Jan 16 Wed 6 PM: Stephen Zarlenga on Henry George’s Concept of Money

Living in the 19th century, Henry George had a first-hand view of “hard money” throwing the economy into disarray.  While George always asserted that the fundamental reform needed was public collection of land rent, tonight’s speaker will show that he also held “quite advanced” views of money, seeing its control as a legitimate function of …

Nov 12 Mon 6 PM: High Cost of Government Revenue

Whether we go over the “fiscal cliff” or muddle through in a less dramatic way, one thing that seems certain to survive is the Federal Income Tax. This power point presentation by HGS instructor and Administrative Director Bob Jene looks at the actual cost of collecting that tax. The IRS overhead itself represents the direct …

Oct 4 Thurs 6 PM: How I made $1,000,000 in Chicago real estate: I $tole it from you!

Successful land speculation is really a matter of capturing for yourself the gains that belong to the community.  George Menninger is one of many who have done it.  Far beyond any need to earn a living, George now spends some of his time explaining how the bad public policy he exploited not only made him …

Oct 1 Monday: The American Monetary Act

Which is more important, fiscal reform as proposed by Henry George, or monetary reform as represented in the the proposed American Monetary Act? Or are they both necessary to achieve fundamental economic justice? Bob Jene will examine the American Monetary Institute’s proposed Constitutional amendment, using AMI chief Steve Zarlenga’s speech on the subject to analyze …

Sept 9 Sunday — It’s Henry George’s 173rd-plus-one-week Birthday

We’ll celebrate with our traditional potluck get together in Evanston.  Please let Sue Walton know what you’re bringing (she’ll be happy to direct you if you need suggestions) by calling 847 475 0391. The festivities start around 3 PM and we’ll expect to wind up about 7. Questions can go to Sue  sns@swwalton.com, or to …

Aug 15, Wed, Political Economy Book Club discusses Malthus

An Essay on the Principle of Population was first published anonymously in 1798 through J. Johnson (London). The author was soon identified as Reverend Thomas Robert Malthus.  While not the first book on population, it has been acknowledged as the most influential work of its era. Its 6th Edition was independently cited as a key …

Aug 8 Wed 6 PM: No Farms, No Food

Urban sprawl threatens destruction of much valuable farm land.  Bob Jene will look at data from one of the leading national organizations seeking to mitigate this damage, the American Farmland Trust (AFT).  Among other things, they buy development rights from farmers to insure the land’s continued use in agriculture and facilitate community supported agriculture which …

July 25, Wednesday, 6 PM: Will the Real Fiscal Stimulus Please Stand Up?

What is the best policy to revive the economy and improve the incomes of working people? Bailing out insolvent banks, and asking them to lend more money? Taxes on consumption? Simplify the income tax and flatten the rates? Or just print a bunch of money? HGS instructor Bob Jene knows the answer (which is “none …

June 19 6PM Tuesday: Sam Venturella Memorial Library open house

  Probably the largest collection of Georgist and geoist documents west of Philadelphia, our Sam Venturella Memorial Library is routinely available by appointment for reference use, with borrowing privileges (except a few works) offered to Henry George School graduates and supporting members (pdf). On the occasion of this open house we invite everyone to see …