Middle East is a significantly volatile area, and several nations (including Iran!) are ripe for change, even without violent Western interference. In any case, I think it is way too soon to attribute any political developments to American intervention in Iraq. Given the history of Western intervention in the Middle East from the 16th century until this very day, the people are likely to believe that any Western power intervening in their affairs is out to serve its own greedy interests: whether the perception is true does not change the situation. The single most important reason why there are absolute monarchies and authoritarian regimes in the Middle East is Western intervention, specifically colonization, the carving out of territories after World War I, and the subsequent installment of Western-friendly regimes capable of suppressing popular revolt. It will take a great deal to change the perception that the Western world is trying to bleed the Middle East dry, and the corruption and contract scandals don’t exactly help. Part of me truly admires the optimism some people have, but I, for one, would rather wait until there is a stable, permanent government in Iraq before saying, “Mission accomplished.”
Duncan, thank you for the recommendation. I found it interesting that you listed economic aggression before military aggression in your response. I don’t think people generally acknowledge the use of economic aggression beyond the imposition of sanctions, especially in cases such as Cuba and the Occupied Territories. I also agree with you that it is difficult to see good guys and bad guys: is it he who throws the first punch because he thought it was the right thing to do or he who hits back because he must seek his revenge? What makes this all so much more tragic is that each barbaric act of violence is used to justify another while people on all sides of every issue are working for peaceful solutions. How many people have heard of B’Tselem as opposed to Hamas? Sometimes the only consolation I find is that reasonable, peaceful people _do_ exist. Thanks to everyone here for being civil.
Peace,
Maria
April 9th, 2005 at 8:40 am
I can’t rest in war
Will you be my friend?
Dark ages never change
I can’t comprehend
Kiss me we self destruct
Can you hear me lord?
Yes I think we’re fucked
But I can’t rest in war
The righteous and the wicked
War and peace
The killing fist
Of the human beast
P.O.P.
Prodigies of peace
Hear me when I’m calling you
From my knees
I am playing for a better day
Holy mother earth
Crying into space
Tears on her pretty face
For she has been raped
Killing your future blood
Fill her with disease
Global abortion please
That is what she needs
The righteous and the wicked
War and peace
The killing fist
Of the human beast
P.O.P.
Prodigies of peace
Hear me when I’m calling you
From my knees
I am playing for a better day
Are we fire flies
Flashing in the night
Big thunder rumble fish
Did you get it right?
Headstrong battle song
Exploding souls be gone
Marvin Gaye my love
Where did we go wrong?
I was listening to this this morning and thought it was fitting. See? Even the Red Hot Chili Peppers get it.
Laura
April 11th, 2005 at 5:43 am
Hmm…Not quite so fitting I suppose now that I’m reading it on a different morning…Heh. Don’t you just hate when that happens? Something seems appropriate but then it actually isn’t…Ah Well… Please, carry on with the intelligent conversation and I promise not to quote any more Chili Pepper songs.
Laura
August 28th, 2006 at 6:36 am
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