By Peter Weiss

Sting and his wife Trudie Styler made a surprise appearance Thursday night, July 12, at Books & Books in Coral Gables to hear a lecture given by their friend, the author and activist John Perkins, on his new book "The Secret History of The American Empire".

John Perkins talked about the role economic hit men, jackals, and assassins play in global politics. He then went on to express his confidence that the corporate ruling structure can be changed as the corporations, treated under law as 'individuals', are forced to accept the role expected of individuals in society --to be responsible citizens. He believes that many of those in power want to do what's right but need the prodding of energized citizens to effect change. He likens what's required to "a second American Revolution." This time the goal is "a sustainable, peaceful, and stable world for everyone everywhere."

Following his talk, Mr. Perkins invited Ms. Styler to join him at the podium. An activist and founder (with Sting) of the Rainforest Foundation, she spoke about the need to hold oil companies accountable "for creating hellish conditions in their quest for oil" and of the desperate need around the world for clean drinking water.

She pointed to a lawsuit in Ecuador spearheaded by lawyers Pablo Fajardo and Steven Donziger against Chevron over pollution in the Amazon as a potential milestone judgment.

"A verdict against Chevron could revolutionize how oil companies operate," she said. "But whatever the outcome, the environmental and human catastrophe must be brought to the attention of the world."

John Perkins, Sting, and Trudie Styler -- writer, musician, environmentalist -- three powerful activists. Let them inspire all of us to take action every day to create a better world.