An injudicious tax offers a great temptation to smuggling. But the penalties of smuggling must rise in proportion to the temptation. The law, contrary to all the ordinary principles of justice, first creates the temptation, and then punishes those who yield to it…
— Adam Smith
Book V of Adam Smith’s classic is entitled “Of the Revenue of the Sovereign or Commonwealth,” includes the above as well as many thoughtful passages about what we nowadays call public finance. Our Political Economy Book Club will discuss this final part of Wealth of Nations on Wednesday, November 12. You can download or read the book on line from severalsources, borrow it from many public libraries, or purchase a copy inexpensively.
For further information or to let us know you’re coming, email PEBC coordinator Bob Matter or call 312 450 2906.
François-Marie Arouet (1694–1778), known as Voltaire
America’s only Political Economy Book Club discusses Candide, Voltaire’s 1759 masterpiece that ridicules religion, theologians, governments, armies, philosophies and philosophers through allegory. As Jean Starobinski notes,”The fast-paced and improbable plot—in which characters narrowly escape death repeatedly, for instance—allows for compounding tragedies to befall the same characters over and over again.”
It’s only a hundred pages or so depending on the translation and format, and is available in English translation free from Project Gutenberg (in several formats) as well as from the Internet Archive, where there is also an audiobook.
PEBC coordinator Bob Matter would appreciate an RSVP, if possible, from those planning to attend.
For information regarding this focus group click here, where you can also request an invitation. Attendance is limited and confirmed reservations will be required.
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.
This late 19th-century novel about nobleman Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhlyudov’s efforts at redemption after a life of sin is Tolstoy’s last major novel before his death in 1910. The readers will have a complex relationship with the tormented protagonist and his desperate attempts at redemption and forgiveness, since Nekhlyudov’s misguided decisions and youthful errors are often not so dissimilar from our own. Resurrection is a scathing exposition of the myriad prejudices of the man-made justice system and the hypocrisy of the establishment, while it also explores the economic philosophy of Georgism – of which Tolstoy had become a strong advocate toward the end of his life. [from the Culture Trip]
Political Economy Book Club discussions are open to everyone interested, without charge, and the text (in English translation) is available free from various sources including archive.org, who also offer a free audiobook. There is also a more recent translation by Anthony Briggs, which can be purchased or licensed in various formats and is available in some public libraries. Any questions about the PEBC may be directed to Convenor Bob Matter,
Urban sprawl is threatening to destroy much valuable farmland. We will look at data from one of the leading national organizations trying 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 attempt to facilitate community supported agriculture which makes family farms more viable. The Georgist fiscal reform reduces sprawl alleviating pressure on farmland.
Because it’s important for concerned people to understand the basis of Henry George’s proposal, we have a special offer for college and graduate students in economics, public policy, and related fields. A generous supporter of the Henry George School will pay you $40 to participate in this two-hour program (90 minute presentation plus 30 minutes of discussion and questionnaire). You must bring your school identification card. If you are concerned about the causes of poverty you will find this presentation to be of interest. The session is also open to faculty.
Checks will be mailed. Henry George School reserves the right to limit the number of attendees.
Bob Matter’s Political Economy Book Club is reading Jack London’s dystopian novel The Iron Heel. On June 25 we’ll discuss chapters 1-13, and on July 23 chapters 14-25. This 1908 text is available free from Project Gutenberg, in hardcopy from some public libraries, or as an audiobook. You can buy used hardcopies for < $10 from severalvendors.
“In 1606, approximately 105 British colonists sailed to America, seeking gold and a trade route to the Pacific. Instead, they found disease, hunger, and hostile natives. Ill prepared for such hardship, the men responded with incompetence and infighting. Only the leadership of Captain John Smith averted doom….” (from the book jacket).