Skip to content

In response to my question about how we might rein in the…

“In response to my question about how we might rein in the empire, he said, "That's why I'm meeting with you. Only you in the United States can change it. Your government created this problem and your people must solve it. You've got to insist that Washington honor its commitment to democracy, even…” quote by John Perkins
Download Open image
““In response to my question about how we might rein in the empire, he said, "That's why I'm meeting with you. Only you in the United States can change it. Your government created this problem and your people must solve it. You've got to insist that Washington honor its commitment to democracy, even when deomcratically elected leaders nationalize your corrupting corporations. You must take control of your corporations and your government. The people of the United States have a great deal of power. You need to come to grips with this. There's no alternative. We in Brazil have our hands tied. So do the Venezeulans. And the Nigerians. It's up to you.””

John Perkins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker urges the U.S. to enforce democratic commitments and control corporate power to prevent corruption and foreign exploitation.

In simple terms: U.S. must act to protect democracy and curb corporate abuse.

Key Takeaway

Demand accountability from government and corporations.

Themes

politics economics corruption democracy sovereignty

Mood

urgent determined critical

Type

advice political

When to use this quote

  • policy reform
  • activism
  • corporate oversight
  • international relations
  • public advocacy

Key Concepts

power dynamics corporate governance national sovereignty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens influence foreign policy?
  • What mechanisms ensure corporate accountability?
A Different Perspective

Implementation may be blocked by entrenched interests and political inertia.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Perkins

Explore all 30 John Perkins quotes

More Americans quotes

Browse all 1,536 Americans quotes