discuss local economic issues.
The group was interesting because of those who chose to be present. Many
people who have a long term investment in the community and in improving
the health and welfare of the community. Six of those present are
current members of the e-Democracy neighbours forums.
Much of the discussion was about the previous work and current interests
of the various people present. Several of us like Deidre herself have
histories of active participation going back 40 or more years. However
one participant was 14 years old and her mother was "here to learn."
Issues of concern raised:
The current over investment in housing, making us all poorer and holding
NZ back.
The need to think again about our "ownership" of land and what that means.
The fraudulent nature of the current banking system. (Worldwide not just
here.)
The need for an ecology of currencies.
What is our exposure to the derivative markets?
A core issue is that people don't understand what money is.
"People suffer because of learned helplessness."
Deidre Kent says that there are people in in several NZ political
parties, currently discussing economic and monetary reform. Her view is
that the way to kick them all along is the set up a rival political
organisation. Her suggested vehicle is "The New Economics Party."
To date that party is only a few people, a general agenda and a web
site. There is a plan to build on that for the coming election, but that
depends entirely on support from the public.
Deidre Kent issues a general invitation to go to the web site and
register an interest. That doesn't commit anyone in any way, it just
creates a list of people who might be interested. Here's the link.
http://neweconomics.net.nz/
As for the whole group, there is a decision to meet again. Rex Verity
is to convene that meeting.
There are some general ideas about how improvements can be made in local
streets and communities.
There are also ideas about how the CCC might be able to achieve much
more if they encouraged and perhaps backed the development of a voucher
system that encouraged voluntary work in the city.
There are ideas about how a Charitable Trust might be formed to take on
a major project that is currently being neglected by the powers that be,
funding that effort by the creation of an alternate payment system.
A recent book published by the Club of Rome was recommended.
"Money and Sustainability; the Missing Link"
The easy way to find out about that is to visit my own web site, here.
http://www.openfuture.co.nz/services/moneysustainability.html
Take this discussion to the community groups you are part of. There is
value for you in this work.
John