The Evils of Debt

I've been reading this book by John Perkins called Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Its made me think about a lot of things mostly the self destruction of debt. In my religion we've been warned to stay out of debt. Mind you there are good debts (education, home, business). And, that we should pay those debts back as quickly as possible. Anyways back to the book, he points out that since the 1950's the American Government has been trying to cripple nations by burdening them with debt that they can't pay back, so that they can coerce them into selling them their oil. Most countries would prefer to use their oil for themselves but can no longer do so as they can't meet their obligations. The hook is that American engineering firms can make there lives better through building infrastructure. that their country GDP will grow to afford it. Many will become wealthy, and everyone will be better for it just like them, the Americans. Yah like there doing so well.
How many of us can say that we are constantly bombarded daily with the promises that this or that will make us happier, or this will make your life easier, better, more popular... I see it every night I sit down to watch TV. Oh how I love my PVR, but that's another story. As a nation we are spending more, consuming more, saving less and in more debt then ever before. The real question is what are the underline motives for this, who are we going to owe and at what cost?