Photo of people going to work by Ejaz Asi (cc) via Flickr
Our final Progress & Poverty course for calendar year 2013 begins Monday November 11 at 6PM. This is the six-session class that uses Bob Drake’s modernized abridgement of Henry George’s original text. Instructor Bob Jene brings long experience and deep knowledge of political economy to his work, and will help you understand the fundamental problems which have prevented the elimination of widespread poverty in America and the world. At 30 E Adams #1207, six Monday sessions beginning November 11. You can enroll here, or to find out more phone 312 450 2906 or email the instructor.
Bob Jene compares the geoist fiscal reform to the TARP bailout, “Fair” Tax, Flat Tax, Bush tax cuts, and government money creation. Each proposed or attempted solution to the great recession will be given. Attendees will rank the proposed measures to get out of the recession on a scale of 1 to 10 based on eight criteria.
This presentation will begin at 6PM on Monday, Oct 28, at 30 E Adams #1207. Free, donations welcome. For information, or just to let us know you’re coming, email Bob Jene or phone him at 312 450 2906. Bob will save a place for Janet Yellen.
Copies of Henry George’s books are in the library of this house (photo credit: Teemu via flickr(cc)
The Political Economy Book Club continues its discussion of this remarkable work by Henry George, Jr. The Oct 23 session focuses on the second part, “Formulation of the Philosophy.” The book is in many libraries and is inexpensively available from various sources, or you can read it here.
This meeting will be at 6PM on Wed Oct 23, at 30 E Adams #1207, and there is no charge. If you have any questions or want to let us know you’re coming, email PEBC coordinator Bob Matter or call 312 450 2906.
A fundamental economic concept expressed in Atchison, KS, in 1902. Image by Thiophene_Guy via flickr (cc)
This Saturday morning class is the classic version, taking ten sessions (two each Saturday for five weeks) to provide a detailed look at the obstacles to prosperity and Henry George’s recommendations for overcoming them. Along the way you’ll gain insight into how the economy works (and why it often doesn’t). And you may be able to obtain college credit (more here).
The course is designed around Henry George’s original Progress and Poverty text, but if you find you lack time to read the entire thing there are abridgements available. There are also small supplementary readings which bring the ideas George expressed in 1879 into the 21st century. While all the material is posted on-line, you will also receive hardcopy when you pay your $25 registration fee. Continue reading “Oct 19 Sat 10AM: Progress & Poverty (classic) course begins”
The normal fee for this service is $250 (in addition to our regular $25/course registration fee to help cover materials costs). This fee goes to the Henry George Institute toward reimbursing their cost (and time) getting the arrangement established.
While the $325 total is still about the lowest price you’ll find for three credit hours, the first three students receiving credit won’t even have to pay this amount. The Henry George School board has decided to cover the $250 cost for these first three. (The $25/course registration fee will remain, but can be waived in exchange for labor.)
To take advantage of this offer, you should enroll in one of our Progress & Poverty courses this term. The two subsequent courses, Applied Economics/International Trade and Economic Science, will be scheduled in the subsequent term(s) in accordance with your needs. You will then take the required exam (which should not be difficult once you’ve completed the courses). Having passed the exam, you will receive a recommendation for credit. Neither Henry George School nor Henry George Institute can grant academic credit; this is ultimately up to the registrar of the institution in which you are (or will be) enrolled. So it is best to check with them before beginning the process with us.
If you’re interested in pursuing college credit for Henry George School courses, email us .
Progress & Poverty is our fundamental course, in which you will learn the causes of persistent poverty and have the opportunity to evaluate a proposed remedy. The section starting Wed Oct 2 is the “modernized” version, and the course is completed in six Wednesday afternoon sessions. Optional pre-registration form is here. There is a $25 fee for the course but this first session is free. For further information phone 312 450 2906 or email the instructor
“Headed to Work” by Andrew Becraft (cc) via flickr
This is not the history of labor unions, tho they are certainly included. It’s broader than that, the history of how Americans have made a living over the centuries. The main (but not the only) text is Henry George’s Social Problems, a very accessible work, which does not presuppose any particular understanding of political economy. More about the course is here. Meets for ten weeks, every Tuesday thru November 19. Preregistration is available here, or just show up and sign up after the first class. $25 fee covers the entire course. For more information, email the instructor or phone 312 450 2906.
Leading up the the 2013 Monetary Reform Conference, Bob Jene will examine the American Monetary Institute‘s proposed Monetary Reform Act. This amendment to the U S Constitution will be compared to Henry George’s ideas on money. Steve Zarlenga‘s analysis of Henry George’s ideas, showing George was an important monetary reformer, will also be discussed. (Zarlenga is author of The Lost Science of Money.)
At 30 E Adams #1207, free, donations welcome. For further information email Bob Jene or phone 312 450 2906.
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 rich, but led to continued poverty, unemployment, and even the recent economic meltdown. “I’ve made piles of money using the principles taught at the Henry George School,” he says. “Sure, it’s stolen money, but if I didn’t steal it, somebody else would.”
George’s talk is titled “How I Made $1 million in Chicago Real Estate: I $tole it from You” and will be next presented on Thursday, September 12 at 6 PM, at 30 E Adams St. #1207. It’s free and open to all. It’s also the first session of our Progress & Poverty course (modern version), which will continue on Thursdays thru October 10. As with all our courses, the $25 registration fee need not be paid until the end of the first session, and the instructor will provide a personal and accessible explanation of Henry George’s ideas. You can pre-register here, or just show up. You are also welcome to attend just this session; there is no obligation or expectation that everyone attending will enroll.
Should you wish additional information, call (312 450 2906) or email us.
The Political Economy Book Club takes up Henry George, Jr‘s biography of his father. Junior was a skilled writer and professional journalist, important in the single tax movement, and a political activist who served two terms in the U S House of Representatives. The book is available at some public and university libraries and used copies can be inexpensive. Free downloads of the text are available here and here.
The September discussion (at 30 E Adams #1207) will cover the first part (“Formation of the Character”) of the book. The event is free, though donations to help pay the rent are appreciated. PEBC convenor Bob Matter would appreciate an RSVP by email or phone (312 450 2906) if you hope to attend, and can answer any questions.
