Cuts to Aged Care

Here is what Kaye Lee found out:

Kaye LeeJune 29, 2014 at 3:18 pm

To just underline the society we now live in…..

Tony Abbott’s $1.7bn cut to the Commonwealth Home Support Program will affect services including Meals on Wheels, respite care, cleaning, maintenance and other in-home services for elderly Australians living in their homes.

The government said the $1.7bn in savings from this measure would be directed to repairing the budget.

A $1.5bn scheme to fund wage increases for the aged-care workforce will also be scrapped, but the money will be redirected into boosting subsidies to aged-care providers by 2.4 per cent.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/cuts-to-aged-care-to-rake-innbsp25bn/story-fnmbxr2t-1226916709506

Our What the Frack Tour – June 21, 2014

The Most Revolutionary Act

 taranaki frackings siteslegend: red triangle: fracking well sites

red flame: gas/oil production stations

red pin: deep well injection sites

green pin: “land farms” and land treatment sites.

 source: Climate Justice Taranaki

We Have Been Invaded

As you can see from the above map, pristine Taranaki dairyland has been totally invaded and colonized by foreign oil and gas companies. New Zealand’s lax regulatory environment has produced a feeding frenzy. Eager to offshore as much profit as possible, they have transformed our clean green countryside into an industrial site.

A recent report by the New Zealand Commissioner for the Environment is highly critical of both Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) and New Plymouth District Council for their failure to regulate foreign energy companies in accordance with existing New Zealand law.

The PCE, bless her, makes the link between fracking and climate change front and center in her report. In her introduction, she questions…

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Die Trümmerfrau

 http://www.laenvie.com/2007/05/helene_lohe_my_.html

This is a link to a story about a Trümmerfrau, a woman  in Berlin who during and after the war started working as a ‘rubble’ woman. She did this for ten years. This woman, who apparently had come from a well to do family,  lost everything during World War II: Her husband, her seven room apartment, everything.

A ‘rubble’ woman worked to clear the rubble away that was left after all the bomb raids. Peter’s mother became one at the end of the war until she could go back to her post-office position.

 

Napoleon Bonaparte

https://www.debate.org/debates/Napoleon-Bonaparte-Was-Not-a-Warmongering-Conquerer/1/

The following is taken from an online debate Above is a link to it.

” . . . ..   Not even being the ‘First Consul for Life’ satisfied him. No, he had to become ‘An enlightened despot’ *** He became Emperor of the French and his satellite nations. He aspired to style himself as the famed Roman emperor Augustus Caesar (who, I may also add, initiated many conflicts).
“Why were the conscripts actually eager to sign up? Why, in 1815, when he returned to France, not a single soldier fired on him and joined him instead? He was immensely popular with the army and continued to be until the very end.”

this, in itself, is a peculiar statement. Conscripts eager to sign up? Isn’t that oxymoronic? Conscripts are forced to sign up; there may be a few who do so willingly, but the majority of them do it so that their families do not get persecuted. Let us compare it to Hitler’s armies. He utilize conscription and thousands and millions signed up for the ‘Fuhrer’ and the ‘Reich’. Everybody was pleased to be a German soldier in 1939, 1940 and 1941, when Hitler owned Europe, the Allies torn, Russia invaded and England besieged. It is a like manner that men conditioned by propaganda would sign in Napoleon’s armies – for their nation. While the nation expands and is victorious, they can earn medals, eat well, receive payment and treat life as plentiful. When the fighting gets grim, do you really think that these conscripts and soldiers were happy, as you proclaim? Of course not! As I have also mentioned, these men were carefully conditioned by propaganda. They were soldiers of the ‘greatest’ and most victorious nation of Europe. Why not fight? To their doom.

I have never denied that he was very considerate in his political, administrative and religious achievements. This is true, but it is also irrelevant as to whether or not he was a warmonger. He precipitated and began several conflicts. He ruthlessly consolidated power and manipulated leaders until he controlled a vast portion of Europe – of which very little naturally belonged to him.

“vassal states”, as my opponent agrees, are too true. Napoleon created many of which were subjugated by him.

Here are some quotations that the reader may find interesting from the book, “The Art of Warfare in the Age of Napoleon.”

“But it was Napoleon, however, and not the Russian ruler who actively prepared for aggression.” *

Thus, I have clearly demonstrated that Napoleon, by definition in Round 1, was a warmonger. He certainly advocated every war that he fought in. He endorsed them all and precipitated most of them (such as mobilizing and attacking before Austria even realized that war had been declared in England and France, or marching on Russia while Russia was astonished), even if he only actually declared war for a few of them. I proved that Napoleon grasped power and always attempted to consolidate more of it; such was his greed. He also was paranoid to lose it, as many other famed warmongers have been – Hitler and Stalin foremost among them.

Thanks for a wonderful Debate, Nazgul. I think I’ll take you up on that offer. this has been most interesting!

Readers, since I have clearly shown that Napoleon was, no matter how many civil achievements, a warmonger. Vote Con!”

~
“The Art of Warfare in the Age of Napoleon.” * http://books.google.ca…

WORLD WAR II

I browsed through a number of pages about the two World Wars in the English section of the German magazine DER SPIEGEL.  It is a topic that interests me since I did experience WORLD WAR II as a child in Germany. I would like to understand how sliding into wars could be avoided. Here is the introduction to these articles and a link to them:

 

 

An Endless Legacy

World War II brought more suffering to humanity than any other event in the 20th century. Nearly 60 million people died throughout six years of war, which saw atomic bombs, cities flattened and the Holocaust. Out of the war sprung the atomic age, the Cold War and the division of Germany.

 

http://www.spiegel.de/international/topic/world_war_ii/

The Association for Good Government

I copied here another page about an association promoting the teachings of Henry George:

About the Association and a little History PDF Print E-mail
The general framework of George’s social philosophy is rooted in the view of Thomas Jefferson that the cause of social problems is an inequality of rights.The problem Henry George addresses is the problem of involuntary poverty.  He sees this problem essentially as one of unequal rights to land.  His teaching is founded upon the right to use land, land being the whole material universe, the “reservoir” as he says, from which all production comes. Because we are many the right to use land is an equal right.Henry George argues that the task of government is to secure these equal rights to land for everyone. However, George points out that observation of the institution of private property in land shows that it entails the very opposite of equal rights in land.In the social law of rent (the fact that productivity is enhanced by location) George finds an “adjustment” in nature that permits government to secure the equal right to land. For, if government took the value of locations, each would be left with land of equal value.   By discouraging the holding of land for gain this charge would also permit all to use land.

The value given by location is land value. If collected, taxes on production might be done away with. For that reason his proposal was called a ‘single tax’. Some have reduced that proposal to some limited use of land value taxation.

More generally George gave a proposal that assists in the resolution of many land problems.    Where land is held exclusively the occupant must pay for the social and natural advantages that constitutes the value of its location. Other land is common and subject to the equal right of all to use. The “market value” of such land and of those common services on it are captured in the value of land held exclusively.

George considered that the value of land would rise faster than wages as a proportion of production. He also believed that it exceeded the needs of government and that it might be made use of for cultural puposes or distributed among the citizens as a kind of ‘dividend’.

History


The Association for Good Government began in September, 1901, as the Sydney Single Tax League until 1913 when the name Free Trade and Land Values League was adopted. One of many organisations inspired by the influence of Progress and Poverty (1879) and by the visit of its author, Henry George, to Australia in 1890.

The usual name taken by these organisations had been ‘Single Tax Clubs’. Its founders, however, now chose a different name ‘Free Trade and Land Values League, to represent its changing policies. That name generally alternated with ‘NSW Henry George League’ until 1965 when the name ‘Association for Good Government’ was adopted. At the same time its magazine (founded in December, 1905, as The Standard) was renamed Good Government.

The organisation consolidated all Georgist organisations in Sydney into one. A.G. Huie the first Secretary made ‘country visits’ by car to collect subscriptions, speak at open air meetings and maintain contact with members in outlying towns in NSW.  Huie must hold something of a record since he became Secretary in 1901 and only retired in 1955. He also edited the journal.

During its over 100 years of history the Association has maintained a remarkably consistent set of activities, holding conferences, seminars, courses and committee meetings, maintaining a journal and writing submissions to government and letters to the press and others upon issues as divergent as civil liberties, privatisation and taxation.

At all times it has held to the main concerns of its founders, to bring to the attention of the public the importance of equal rights in the earth and an understanding of economic rent to social stability and prosperity.

In 2006 the Association formed a Branch in Canberra.

 

Here is another link about the Association for Good Government:

ABOUT PROSPER AUSTRALIA

Maybe some of my blogger friends are interested in this page:

Prosper Australia is a non government organisation inspired by economic justice. When wealth produced from land – the earth and natural monopolies – is the funding base for government, equality of opportunity becomes possible for all humanity.

This concept was developed during the 18th Century era of Classical Economics. The theory was clarified when the self-educated Henry George wrote “Progress and Poverty”. The success of this book and the strength of his oratory prompted a world-wide movement.

We reach out to business on lower taxes and greater efficiencies (through the removal of deadweight taxes) and to progressives on urban density, self funding public infrastructure and resource conservation.

Prosper Australia is primarily a voluntary organisation with sister organisations throughout Australia and the world.

In Victoria we have a number of related groups including:

In Tasmania we have:

Around Australasia we have associated groups in the Association for Good Government (NSW), the Georgist Education Association (W.A), Site Revenue Society (QLD) & Resource Rentals for Revenue Association (NZ).

Beginnings

Prosper Australia grew out of the ferment of social reform at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although there was landowner opposition to the idea of untaxing work and taxing land instead, this reform enjoyed widespread support. During the first twenty years or so of the last century our journal PROGRESS reached a circulation of 20,000. Both the conservative and Labor Parties put Land Value Taxation on their policy platforms. A good beginning had been made. We were part of a wider movement for a more equitable society and dynamic economy.

Financial Security

During the dislocation of the war years, support waned. However people were still enthused. A band of businessmen clubbed together and bought a property so that the organization would have a permanent home and duration. Another very generous benefactor donated money and began the Henry George Foundation (Australia). These initiatives gave the movement a sound financial base.

Early Plans

Key economic reforms could be made at a local level: to levy council rates on the value of the location and not on the buildings. Once the merits of land value capture was demonstrated at a local level we could then move onto the State and Federal.

Success

In Victoria, to make the change from net annual value to site value rating, a ratepayer poll was required in which 40 per cent of ratepayers demanded council conduct a poll to decide on the rating system preferred by the majority. Data was painstakingly collated to show site value rating was just and equitable and that most people would benefit. This hard work lead to a gradual shift and councils submitted to the demand of ratepayers with changes to site value rating. This was clearly democracy at work.

Disappointment

In the 1970’s, a change to the law in Victoria introduced a charge of $1 to view the value of an allotment (a land title). This had been free. Here was a deathblow to anyone compiling local government statistics, and was a serious set back to our organisation. Our statistics had shown conclusively that ordinary people and hardworking businesses were better off with Site Value rating. The final blow to our local government work was the return to net annual value (or Capital Improved Value), disguised in the Kennett-era amalgamation of councils. Ratepayers who had used the democratic process to move the rate base to Site Value were now rated on their improvements as well. Kennett also increased the cost of viewing land titles to $20 per title.

Canberra and Leasehold

The Site Value system of revenue raising worked very well in Canberra. Planners knew that when siting the national capital in Canberra became publicly known, it would prompt a crippling land grab. A leasehold system was devised to stop this. Canberra was created without land speculation and prohibitive high land prices. Canberra designer Walter Burley Griffin, a member of our organisation in the early years, helped draw up the leasehold system. This stood the test of time until the 1970’s when the Gorton Government all but abolished it. At the time Prosper campaigned for a revamp of the leasehold system, as we saw the real problem was not the leasehold system but that intervals between valuations were too spasmodic.

Never say Die

The loss of the leasehold system in Canberra and the local government rating change were heavy blows to Georgists. All our hard work was systematically dismantled. The local government work had not led to permanent improvement. We did not have the success which we had at first envisaged. Today, the popularity of tax havens combined with the compliance costs heaped on modern business mean that in the near future our views will return to their rightful place. Our challenge is to put the undeniable evidence before citizens.

About Us Today

Our Focus

Prosper is part of a worldwide network working for economic justice. We believe a just revenue system lies at the heart of many of Australia’s social issues. We are concerned about poverty, homelessness, joblessness, community fragmentation and the destruction of our environment. We know most people share our concerns. Prosper Australia differs in its approach to addressing these issues from many other groups. We not only ask “How is Government spending to be allocated?”, we also ask, “What is the most just way Governments can obtain their revenue?” There is not enough attention paid to the second question because people delegate this complex task to government and trust it to behave impartially. People drive great distances for cheaper petrol, but spend no time analysing why they pay so much tax.

Membership

We are a grassroots, not for profit and educational organization. We are truly independent and not affiliated with any political group. Our members and supporters come from all walks of life. Any one who agrees with our outlook is invited to become a member. We have always enjoyed steady support from academic and business circles and the many people who simply see the sense of funding government this way. We hold regular meetings and forums to lift understanding of these concepts. These meetings are advertised on our web site and in our 109 year old journal Progress Magazine

How Do We Keep it All Running?

Members elect an Executive each year to direct Prosper’s activities. The executive meets monthly. The movement’s work is done by volunteers and a small cadre of thinkers and communicators from our rooms in the heart of the city of Melbourne. Here we have meeting rooms, our research library and bookstore. Members are welcome to use the facilities, deepen their understanding and debate the issues.

Outreach

We maintain a panel of speakers to address other organisations on these key economic issues. We reach out constantly to environmental, community and political groups. If you would like a speaker for your group simply contact us.

Forums

Are held regularly in our meeting rooms at Level 2/22 Punch Lane, Melbourne. We promote rigorous community debate on economic, social and environmental issues. All are welcome. Check our Events.

Research

Prosper collates fresh economic data from a wide range of sources, including our own researches. The foundations of Georgism are laid out in our Council Ratings system. We provide Australia with the evidence that many say is world-best practice through the Land Values Research Group. The Site Rating Defence Group also does exceptional work. Individual members and a Researcher contribute as well. Check the evidence

Progress Journal

Yes, since 1904. This impressive record “is a tribute to the succession of capable editors who are willing to give their services in an unpaid capacity to the production of our paper. It is equally a tribute to the members of our movement who, through their subscriptions and donations, have met the printing and distribution costs over such a long period in the quest for economic and social justice.” (Progress Centennial Edition)

Your Invitation

We rely solely on the strengths of our arguments to win supporters. We do not pressure people to conform with our beliefs, but we do hope that now that you have found our website you will take time to consider the importance of what we are saying. Please join today, but if you would like more information, why not take up our offer of a free introductory subscription to Progress Magazine. There are many similar organisations around the world that you can investigate via our links page.

To curious minds!

The Henry George Institute

Maybe some of my blogger friends would like to have a look at thie page about the Henry George Institute. Personally I agree very much with the Henry George philosophy that the earth should be shared and that people should be allowed to keep the fruit of their labour.

The Henry George Institute

121 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016
Email: teacher@henrygeorge.org

is incorporated as a non-profit organization in New York State. Founded in 1971, it is a membership organization supported by dues and contributions. In the belief that the philosophy of Henry George has important answers to today’s urgent problems, the Institute is established to promote this philosophy by educational means. Here is our current list of members.

You can join the HGI, renew dues, or make a contribution right here!

The Institute offers

distance-learning courses via the Internet and regular mail. Our three-course series in Principles of Political Economy includes Understanding Economics, Applied Economics: Globalization and Trade and Economic Science. These courses may be taken separately, but together they provide a comprehensive overview of basic economic theory and issues. The Principles of Political Economy series is recommended for college credit. For more information, Click here.

An additional advanced course explores Human Rights (by regular mail only). A certificate is given at the end of each course.

For the study of political economy you need no special knowledge, no extensive library, no costly laboratory. You do not even need text-books nor teachers, if you will but think for yourselves. All that you need is care in reducing complex phenomena to their elements, in distinguishing the essential from the accidental, and in applying the simple laws of human action with which you are familiar. — Henry George
Statement of purpose

In accordance with the philosophy of Henry George, the Henry George Institute holds that all persons have a right to the use of the earth and that all have a right to the fruits of their labor. To implement these rights it is proposed that the rent of land be taken by the community as public revenue, and that all taxes on labor and the fruits of labor be abolished. The Institute believes with George that “liberty means justice and justice is the natural law,” and that the social and economic ills besetting the world today are the result of non-conformance to natural law. The Institute pledges itself to bring this philosophy to the attention of the public by all suitable means.

We invite

interested persons who are in accord with the Georgist philosophy to join. Annual dues are $20; contributions above this amount are welcome, and all contributions are tax deductible.

Members receive

a membership card, a copy of the By-laws, notices of meetings and other communications, and The Georgist Journal, an international quarterly of news and exchange of views. Members are eligible to vote in the annual election for the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee.

For a sample copy of the Georgist Journal, click here.

Understanding Economics

Board of Directors, 2014

Gordon Dickson Abiama
Wyn Achenbaum
Hanno T. Beck
George L. Collins
Marcial A. Cordon
Mike Curtis
Mason Gaffney
Gilbert Herman
Nicholas David Rosen
Jacob Shwartz-Lucas
Mark A. Sullivan
Sue Walton

This map bears a stamp from every country in which the HGI has had students.
You can join online

Just complete the form below. NOTE: Please use this form if you want to become a member of the Henry George Institute. When you click the button below, you’ll have an opportunity to remit your dues, either online or by mail. If you want information on our correspondence courses, please click here.

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Do you agree with the Henry George Institute’s Statement of Purpose as shown on this page?

Obama’s Privatization Agenda

Who wants privatization? What can people do to prevent it?

The Most Revolutionary Act

obama

Guest post by Steven Miller

(This is the 3rd of 6 guest posts in which Miller describes how Obama is re-engineering society on behalf of the ruling elite.)

Part III – Obama’s Privatization Agenda

From Obama’s State of the Union Address:

So, tonight, I propose a “Fix-It-First” program to put people to work as soon as possible on our most urgent repairs, like the nearly 70,000 structurally deficient bridges across the country. And to make sure taxpayers don’t shoulder the whole burden, I’m also proposing a Partnership to Rebuild America that attracts private capital to upgrade what our businesses need most: modern ports to move our goods; modern pipelines to withstand a storm; modern schools worthy of our children.”  (9)

This statement is a call for privatization that follows the speculative agenda described previously. Supposedly “to save taxpayer’s money”, the President offers corporations ownership of the public infrastructure…

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