Events

Apr
3
Fri
Invisible Robbery Tour @ Departs from Henry George School, Suite 1207
Apr 3 @ 12:00 pm
Henry George School photo by Chuck Metalitz
Henry George School photo by Chuck Metalitz

Right on the streets of every American community, robbery takes place every working day. You might not realize how much value the people of Chicago (and every other community) create, simply by going about our daily activities. What is this wealth, how do we create it, and where does it go?

Originally conceived as a field trip for Progress & Poverty students, this stroll — about 2 km and 90 minutes — presents some answers for those interested in finding out.  Additionally, we’ll take a look at recovered loot of a long-ago theft, learn how Thomas Jefferson would have solved the problem of financing Chicago’s public schools, and see an economic development incentive that costs less than nothing.  We might stop for snacks along the way (individual settlement).

Detailed sourced notes will be provided. This is now a free tour, no donation required, although we do appreciate (tax-deductible) contributions from those who can afford it and find the event worthwhile.

Feb
20
Sat
Georgist Video Festival @ Henry George School
Feb 20 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Real Tragedy of the Commons, (cc by nc nd) by Frits Ahlefeldt, HikingArtist.com
The Real Tragedy of the Commons, (cc by nc nd) by Frits Ahlefeldt, HikingArtist.com

We didn’t have time for all the videos he wanted to show last time, so Chuck Metalitz is doing it again: A marathon (well, four hours or so) of animations, lectures, documentaries, and other formats, from America, Canada, Australia, Britain, and maybe a few others, including people we do not necessarily identify as Georgists. Most of these are about three to fifteen minutes, with longer ones represented by extracts.  You’re welcome to stop by any time during the show; do not feel obligated to attend the entire session. 

Just about all of these videos are intended for an audience not familiar with Henry George or, in many cases, not even conscious of political economy.  That probably describes some of your friends or professional colleagues, so bring them along.

We will have some sort of light refreshments.  The event is free, with donations welcome. Also welcome are suggestions for relevant videos which we might not be aware of.

May
3
Tue
Defective by Design: International Day Against DRM @ Henry George School
May 3 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

[Please note: There is no need to stay the full 3½ hours of this event.  Come when you’d like and leave when you wish. ]

How much stuff do you think you “own,” but really only have a limited license to use in specific ways? You may be surprised to learn who is restricting your freedom to innovate and share information.  As software-driven products become more common, how can you be sure that your possessions aren’t working against you?  Is that the price we have to pay to live in an advanced economy?  It need not be.

Find out how software freedom fits into the “liberty means justice” political economy that we teach, why and how we use open source software wherever possible (and it almost always is).  Discussion and videos presented in cooperation with the Free Software Foundation.

Meanwhile, to learn more about DRM and why it might be a bad thing, visit Defective by Design.