Welcome aboard to several new subscribers, including Glenn R
Harrington of Victoria, BC and Ben Rudin of Eugene OR, transplanted
from California and member of the Democratic Freedom Caucus. During
these long nights, we all need to enjoy the camaraderie, bid adieu to
one year, welcome a new season, and look forward to M.L.K. Day, who
once cited Henry George. Read below about a nation adopting some
Georgist economics. BTW, if you know anyone who'd happily be a reader,
please put them in touch.
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CONTENTS:
1. News: Taiwan Net tax revenues up 9% in November; Better late than
never
2. Numbers: What If the Banks Hadn't Been Bailed Out?
3. Good Press: Korea Times, MA NPR, ChSM, BBC, D Warsh, Liberty Cap,
Duke U, Re-Imagining Economics, et al using "Citizens Dividend"
4. Movement Progress: Land Rights Course Newsletter; IHG Managua
Update
5. Letters: Baker, Davies, Zarlenga, Dodson 6. Obituary:
HARRISS--Clement Lowell 7. Likable links: RSF, HGI, SCI
8. What You Can Do: Order Another Aussie Newsletter; Contribute & List
9. At the Margin: Quips and Quotes
10. Publication affairs: Contributors, About the Georgist News
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2010 CGO Conference
by Sue Walton, Dec 15, 2009
For the 2010 CGO conference in Albany, July 12-16, the organizing
committee has been hard at work on the program and to secure
participants for planned sessions. A final theme for the conference
has not yet been decided upon, but we are focusing on the various
types of tools we rely on for effectiveness in our activities. Among
the invited (but not yet confirmed) participants are: John Kuchta of
Chicago, who has extensive experience with ways to reach and attract
younger people into causes such as ours; and Ray Bromley of the State
University College of Albany who is an expert in international
planning. The planning for other stimulating and informative sessions
is underway. This is a conference you will not want to miss. For more
information please contact: Sue & Scott: sns at swwalton.com
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1a. News: Taiwan Net tax revenues up 9% in November
By Fanny Liu, CNA, Dec. 10, 2009
Income tax revenue -- including corporate income tax and individual
comprehensive income tax revenue -- amounted to NT.6 billion in the 11
months, recording a year-on-year decline of NT.7 billion, or 23.8
percent.
Income tax revenue, which was affected most by the economic downturn,
accounts for almost 50 percent of the country's total tax revenues.
Tax offices collected NT.8 billion in business turnover tax last month
-- the highest level in a year, up 4.9 percent from the same month of
last year.
Land value tax, which the government just began collecting from
November, reached NT billion, up 17.9 percent year-on-year.
Commodity tax revenue increased by 84.6 percent to NT.4 billion in
November, while the share of transaction tax revenue of NT.2 billion
represented a rise of 112 percent.
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1b. News: Better late than never
To keep up with the latest in the world of economic justice, try
visiting the daily news site, The Progress Report. You'll find
such articles as:
Two cautious agencies project a land tax will raise the same amount as
existing California taxes, ($170 billion) annually. "Measure to Reform
California's Taxes Gets Official Language"
http://www.progress.org/2009/petition.htm
Most treaties were not worth the paper they were written on, but some
modern Indians actually got one enforced. "US settles royalty dispute
with Indian tribes" http://www.progress.org/2009/treaty.htm
Sending the progress.org link to friends, family, neighbors, and
co-workers is a great way to establish a shared frame of reference for
a discussion about how to solve economic issues.
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2. Numbers: What If the Banks Hadn't Been Bailed Out?
Want all the current indicators in one place? Periodically, The
Progress Report publishes just such an article. To give readers
greater breadth, depth, and the most salient facts, many articles at
the Progress Report are not single articles but compilations on one
theme, offering a compendium of data on one sector:
One of 4 Americans are "underbanked" as the global economy still
tanks. So was the bailout of banks worth it? "9 Million US Households
Have No Bank Accounts" http://www.progress.org/2009/payback.htm
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3a. Good Press: Korea Development Institute Says Land Value Tax Needed
by Korea Times Business page, Oct 28, 2009
Straightforward recommendations by the government run Korean
Development Institute include reduction on income taxes and hiking
taxation on real property to accomplish two goals: let young families
and workers save to buy real estate, and to stem the building binge
that has plagued most market economies for the past decade.
The article confirms that substituting taxation of work and investment
with a tax on the community-created value of land is rapidly gaining
support in the Republic of Korea.
The report's author, Song Eui-young, is the latest in a long line of
scholars and practical policy makers who have inserted LVT more firmly
into the South Korean tax system.
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3b. Good Press: On Massachusetts NPR
by Josh Vincent
Albert Hartheimer magisterially lays out the case for land value tax
in Massachusetts as a way to repair the wobbly revenues of the Bay
State: http://www.wicn.org/audio/the-business-beat-al-hartheimer
To date, it has gotten 95 downloads.
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3c. Good Press: CSM reviews 'The End of Poverty?'
by Peter Rainer, Film critic of The Christian Science Monitor,
from the December 4, 2009 issue
Capitalism gets the blame in this talking-heads documentary. But 'The
End of Poverty?' offers few real-world solutions.
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3d. Good Press: BBC on Landlord's Game
by Dave Wetzel, Transforming Communities
Antonia Swinson on BBC4's TV programme re Board Games links the
history of Monopoly to the Landlord's Game intended to teach annual
Land Value Tax.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00pf0rr/Games_Britannia...
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3e. Good Press: David Warsh looks at HG
by Bill Batt, December 5, 2009
David Warsh is someone lots of people listen to and read. His book,
Knowledge and the Wealth of Nations, was very well received. This
prominent columnist and author has a column urging readers to take a
look at HG, citing Mason's recent American Journal of Economics &
Sociology collection and Phil Anderson's book, The Secret of Real
Estate. See
seekingalpha.com/article/176526-real-estate-lending-did-henry...
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3f. Good Press: Interview: Georgist-oriented Caucus in the Democratic
Party by Mike O'Mara, December 14, 2009
There was an interview about the Georgist-oriented caucus in the
Democratic Party (the Democratic Freedom Caucus -- DFC), on an
Internet talk show, Liberty Cap Talk Live, December 11.
The interview focused on communicating with Democrats and others about
the message of liberty, including land justice -- the land tax shift
came up several times in the interview.
Also included in the discussion was how there are actually two
traditions of liberty, one of which recognizes that land is a
fundamentally different type of property than human-made products, and
that the two types of property need to be treated differently, while
the other one makes no distinction between land and other kinds of
property.
The co-hosts and panelists made many favorable comments about the DFC
and its approach to issues.
A recording of the interview is on the website at the link below. The
audio control for the show is on the right side of the page, a little
way down. The one-hour interview starts at 11:28 minutes into the
show, so you can go directly to the interview by clicking on the
little screen that has the moving words, and jump to where the
interview starts: http://letlibertyring.blogspot.com/ (episode 16)
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3g. Good Press: On many sites, posters promote a rent-share
Big Soccer, Nation States (Nov 25), Politics Forum (Dec 5), DocStoc
(Dec 8), Capital Gains & Games (Dec 15), Jeff "GroSolar" (no relation)
on Twitter (Dec 17), and LeftLibertarians2 (Dec 21) are some of the
websites where posters (whose names are not recognized and who seem to
be new to the notion of natural rent as part of the commons) used the
phrase "Citizens Dividend" in the sense intended by its coiner (the
Georgist, yours truly). This neologism for a rent-share gains greater
global currency every month. Jim Hansen of NASA in The New York Times
(Dec 6) came close using "dividend for each adult".
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3h. Good Press: Duke University Economics Dept
via reader Alanna Hartzok
At their website, the Duke University Economics Dept covers the
physiocrats, Henry George, Smith, and Ricardo. At the bottom of the
page, the four links they provide include the Henry George Institute
and Earthsharing.
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3i. Good Press: Re-Imagining Economics
Submitted by admin on Sun, November 22, 2009
Re-Imagining Economics is a group of educators and activists seeking
to expand the understanding of how economies actually operate and how
a more sustainable type of economics might be established on a local
basis. RIE reposted:
The Land Ethic: How to Address Inequality and Financial Instability by
Alanna Hartzok, Oct. 20, 2009
Published on Global Policy Innovations, which has this mission: To
highlight the best new thinking on a fairer globalization. Launched in
April 2004 with the support of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Global
Policy Innovations is based at the Carnegie Council in New York City.
The Land Ethic at:
http://www.policyinnovations.org/ideas/innovations/data/000150
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4a. Movement Progress: Land Rights Course Newsletter
by Alanna Hartzok, alanna at earthrights.net, December 3, 2009
who writes:
There are now more than 500 people enrolled from 50 countries!
Land Rights and Land Value Capture online course:
http://www.course.earthrights.net
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4b. Movement Progress: IHG Managua Update
by Paul Martin, Director, Instituto Henry George, ceihg at ceihg.org,
December 13, 2009, who writes:
The IHG has only given one CE course this year, in March. Then we
continued our post-graduate meetings until about June and then they
were discontinued due to a very low turn out.
The main activity of the IHG this year has been in the investment of
the new three story building. At this time, we are just short of
installing the flooring and a couple of wall divisions to outfit the
IHG office and two public bathrooms. We expect to have those tasks
accomplished and the second level functional by the end of February.
Meanwhile, we are in the process of setting up the legal framework for
an international Spanish language and Latin American culture immersion
program ("Nicaragua Spanish Schools" - "NSS" - www.nssmga.net) as a
corporate business which will be a funding source for the IHG
activities as well as a vehicle for introducing international students
from all over the world to the principles of Georgist economics and
hopefully integrating them into IHG activities with our Nicaraguan IHG
students. (NSS previously functioned up to 2005 and was enrolling more
than 600 students annually at three campuses.) We hope to be offering
basic NSS programs by April 2010.
The IHG project is still a private non-profit volunteer-based program,
partially funded by the HGS-NY (thanks to them) and administratively
supported by the HGI-NY (thanks, as well).
To be honest, this two and a half year construction process has been
arduous and taxing. During this year, having had to devote almost all
my energy and available personal funds to the construction struggle, I
have been tempted to lose faith that all this effort, as far as the
georgist mission, will actually bear useful fruit. When you see us
bearing some fruit, you may feel moved to (once again) help support
the IHG project financially with a nice donation.
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5a. Letters: Dose of Hope
by Scott Baker, December 2, 2009
It's always good to read the Georgist News. It gives me my monthly
dose of hope!
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5b. Letters: A Christmas present for an educator
by Lindy Davies, lindy at henrygeorge.org, December 23, 2009
The Henry George Institute's course in "Liberation Theology and Land
Reform" has not had very many students, over the years. But the ones
it's had have been uniformly high-quality. To see a moving and
insightful example from a recent student, just contact me.
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5c. Letters: AMI Reports
by Stephen Zarlenga, Ami, October 6, 2009, who writes:
Shortly after the election we were told for the first time, how much
the President enjoyed the company of economists. That would have been
a huge red flag to those who understand how less than useless nearly
all the economics "profession" has been towards improving society.
Modern economists have removed morality from their "science," proudly
announcing they ignore what they call "normative considerations." If
they used plain language and said that they don't consider morality,
people would better understand how skewed and inappropriate economics
has become. As we look forward to 2010, and the financial legislation
which will finally become the focus of attention, we must demand not
mere regulation, but reform. Regulation of a system that unfairly
concentrates wealth is not enough. As wealth becomes concentrated in
unfair ways and obscene amounts, that concentration overcomes
regulation through outright bribery, and similar methods of influence.
What is crucial is to enact structural reforms that fairly
de-concentrate wealth.
---------------------------------------------------------------
5d. Letters: Eleanor Roosevelt
by Ed Dodson, ejdodson at comcast.net, October 11, 2009, who writes:
As reported in the September-October 1940 issue of Land and Freedom,
the following meeting occurred during the annual Henry George Congress
held in Washington, DC that year:
"WHITE HOUSE RECEPTION Through the courtesy of Mrs. Franklin D.
Roosevelt, a reception at the White House was arranged for the
convening Georgeists [sic], at 4:00 P.M. The First Lady greeted the
delegates cordially. After refreshments had been served, Mrs.
Roosevelt listened attentively to the Georgeists who spoke to her. In
her daily column, "My Day," which appears in a great number of
newspapers throughout the country, Mrs. Roosevelt referred to our
visit."
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6. Obituary: HARRISS--Clement Lowell
The New York Times, December 20, 2009 (via Wyn Achenbaum)
HARRISS--Clement Lowell, on December 14, 2009, peacefully at his home
of 59 years in Bronxville, NY.
Born on August 2, 1912 in Fairbury, Nebraska. Graduated from Harvard
University, Class of 1934, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Sheldon
Fellowship. Studied at the University of Chicago and received Ph.D.
from Columbia University, where as Professor of Economics he taught
until 1981. Numerous other teaching engagements included Stanford,
Yale University, Princeton University, the Wharton School, Peterhouse
at Cambridge University, the University of California at Berkeley, and
two Fulbright Professorships at the Netherlands School of Economics in
Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the University of Strasbourg, France.
Widely published, he remained professionally active with numerous
organizations to the end. Married to Agnes Bennett Murphy for 62 years
until her death in 1992. Survived by his children Patricia, Gordon,
Martha and Brian, his sister Marion Engelhart, his grandchildren
Christopher, Matthew, Brett, Peter, and Lindsey, and his
daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Lucinda. He was admired as a colleague
and teacher, lover of travel, humor and New Yorker cartoons, which he
regularly shared with his many friends of all generations and
interests. Always a gentleman. A memorial service will occur at
Columbia University in the Spring. Remembrances to the Professor C.
Lowell Harriss Scholarship Fund at Columbia College, c/o Leah Cohen,
622 West 113th Street, New York, NY 10025.
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7a. Likable link: Globalization and Trade
by Polly Cleveland, December 10, 2009, who writes:
Mason's article on the OECD is on the Schalkenbach website:
http://www.schalkenbach.org/library/gaffneyoecd.html
Mason Gaffney wrote: "Free trade" has been highjacked by imperialists
and hegemonists from the UN, OECD, WORLD BANK, U.S. State Dept., and
such, so this may not be a good time to use that label.
---------------------------------------------------------------
7b. Likable link: Applied Economics
by Lindy Davies, December 10, 2009, who writes:
The Henry George Institute's course in "Globalization and Trade" has
been in existence for some time -- but it's just undergone a
revision/facelift -- and it's ready for prime time! In addition to
presenting Henry George's classic argument in the admirably brief &
readable new edition of Douglas's abridgment of Protection or Free
Trade, we offer a series of readings designed to address today's
questions about the global economy, such as:
After Protection or Free Trade: Do We Need a Reality Check? Trade,
Development and Sustainability in the Global Economy Pathological
Production? (an examination of such notions as economic growth, and
ecosystem services) Socialism, Capitalism, and Geoism We also take a
look at Friedrich List, and PROUT theory.
Students work with individual instructors. Lessons are scored, and
students get a report of their scores upon completion.
The course is designed as the second in a three-course series, but we
will accept new students in this course. http://www.truefreetrade.org
I hope you will visit -- and talk it up!
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7c. Likable link: School of Cooperative Individualism update
Ed Dodson, ejdodson at comcast.net, December 27, 2009
I completed a narrated version (in two parts) of a slide show on the
origins of poverty with insights into its elimination and set up an
account where it can be viewed:
www.authorstream.com/tag/Henry+George
I would very much welcome and appreciate comments.
I am also in the process of formatting and uploading a large number of
editorials and articles that appeared in the late 1930s to 1942 in
Land and Freedom. The debates and exchanges by these writers cover
much of the same ground as continues today. It is also quite
interesting to learn how these individuals were reacting to the great
events of their era -- the global depression and the Second World War.
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8a. What You Can Do: Order Another Aussie Newsletter
by David Brooks, davidsb1 at bigpond.com, December 7, 2009
I trust you enjoy reading my newsletter, and will email me for a copy
then forward it to others.
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8b. What You Can Do: Contribute and List
by Sue Walton, Dec 15, 2009
A reminder that Council of Georgist Dues are now due and owing; to
join or renew your dues, please visit our website: www.cgocouncil.org
The Council of Georgist Organizations is collecting a list of all
Georgist listserves, participation in which is open to anyone. If you
would like to have your listserve listed, please contact: Lindy
Davies, CGO webmaster at: Lindy at henrygeorge.org
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9. At the Margin: Quips and Quotes
The paradox of our time in history is that we've learned how to make a
living, but not a life. We have multiplied our possessions, but
reduced our values. Remember: Life is not measured by the number of
breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
-- George Carlin
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10. Publication affairs: Contributing to this issue
Along with those acknowledged above with each blurb,
Editor: Jeffery J. Smith
Assistant Editor: Caspar Davis
Archivist: Stewart Goldwater
Owner: Robert Schalkenbach Foundation
Founder: Adam Monroe
Send your news and other interesting material to the Georgist News,
jjs at geonomics.org or gn at progress.org. The deadline for the next
issue is the 25th of this month.
The Georgist News, a project of Robert Schalkenbach Foundation, is an
email newsletter brought to you free of charge. Its purpose is to keep
you updated on the latest news, citations, events, and initiatives of
relevance to people who, like Henry George, seek a world free from
special privilege and the causes of poverty.
Do you know someone who'd enjoy reading the GN? Please forward them an
issue and ask them to subscribe, or send us their eddress. As always,
it's free. Thanks.
The Georgist News is also available online http://www.Georgist.com/
==================================================================
The Georgist News, Volume Twelve, Number Seven, January 1, 2010