MATTERS IN THE AIR – these notes compiled by Rev Canon Peter Challen are posted at http://globaltable.org.uk/wp/,  and contribute background information for the Global Table, which continues on Wednesdays from 12noon to 2pm at the School of Economic Science, 11-13 Mandeville Place, W1U 3AJ – now hosted by the Open Research Group – meetings are open to all on a drop-in basis.  We all continue to foster the public sense of the search for inclusive justice. We are trying to sense the richness of our networking without overburdening with detail. We collaborate that  action may flow in, specified targeted initiatives AND in acknowledgement of our shared commitment to the promotion of Monetary Justice. Please send comments or questions on any issues raised and copy in org@globaltable.org.uk.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS: http://globaltable.org.uk/wp/forthcoming-events
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REPORTS:

Assemblies for Democracy – a summary of progress so far is in preparation.  See latest published report: https://assembliesfordemocracy.org/2016/07/26/report-on-constituting-democracy/.
Next meeting will be held on 10th November 2016.

Iceland Just Did The Exact Opposite of What the U.S. Does — It Found 9 Banksters Guilty in Historic Case Oct 09, 2016 By Jay Syrmopoulos  Iceland’s Supreme Court found nine bankers guilty of market manipulation, affirming the conviction of the seven defendants: http://thefreethoughtproject.com/iceland-corrupt-bankers-convicted/ – also Activist Post.

Ann Pettifog lecturing in new Zealand: http://www.debtonation.org/2016/10/ann-pettifor-in-new-zealand-on-the-financialised-economy/.  And from her Debtonation blog: The Global Financial Crisis has posted a new item, ‘Can Carney do more to stabilise Brexit Britain? Bloomberg TV’ http://www.debtonation.org/2016/10/can-carney-do-more-to-stabilise-brexit-britain-bloomberg-tv/.

Critical Thinking posts daily blogs on a wide range of topics, and runs a regular discussion group on Wednesday evenings: http://www.freecriticalthinking.org

Some of our associates have attended the Labour Party Conference and their impressions would be greatly valued in this network.  Meanwhile see Guardian Feature on Momentum:  http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/18/momentum-activists-labour-jeremy-corbyn-feature

ICUK: is dealing with BOTH the need for many urgent palliatives within a dying system AND a systemic curative re-design by the democratic application of a curative and integrated political-economy.   Everyone who is ready to consider our challenge is likely already to be engrossed in a palliative in the existing system. We must clearly honour that fact, while also asking them as sensitively as we can to put their name and some deliberate additional activity to a critical mass movement for systemic restructuring. In this context we are offering the vital non-partisan, that is inclusive, approach ‘to use the system, to become the system to change the system, to recover trust’.
In order to bolster this educative mind-shift and maintain the creative tension of what so many think of as either/or rather than both/and, we must ensure that any clarifying of language does not obscure this profoundly radical intent – otherwise we are seen to be just another worthy radical adjustment disconnected from the integrity that is natural in the creative forces from which we all spring.  Cromwell puts it bluntly in ousting Parliamentarians. Collective discord demands fundamental reform, but we are trying ‘to use the system. to become the system, to change the system to recover trust:  http://www.constitutionalists.uk. This site is now subject to revision with new more realistic targets – enquire via peterchallen@gmail.com

LETSlink continues with systematic implementation of long-envisaged national and regional hubs – http://www.letslinkuk.net/practice/central-hub.htm – in order to enhance participation in different regions of the UK: local groups are linked here: http://www.letslinkuk.net/regions/uk-map.htm

Occupy Economics Working Group continues to meet Mondays and Fridays 5-7pm at Friends House Euston, welcomes new visitors who drop by, and contributes papers to our network: http://occupylondon.org.uk/occupy-economics-working-group/

Further Reports are invited from our associates in the quest for inclusive justice to stir our awareness.

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PUBLICATIONS & BLOGS – reviews always welcomed:

Ed Mayo, formerly of NEF and currently Secretary General of Cooperatives UK, has sent us details of his most recent latest book, “Values”, published by Greenleaf – see: values-by-ed-mayo-oct-2016

Fred Harrison has just published a book of exceptional value to our cause. BEYOND BREXIT: THE BLUEPRINT – Here is the front and back cover story: How to fund a revitalised Europe and honour the UK referendum Beyond Brexit: The Blueprint – Powerful land owners twice blocked the blueprint that would serve as the model for peace and prosperity in Europe in the 20th century. Will the democratic mandate be thwarted in the 21st century?   FRED HARRISON  &  MASON GAFFNEY: Back cover: “The People of Britain spoke truth to power with their vote on Brexit. The majority rejected the advice of most MPs: remain in the European Union. And they faced down the financial institutions which warned that a terrible price would be paid for regaining national sovereignty. But the authors of Beyond Brexit reveal that the nation’s aspirations will be thwarted by home-grown taxes.    Treadmill Taxes exercise the power to defeat the mission on which Theresa May’s government has embarked. Those taxes deprive the UK of about f500 billion every year in lost wealth and welfare. VAT deprives Europe of about €1 trillion. But there is hope. With their referendum vote, responsibility fell on the people to mandate the financial reform that would convert the UK into a beacon of hope for the nations of Europe.  Emancipation from Treadmill Taxes would free the UK to conclude a mutually beneficial deal with the  EU, which must reform itself. Its tax regime drives citizens out of their home communities in search of work, shifting the costs of misgovernance onto others. Legislation to reform the public’s finances was twice enacted by Westminster in the 20th century. Parliament shamed itself by failing to honour the democratic will. The historic mandate for change must now be renewed, to establish that sovereignty resides in the will of the people, not in the private interests of rent-seekers: Land Research Trust  £5.

Isaac Asimov on Creativity: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/531911/isaac-asimov-asks-how-do-people-get-new-ideas/ – October 20, 2014

Rchard Murphy important blog. Corbyn’s investment plans will cost less than the government’s QE programme – 29 Sep 2016.  Also from Richard Murphy: The Financial Reporting Council really has got to talk to the world beyond the City  – 21 Sep 2016. Richard spoke at the Labour Party Conference – can anyone report on his impact?

A fine example for explaining why that which people say is IMPOSSIBLE must be seriously considered. Mother Pelican’s Editorial Essay: Integral Human Development for an Integral Ecology in today#s Quarterly edition

Do you know the David Graeber programmes on debt? I’ve listened to the two omnibus sessions which also cover ancient debt cancellations – there are 12 programmes currently available, which are well worth listening to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054zdp6/episodes/player