Events

Oct
17
Fri
High Cost of Government Revenue @ Henry George School suite 1207
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm
Henry George School photo by Chuck Metalitz
Henry George School photo by Chuck Metalitz

Would Rube Goldberg have been able to design a less straightforward system of funding government than the U S Federal income tax? In this presentation, HGS instructor Bob Jene looks at what it costs to collect this revenue.  The direct cost to the government of operating the Internal Revenue Service is only a small part, as the burden put on the taxpayer, and the diversion of effort from productive uses, should also be considered.

Sep
7
Mon
Henry George Day
Sep 7 @ 3:00 pm – 7:15 pm
One of the vignettes created by the late Evanston artist Bill Judson for an HGS booklet in the 1990s
One of the vignettes created by the late Evanston artist Bill Judson for an HGS booklet in the 1990s

We’ll gather in a rustic Evanston back yard [you get the exact address when you RSVP] to commemorate Henry George’s 174th birthday (actually he was born September 2, but that’s inconvenient for most working folks).  This year, we’re also celebrating a new team supporting School operations. In honor of which, and thanks to the generosity of HGS supporters past and present, everyone who’s completed any HGS course, ever, is welcome to attend without charge. Bring a significant other, or a friend who might find HGS or interest, also no charge.  And of course no charge for your minor dependents. We hope to see people who might have taken a course years ago and almost lost touch with us. Come by, meet the new team, and share your ideas.

There will be food, drink, a lot of conversation and maybe some productive argument about how to help our community understand how the economy works, the fundamental principles which can be harnessed to bring prosperity and freedom.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let us know by Friday September 4 whether you’ll be coming.  It would be great, but not required, if you can bring something to share.  Monetary donations are also extremely welcome, and can be made here, or by check to the School, or at the event.

Jan
19
Tue
Introduction to Progress & Poverty (classic version of the course begins) @ Henry George School #1207
Jan 19 @ 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm

This session introduces Progress & Poverty, including an overview of what we cover in the course. Even if you don’t plan to take the full course, you can expect this introductory session to help you gain a new and useful perspective on today’s problems of wealth concentration, poverty, and lack of opportunity.

America in the 1870s faced increasing poverty, rising unemployment, rule by an elite and their corporations– many of the same problems we’re experiencing today.  Henry George described the cause of these problems and proposed a remedy which is even more applicable today than it was in his time. His book Progress & Poverty, perhaps the best-selling nonfiction book of the 19th century, presented his analysis and solution.

In this “classic” version of the course, students are encouraged to read the original 1879 text, and/or modern summaries and supplements, and to evaluate what George says against their own experience and understanding. You’ll gain a new understanding of how the economy works, which public policies promote liberty and prosperity, and which don’t.

Class meets every Tuesday, beginning 6:15PM on January 19, ending March 22.  More information about the course is here and here. Pre-registration is helpful but not required.

Jul
27
Wed
High Cost of Government Revenue @ Henry George School suite 1207
Jul 27 @ 6:00 pm

 

"Chuck on Tax Day" Credit: Chuck Holton cc-licensed
“Chuck on Tax Day” Credit: Chuck Holton cc-licensed

Do we need to suffer like this (and/or pay someone else) in order to fund government?  In this presentation, HGS instructor Bob Jene looks at what it costs to collect income taxes.  The direct cost to the government of operating the Internal Revenue Service is only a small part, as the burden put on the taxpayer, and the diversion of effort from productive uses, should also be considered.

Sep
5
Mon
Henry George Day
Sep 5 @ 3:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Peace
Another of the vignettes created for the School in the 1990s by the late Evanston artist Bill Judson

We’ll gather in a rustic south Evanston back yard [you get the exact address when you RSVP] to commemorate Henry George’s 177th birthday (actually he was born September 2, but that’s inconvenient for most working folks).  This year, we’re also celebrating, we hope, the School’s new location (yet to be determined at this writing).

Thanks to the generosity of HGS supporters past and present, everyone who’s completed any HGS course, ever, is welcome to attend without charge. Bring a significant other, or a friend who might find HGS of interest, also no charge.  And of course no charge for your minor dependents. We hope to see people who might have taken a course years ago and almost lost touch with us. Come by, meet some of the new students and graduates, as well as the volunteer staff.

There will be food, drink, a lot of conversation and maybe some productive discussion about how to help our community understand how the economy works, the fundamental principles which can be harnessed to bring prosperity and freedom.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let us know by Friday September 2 whether you’ll be coming.  It would be great, but not required, if you can bring something to share.  Monetary donations are also extremely welcome, and can be made here, or by check to the School, or at the event.

Feb
14
Tue
No Wall, No Privilege: How True Free Trade Can Raise American Wages and End Poverty @ Overflow Coffee Bar
Feb 14 @ 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm
No Wall, No Privilege: How True Free Trade Can Raise American Wages and End Poverty @ Overflow Coffee Bar | Chicago | Illinois | United States

International trade has been a continuing issue throughout our history. The issues Henry George confronted in the late 19th century were similar to those raised in the recent election. His careful analysis showed that both sides were wrong, and proposed a trade policy to raise real wages of working Americans.

Despite huge social, technological, and demographic changes since George’s time, his analysis requires only very minor updates, and concludes that today, again, both sides are wrong. Take this opportunity to understand and evaluate for yourself a proposal to achieve widespread prosperity, here and now, thru True Free Trade.

This free presentation by Henry George School instructor Chuck Metalitz is adapted from our “Protection or Free Trade” course.

Sep
4
Mon
Henry George Day
Sep 4 @ 3:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Thinking inside the box outside. Image credit: Frits Ahlefeldt (cc)

We’ll gather in a rundown south Evanston back yard [you get the exact address when you RSVP; be assured it is half a mile to publc transportation.] to commemorate Henry George’s 178th birthday (actually he was born September 2, but by tradition we use Labor Day).  This year, we’re also celebrating our transition to a virtual school using multiple locations, no longer paying monthly rent to a landlord.

Thanks to the generosity of HGS supporters past and present, everyone who’s completed any HGS course, ever, is welcome to attend without charge. Bring a significant other, or a friend who might find HGS of interest, also no charge.  And of course no charge for your minor dependents. We hope to see people who might have taken a course years ago and almost lost touch with us. Come by, meet some of the new students and graduates, as well as the volunteer staff.

There will be food, drink, a lot of conversation and maybe some productive discussion about how to help our community understand how the economy works, the fundamental principles which can be harnessed to bring prosperity and freedom.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let us know by Friday September 1 whether you’ll be coming.  It would be great, but not required, if you can bring something to share.  Monetary donations are also extremely welcome, and can be made here, or by check to the School, or at the event.

Sep
7
Fri
Progress & Poverty course begins @ Levy Center
Sep 7 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

More information about this six-session course is here. and here.  This section of the course is free but you should preregister.