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.
If you want to understand the underlying causes of persistent poverty in America, you’ll benefit from this course. This is the “modern” version, based on Bob Drake’s “Abridged for Modern Readers” edit of Henry George’s original book. As always, the first class session is entirely free, but if you decide to enroll in the course we request a $25 fee to help cover costs. Veteran HGS instructor Bob Jene will help you understand not only the causes of economic stagnation, but a workable remedy.
This course will meet for six consecutive Friday’s beginning January 6. Our space at Overflow Coffee Bar is directly served by CTA routes 62 and 29, and a reasonable walk from Red, Green, and Orange Line Roosevelt station, as well as Metra Electric’s Museum Campus and 18th Street stops.
“The purpose of Newspeak was not only to provide a medium of expression for the world-view and mental habits proper to the devotees of IngSoc, but to make all other modes of thought impossible. It was intended that when Newspeak had been adopted once and for all and Oldspeak forgotten, a heretical thought – that is, a thought diverging from the principles of IngSoc – should be literally unthinkable, at least so far as thought is dependent on words.“
— George Orwell
Something like this has happened to the field of economics, says Dan Sullivan. Terms which had clear meanings to Adam Smith, J S Mill, and other classical economists have got distorted and redefined– or obliterated– to prevent serious discussion of economic issues. Going back to the roots of political economy, Dan suggests the real point of a proper science of economics would be to efficiently satisfy the desires of the people, both individually and collectively.
Dan will help us distinguish between “rights” and “privileges,” “investments” and “acquisitions”, and several distinct concepts that all get called “wealth.” He’ll address the difference between “means of production” and “capital,” and differentiate “human capital” from modern slavery.
You can understand today’s economic issues such as minimum wages, tax policy, international trade, housing costs, and unemployment, but only if you have a clear idea of the fundamental terms. These terms can be readily comprehended by ordinary people and do not lead to any particular “left” or “right” public policy, but they facilitate informed communication.
There will of course be time for questions and discussion.
Based in Pittsburgh, Dan Sullivan is a popular speaker on economic issues, and Director of Saving Communities
Introducing Progress & Poverty
In less than two hours, you’ll gain new insight into the causes of low wages, worsening inequality, and economic stagnation, and examine a proposal that could create genuine opportunity for everyone willing to work.
After an overview of Henry George’s early life and work, you’ll consider why most current policies and proposals not only fail to solve problems of poverty and inequality, but often worsen them. You’ll then consider Henry George’s straightforward method for raising wages while lowering the actual cost of living, focusing on how it can apply today, even solving some 21st-century problems.
While Introducing Progress & Poverty is complete in itself, it’s also the first session of our Progress & Poverty course, which starts September 6 at our loop location, 333 S. Wabash.
Introducing Progress & Poverty
In less than two hours, you’ll gain new insight into the causes of low wages, worsening inequality, and economic stagnation, and examine a proposal that could create genuine opportunity for everyone willing to work.
ALTHOUGH THIS EVENT IS FREE, YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER BY EMAILING events@hgchicago.org or phoning 312/362-9302, so that building security will be notified to admit you.
After an overview of Henry George’s early life and work, you’ll consider why most current policies and proposals not only fail to solve problems of poverty and inequality, but often worsen them. You’ll then consider Henry George’s straightforward method for raising wages while lowering the actual cost of living, focusing on how it can apply today, even solving some 21st-century problems.
While Introducing Progress & Poverty is complete in itself, it’s also the first session of our Progress & Poverty course, which continues on Thursdays thru November 17.