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.
British Constitution Group: Justin Walker has just circulated a new: Winchester Declaration with a substantial Media Briefing and an Open Letter to Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, Lord Chancellor
Critical Thinking posts daily blogs on a wide range of topics, and runs a regular discussion group on Wednesday evenings: http://www.freecriticalthinking.org
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/
Social Capitalism: Robert Corfe writes: “Is social capitalism the answer to countering the polarisation of wealth and the threat of unemployment? The most penetrating socio-economic analysis of humanity’s condition today presents a fresh approach that cuts through the discredited ideological baggage of the past. Access the website –bhttp://www.socialcapitalistnetwork.org
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 latest book, “Values”, published by Greenleaf – see: values-by-ed-mayo-oct-2016.
This is one of the best examples of palliatives within our dying system. Under our principle of BOTH/AND, can we persuade Ed and the co-operative movement to also study the fundamental need for profound systemic change? Reading BOTH Ed above AND Fred below, takes us deep into facing that challenge.
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.
Global Community: November 2016 Newsletter: http://globalcommunitywebnet.com/Dialogue2017/Newsletter/November2016/index.html
Richard 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?
Peter Frase presented at a recent Momentum meeting a summary of his latest book: Four Futures: Life After Capitalism – one thing we can be certain of is that capitalism will end – an exhilarating exploration into the utopias and dystopias that could develop from present society: see review in Jacobin Mag: https://www.jacobinmag.com/2011/12/four-futures/ – published by Verso Books, see: https://www.versobooks.com/books/1847-four-futures
Brighton based music promoter Rock Salts, in association with Momentum, are hosting a night of music and politics at the Brighton Dome on 16th December. Crossing genres and generations, the headliners will be drawn from international talent such as the psychedelic rock band Temples, Mercury prize nominee Kathryn Williams and the legendary Paul Weller playing alongside long time collaborator Paul Wyatt.
See also Astronomico Theological Lectures: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Astronomico-Theological-Lectures-Robert-Classic-Reprint/dp/B0093DF53C – Rev Robert Taylor was challenging the whole structure of the church.