In studying world events, we often discover that things are not always as they appear on the surface. A powerful example of this is found in John Perkins’ revealing book, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man (Perkins, 2004). Perkins shares his firsthand experiences of how the United States, through corporations, banks, and covert operations, orchestrated financial and political control over many developing nations, often in the name of “helping” them.
According to Perkins (2004), the system worked as follows: economic consultants would persuade leaders of developing nations to accept massive loans for infrastructure projects. These loans, however, rarely benefited the local population. Instead, they flowed to large U.S. corporations like Bechtel, Halliburton, and Stone & Webster to build projects that made countries dependent rather than independent. When nations inevitably struggled to repay their debts, the U.S. could then leverage their vulnerability, gaining access to natural resources, securing military bases, or influencing critical political decisions (Perkins, 2004).
If leaders resisted, covert operations and sometimes violent regime changes would often follow. Historical cases such as the overthrow of Mohammad Mossadegh in Iran, the assassination of Omar Torrijos in Panama, and the toppling of Salvador Allende in Chile exemplify this pattern (Kinzer, 2007; Blum, 2003).
Institutions involved in this system included not just private corporations, but also public agencies like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), USAID, and even parts of the NSA and CIA (Perkins, 2004). While many Americans believed and still believe that their country acts as a global force for good, many people around the world have a very different perspective. For them, U.S. involvement often meant debt, exploitation, lost sovereignty, and prolonged suffering under authoritarian regimes supported by external powers (Blum, 2003).
What This Means for Our Own Lives
It’s easy to become deeply engaged, even consumed by the pursuit of truth when uncovering these hidden histories. Indeed, understanding the deeper truths about global affairs can be empowering and necessary for conscious living. However, there is an essential balance we must maintain:
We must not let the pursuit of external truth eclipse the internal truth of caring for ourselves.
Chronic anger, outrage, and obsession can cause significant damage:
- Persistent stress weakens the immune system (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004).
- Excessive media consumption contributes to mental exhaustion and emotional burnout
- Neglect of physical well-being sleep, exercise, nutrition, etc. can diminish vitality and resilience.
In the end, truth-seeking should not come at the cost of self-care. When we are physically strong, mentally clear, and emotionally stable, we are in a far better position to discern information, resist manipulation, and lead by quiet example rather than reactive outrage.
A Healthier Path Forward
History will always be complex, layered with contradictions, hidden motives, and competing interests. Yet we do not serve ourselves or the greater good by burning out or losing our health in pursuit of endless investigation.
Instead, we can:
- Practice daily mental hygiene: mindfulness, conscious breathing, time away from media noise.
- Maintain physical vitality: nourishing the body through good food, movement, and rest.
- Build emotional resilience: cultivating gratitude, perspective, and compassionate boundaries.
By doing so, we remain rooted and strong and able to perceive global injustices without being consumed by them. Global interventions and economic manipulations have been supported by leaders from both major U.S. political parties. Historical evidence shows that Democratic and Republican administrations alike have engaged in coups, economic coercion, military interventions, and covert operations , often justified as protecting “freedom” or “democracy,” but usually serving corporate and strategic interests.
Wellness means seeing clearly. Falling into the trap of blind loyalty to any party can cause mental fatigue, emotional burnout, and chronic frustration. True sovereignty begins with personal health and clear-minded observation, not blind allegiance.
Cultivate awareness. Stay grounded. Care for your own body, mind, and spirit first.
In conclusion, understanding global systems of influence can awaken us. But maintaining personal sovereignty of our own body, mind, and spirit is what ultimately allows us to thrive, think clearly, and live freely.
Awareness without health is a hollow victory.
Health without awareness is a shallow peace.
Both together create a life of strength, clarity, and purpose.
References
Blum, W. (2003). Killing hope (By Zed Books London). Zed Books London. https://www.cia.gov/library/abbottabad-compound/13/130AEF1531746AAD6AC03EF59F91E1A1_Killing_Hope_Blum_William.pdf
Kinzer, S. (2007). Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq. Macmillan.
Lobe, J. (2024, April 26). What are Americans’ biggest foreign policy priorities? Responsible Statecraft. https://responsiblestatecraft.org/us-foreign-policy-poll/
Perkins, J. (2004). Confessions of an economic hit man. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601–630. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.
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Jim Moltzan
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United Martial Arts Association 