Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Concerning the How Noise Pollution Could Send You to the Hospital article:
UK noise measurements have minimum distances from kerb and to buildings which mean that they cannot officially be taken on pavements less than 1.5 m, or about 4 1/2 feet, wide. When I took non official measurements in Bromley, Kent in the 1970s they peaked at 90 dB.
--Diana E Forrest
UKManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Wow!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Concerning the Why Does Government Promote Home Ownership? article:
And another reason - lumbering as many people as possible with stonking great debts will encourage them to stay in, or seek jobs. It will thus reduce dissent.
--Diana E Forrest
UK
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Concerning the Special Guest Essay: The Wickedness of Torture article:
can anyone say "liberal vomit"? is this why liberal media is dying? the general public is a tad smarter than what the author gives them credit for. Try reading russian history, if you can find any not yet revised by liberal educators, and tell me Stalin did not make torture official.
--Erik
USA
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Concerning the Decade of Democracy in South Africa article:
In the first place,great regards to the progress report!.my concern is on the youth in south africa,to be given a chance to participate in the nation bulding since most of them have got the skill to continue the works left aside by our great honourable and moreso our rolemodel,mzee madiba.i want to acknowledge the great work done by our leaders in south africa,but atleast give the youth the chance since a time of making them participants and not objects or allowing them to be parochials 4ever has approached,not only in s.africa but also in other parts of africa. thank you.
--betty
kenya
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Concerning the Ignorance, Apathy, Greed article:
Sounds great, but how do you get the massess who appear to become more apathetic and ignorant of issues to understand and embrace this thought process?!
--George A. Peters, IManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Via movies?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Concerning the Judge Rules Ocean Floor Belongs to U.S. Company article:
I am going to fill my boat with pennies and start staking my claim if thats the case.
--garrett
Monday, July 21, 2008
Concerning the Iran Switch to Euros? Inconsequential! article:
Who controls the world? You dont know. Iran will flood the world with cheep oil who would wont the dollar then. The people countrys that pay our national debt wont pay our nation debt if they can get cheep oil,so bush hast to take Iran out. besides there is enought oil in alaska to last america 200 years but bush wont tell the american people this did you know years back our oil wells were closed down a lot of them,i wonder why? Truth is stranger than fiction.
--Robert
Alabama
Monday, July 21, 2008
Concerning a letter below on this page:
I do not want anyone but me and my mail carrier opening my mail box. --burbyTell that to thieves who look for checks in the mail. Is your mailbox locked?
--Fred Foldvary
California
Monday, July 21, 2008
Concerning the Why Does Government Promote Home Ownership? article:
"The more fundamental reason for promoting home ownership is that each person who owns land is one more voter opposed to an increase in using land value for public revenue. Although the typical home owner is also a worker and also owns financial assets, and would be much better off with an efficiency tax shift that replaces taxes on wages and interest and buildings with a tax on land value, the psychology is such that the real estate is the owner’s biggest asset, he will fight any attempt to increase his property tax. So the big landed interests, those who own valuable commercial real estate, seek the widest possible home ownership, because the little owners are “useful idiots,” allies of the big owners in minimizing taxes on land. Government promotes real estate ownership and excessive land speculation in many ways: >>>>WOW!!!You hit the nail square on the head with this one Fred.
--Warren C.
Massachusetts
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary on Saturday Delivery and USPS versus Private Enterprise article:
YA ya ya, you can always trust private companies to do right by the consumer, look at the last 7 years. Corp. greed will be the end of this country, the usps is the best deal out there for consumers. We have the best and cheapest postage in the world. I do not want anyone but me and my mail carrier opening my mail box.
--burby
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Concerning the Water Crisis Nearing article:
Personally, I think the onus is entirely on the developed world to cut down on its excessive and carefree use of water - and in general, all basic resources. For example, when Id take a shower every morning, the tap in the tub would be running for 15 minutes at full blast. In the past few days, I decided that I dont need to waste so many hundreds of liters of water everyday. I now take a shower with only 2 very small buckets of water - and it is very sufficient to wash myself to satisfaction. If every single one of the 30 million Canadians was to do this, wed save AN AMPLE amount of water. As I see it, there has to be a public uprising and a strong cohesive movement towards the conservation of our renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. And it has to be done BY THE PEOPLE in the developed nations of the world. There must be a joint dedication and commitment between every single individual living in a first world country to cut down on the use of basic resources. Everyone must be informed and active in this act, knowing that what WE - the developed world - do NOW will affect the future of the entire human race. We hold the fate of the world in our hands; we have the ability to build a more prosperous future for the developing nations as well as ourselves by committing ourselves wholeheartedly to practicing utmost care and efficiency in the use of resources. Upon doing this, we can allocate large amounts of conserved resources towards the third world, and with enough public drive, we can alleviate the developing world of poverty. What is NEEDED is a public uproar to pressurize and demand of our wealthy and established governments to reconsider their budgets; to reconsider the fact that we spend trillions of dollars on wars - which only result in the terrorization, destruction, and intimidation of millions of innocent civilians - all over the world. WE - THE PEOPLE of the industrial nations - can and must demand of our governments to take evasive and immediate actions towards rectifying living conditions as well as economic and social infrastructures in the developing world. At the same time, we must also deliver entirely in fulfilling our roles as responsible, environmentally friendly citizens who have compassion and sensitivity towards the underprivileged as well as the future human generations. Only by doing this can we hope to attain a brighter, more hopeful and prosperous future for all of humanity.
--Saad AmjadManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
One thing about water -- it need not be thrown away. Cleaned, it can be used over and over again.
Friday July 18, 2008
Concerning the currency article:
htap://www.BarterKC.com Where KC comes to Barter!
--Ryan Jennings
Friday, July 18, 2008
Concerning the Review of Who Owns Britain article:
Brilliant well done to Kevin Cahill the Country are and should be indebted to him for compilling this information. If possible I would like to print this information out as I am due to visit the House of Commons and speak to my MP Jim Fitzpatrick on Leasehold tenure and how the whole principle of home ownership is biased in favour of the Land owner and leaseholders are being used as cash cows, the whole system is corrupt. web sites to visit inc.www.leasehold-outrage.com and www.clippersquay.info and clippersquaylondon.co.uk visit carl.org.uk these people are starting to wake up to whats going on. I beleive we need Oliver Cromwell back and get rid of all the Norman influence in this country that includes Barons sheriffs etc. it would be good to reclaim back to the anglo saxon (the English)people all the wealth accummilated by the Norman lords who still rule and run England. I look forward to hearing from you as some stage until then. Neil London E14
--Neil Shepherd
Friday, July 18, 2008
Concerning the Land Reform Collapses in Russia article:
Hello, I have heard that now a lot of land is GIVEN to the russian people. The government gives it to them to grow vegetables on. The land itself is tax-free as well as everything grown on it. It is also hereditary from one generation to the next. This is a totally different story. Is it true? Have you ever heard of this? Friendly greetings, Tom.
--Tom
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Concerning the The Tyrant in the Train article:
Land value tapping--is that the same as a property tax?
--Steve Byrd
FloridaManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Half same. The half on land, not the half of the PT on buildings.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Concerning the Parallels Between Iraq War and Vietnam War Are Piling Up article:
All effors should be in Afganistan killing off the taliban. We are in Iraq so bush can finish what his father would not do or could not do in the first gulf war. Remember, bush skipped out of vietnam and ask your self this question: would we be at war if bushes daughters were leading the patrols? I assure you not!!!!!!
--Jeffrey W. Huber
Texas
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Concerning the Saving the Penguins article:
I love penguins. Penguins are my life, i cant live without penguins and my lovely penguin calendar!
--vili lehto
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Concerning the Fuel Saving Tips article:
I would love to give add to the tune up section... A lot of auto shops dont inform customers to change your fuel injectors I had a little over 75K miles and purchased rebuilt injectors, my husband installed them really easily. When we turned the car on, I could tell it even sounded smoother. But better yet, I saved $10 a week on gas expenses from daily commuting to and from work. I just looked them up on google and ebay ads came up. The set only cost me a little under $125 for my Crown Victoria. Leila Manson
--Leila Manson
New York
Tuesday July 15, 2008
Concerning the Gandhi's Life, Part Fifteen article:
The Progress Report is excellent and I enjoyed reading every word of it. Keep up the good work.
--Betty Bond
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Concerning the Fundamentalist state gets goods, even weapons article:
"America sent more cigarettes to Iran, at least $158 million worth under Bush, than any other product, more than twice that of the No. 2 category on the export list, vaccines, serums and blood products worth $73 million. " >>>>> Chemical warfare?
--Warren C.
Massachusetts
Monday, July 14, 2008
Concerning the Mr. Market Spanks Fannie article:
Hear, hear! I have one point to add: In good times, the cavalier attitude fostered by Fannie and Freddie make mortgages available to more people. This makes land pricier. The folks who arent able to scrape together a down payment and secure a mortgage -- those who rent housing -- lose in good times because of soaring rents, and lose in bad times because of rising unemployment.
--Lindy Davies
Maine
Monday, July 14, 2008
Concerning a letter below on this page:
Thursday July 10, 2008 Concerning the currency article: I have just been introduced to the concept through Bernard Lietaers amazing book, "The Future of Money" and am delighted to find this list/resource --Frances Griffiths >>> This list is out of date. To this list should be added BerkShares: Local Currency for the Berkshire Region P.O. Box 125 Great Barrington, MA 01230 USA info@berkshares.org / (413) 528-1737 htap://www.berkshares.org/
--Warren C.
Massachusetts
Monday, July 14, 2008
Concerning the Why Cant Women Sleep? article:
Amazing, this article does not mention what I believe to be the major reason for many women’s nights of mental suffering and lack of sleep. It is fear. We may ask ourselves (during those sleepless nights), how will I survive financially? Who will look after me when I no longer can? Am I safe? These are the fears of the oppressed. Women still earn less than men. Women still suffer high rates of domestic violence. Many women are frightened to leave a relationship for financial reasons, even though it may be an abusive relationship. Many women are still frightened of ‘going it alone’. Many families have either broken up, separated or are not understanding or supportive of a woman’s situation. As an older (63), single woman, my suggestion is to rely on your women friends. They will always support and guide you. They can be trusted. Network, swap, barter, share. The more you do this, the more secure and confident you will feel. This has been my experience.
--kika
australiaManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Good ideas, individually. Politically, I recommend winning a Citizens Dividend. Ciao.
Monday July 14, 2008
Concerning the currency article:
I'm all for it. I am in a LETS ring in Landsberg Germany,and would like to find and recommend one for my brother in Goffstown NH. Could you please help me with contact info ? Thank You,
--Meggen NelsonManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Google Tom Greco. Tell him hi for me.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Concerning the Washington and Jefferson warned us -- can we still hear them? article:
George W. Bush should be tried for Treason!
--Harry Mozen
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary on Saturday Delivery and USPS versus Private Enterprise article:
BY CUTTING OUT SATURDAY DELIVERY WILL NOT DELAY ANY MAIL ON MONDAY... I HAVE WORKED FOR THE POSTAL SERVICE FOR 33 YEARS AND THE VOLUME HAS DONE NOTHING BUT DECLINED, SINCE WE WERE ABLE TO DELIVERY ALL OF THE MAIL AFTER HOLIDAYS, IT BEING DOUBLE TO THE VOLUME NOW, IT IS A BREEZE TO DELIVERY WHAT IS AVAILABLE NOW;. NO MAIL IS LEFT BEHIND
--MYRA CUPP
Friday, July 11, 2008
Concerning the Obscene profits? McCains would know article:
I would like to receive "The Progress Report" articles along with the Economic Justice announcements. Thank you..
--Lori
FloridaManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Just sign up. Thanks.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Concerning the Turning your lawn into a victory garden wont save you, but justice will article:
I completely disagree with abolishing agricultural subsidies. I like the idea that no matter what, the food supply is secure, and if that means keeping farmers on the land, so be it. The problem comes when these subsidized foodstuffs are exported to the Third World, where they undermine farmers overthere. That is the real problem - seeing subsidized foodstuffs as a profit center. Keep them in the country of origin, and stimulate agriculture in the Global South instead, which will help everyone out.
--MrK
EU
Thursday July 10, 2008
Concerning the currency article:
I have just been introduced to the concept through Bernard Lietaer's amazing book, "The Future of Money" and am delighted to find this list/resource
--Frances Griffiths
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Concerning the Making the World Safe for Theocracy article:
Too much have been written about iraq in these days, also in time of sadam hussain.if you are interest to know or analysis any things about Iraq now time or previously i can cover many of your need, because I spent 60 yrs in iraq begining from north of iraq to baghdad specially as govermental engineer with a hobby of iraqi and international political I entered usa as immigrant in january 2008 ..I am intreset to share you in any question only as my hobby and you will sea!!!!!!
--D,A,Daniel
Il /Iraqi origin
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Concerning the Getting to the Heart of Americas Economic Crisis article:
Exactly - highly priced houses have been treated as wealth when in fact they are a drain on enterprise.
--Diana E Forrest
UK
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary on Saturday Delivery and USPS versus Private Enterprise article:
This is by far the most rediculous story that i have ever read. Come down to Earth sometime!
--Ryan FynnManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Should be a soft landing - open minds are like parachutes.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Concerning the The Audacity of Arrogance article:
We are controlled by what it seems; the Government. The Govt. is controlled by elitists that only care about power and control. Beyond that, The elitists are controlled by evil enities/emires that have an agenda for planet earth and humanity. Everyone needs to focus soley on bettering themselves, spiritually and learn to conquer your emotions and learn to love and only love. only then will we be truly free. Revelations and many other ancient cultures talked about these days and the days to come. Learn, grow, make a positive difference in others by spreading true knowledge. Most of all, yes, we do need to try and stop the evils that are ruling the world. Per the information that I have, It will not work... So focus on God and yourself and being ONE with the ONE creator; thats all we can do. There is no war to be fought nor war to be won. The battle is within ourselves, and that is as simple as I can put it.
--Billy V!
USA
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Concerning the Getting to the Heart of Americas Economic Crisis article:
MW: What policies should President Obama enact to rekindle the American dream and breath some life into the battered middle class? Michael Hudson: I think economic circumstances will help impel Mr. Obama to make a swing back toward more classically progressive economic and tax policies. What he really ment to say was nothing will change,all you zombies believe in hope and change while the elite loot us all with land and resource speculation.
--Shane
USSA
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Concerning the Police Corruption is Rife Thanks to Drugs article:
I dont know much ,but to say that someone wasnt looking who was in charge of the officers. Stronger supervision of police officers would cause some of this to go away.
--Tanja
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Concerning the Corporate Welfare Scandal Hits Wal-Mart article:
This is exactly why I have not stepped one foot inside this most Un-American of companies in over four years! WalMart is the perfect example of why corporations need to have their stolen human rights from (1886 Santa Clara v Southern Railroad) taken away from them permanately!
--David S
Illinois
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Concerning the f34 article:
Galileo was tried for heresy because he taught that the earth orbited the sun, instead of the official doctrine that the earth was the center of the universe. A former history professor said that the church knew the truth. Their own astronomers had told them. But, the church was afraid that if this fact became common knowledge, it would destroy the faith of countless believers. Galileo’s heresy trial was a last ditch effort by the church to prevent the inevitable change Galileo’s teaching was yet to cause. The proliferation of anti-nudity laws is exactly the same thing! I’m not saying that we should rejoice in the fact. Far too many innocent people will be hurt by these laws, and the anti-nudity zealots don’t care about these people. Consequently, we should use every reasonable effort to do away with all of these laws – if for no other reason, for the sake of those innocents who would be hurt by them. And we will find that, even though the Supreme Court is stacked so as to have a conservative list, it will strike down the majority of those laws that gets to it. Even so, take heart. As I said, this is a last ditch effort, the last tactic of a lost cause. The time is very near when public nudity will be acceptable, not only by the law, but by most of the population as well. Those who cannot abide public nudity will most likely go join a Mennonite community.
--Art Seaton
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Concerning the The Tyrant in the Train article:
Why have long, hideous commutes at all? People need to live near where they work. Otherwise we get dormitory suburbs and urban wastelands.
--Diana E Forrest
UKManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Good point.
Tuesday July 8, 2008
Concerning the New Consumer Debt Statistics article:
Honestly, let everyone start over from a new clean credit.
--LadyManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
But if we don't make some systemic changes, people will just fall right back deeply into debt again. We got to fix distribution. That means, no taxes on wages and earned profits. It also means a Citizens Dividend, an extra income from society's surplus, an income apart from an individual's labor or capital, one that comes from all our spending on the nature we use. We could use fees for land titles to redirect that spending and dividends like Alaska's oil dividend to share the surplus.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary on the Ozos: 2000-2009 article:
I think in my opinion the zeros is the best-name for this decade, it just is the most accurate of them all I think. The aughts & the naughties I think would be kind of throat-straining to say if you ask me. The Ozos I think could a good one to. I would say that, I still think the zeroes is the best name for this decade though.
--Luke Murphy
Tuesday July 8, 2008
Concerning the All About The Sky Trust article:
IS THERE A "SKY TRUST"BUMPER STICKER AVAILABLE?
--CYNTHIA JARVIS
Monday, July 7, 2008
Concerning the Saving the Penguins article:
i want to save penguins
--max
Monday, July 7, 2008
Concerning the The Tyrant in the Train article:
So, a personal grudge inspires you to make a bunch of braindead general claims about the worth of public transit ... thats "Progress"?
--Dennis Blandford
CaliforniaThe publisher replies --
We notice that you have completely failed to answer any of the points made. If you want to be taken seriously, you have to learn to make counter-arguments, not insults.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Concerning the Can Government Claim Copyright on Public Signs article:
What would you say if I told you that the Park service has told Veterans that they may not hand out Poppies or accept donations if offered to them anywhere on the National Mall. I was threatened with arrest and confiscation of my poppies. I never approached anyone nor did I ask for monetary donation. I was merely handing out the poppies to anyone who asked and if ZI was offered a donation I said thank you.
--John Miska
Monday, July 7, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary: The Real Estate Bubble article:
Cant belief the accuracy!!!!
--Mishael
ondieki1@yahoo.comThe publisher replies --
Yes, Dr. Foldvary is remarkable, you should read his editorials every week. Thanks for writing.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary on the Sales Tax article:
KEEP THE PENNY!
--Scott
Monday, July 7, 2008
Concerning the Land Reform Challenges South Africa article:
A big burden falls up on the white farmers who own the land to admit that the blacks are the original residents and so they are entitled to exactly equal shares. you cant end apartheid in name only, it wasn’t only that blacks were isolated but they also were deprived of right of ownership of their land, through enforcement of laws that enhanced apartheid in its contexts( 1913 ACT). So, any reform should deal with the roots of the problem, which is enforcing counter laws to the ones of 1913 in this case, and who ever is not binding shall face court. The role of law should make all people under the law, and the law should be clear in its context, “no one has the right to own more than the other”. Or “all the land is owned by the government, all private ownerships are cancelled”. And then land can be redistributed based on equality afterwards. taxation on the value of land could offer more land for sale, but not as much as desired. and definitely not all.. Government cant wait for free market like “willing buyer willing seller” to acquire justice.. it should be the case though after all people are owning equal shares of land. it might also be easier with the coming generation; as in the past apartheid was taught to be natural and deliberative, equity and justice should be replaced.
--Saba Shami
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Concerning the Speculation and the Price of Oil article:
One other subsidy of the automobile that needs to be mentioned is the parking requirement, where business and housing cannot take place without attached parking. This has been treated on this site at: htap://www.progress.org/2005/land58.htm
--Joe Johnston
North Carolina
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Concerning the This is the U.S. on drugs article:
Commonsense has to replace ideology and help has to replace punishment if we want to reduce harmful drug use.
--Diana E Forrest
UK
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Concerning the Ruling threatens state tax incentives article:
Citizens have very little to say about how these tax give aways are dispensed and the affect is that they have little interest in who runs government because nothing will change. Local govenment differs from federal government only in the size of the tax incentive corporate welfare. Who runs government? Without a doubt it is corporate America running the financial show.
--evans newstrom
IllinoisManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Yes, but corporations are still legal paper covers for the upper class. And the ruling elite are a product of old laws re property. And those laws rest on custom, the notion that one can own Earth and charge others instead of claim Earth and owe others. Corporation are old landlords in a new guise.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Concerning the South Africa Court ruling on water sets global precedent article:
This article addresses two issues that underlie understanding why LVT is fair and just: -- Whether fresh water, in its natural state, is in the public trust; and -- Whether a need spawns a right.
--Bill Frambach
California
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Concerning the Big changes that were ahead are happening now article:
Thats what we get for going global. Duh. When get too entertwined with other nation and one falls, we ALL fall like a pile of dominoes....ever hear of the domino effect??? I thought these people that did this global crap was supposed to be smart.
--Nancy
OK
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Concerning the The Audacity of Arrogance article:
The trick the rich people have pulled is to get those in the middle convinced that they have interests in common with them, the rich, rather than with poor people.
--Diana E Forrest
UK
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Concerning the What does the Stone Age have to do with us? article:
I love this article. It takes one back to the banter of yesterday on ye olde commune. Hunting & gathering four hours a day does it for me. However we had to give up it to return to the city. The landlord of ye olde commune raised the rent so much we had to get jobs.
--Gloria
IL
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Concerning the Washington and Jefferson warned us -- can we still hear them? article:
For pure pleasure, for those with the time, get hold of "This Happy Land, William Cobbett on America 1794-1835" by Molly Townsend. Compare behaviour today with "impressment" into the Royal Navy of US citizens during the Napoleonic Wars, and a lot more. Wonderfully written. www.williamcobbett.org.uk Jews and Arabs are both Semites. Israel and Arabia are held captive by the USA because the Arabs occupy the oil fields, the Arabs as inmates and Israel as their jailers, on a leash made by the IMF.
--Michael Moore
England
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Concerning the Will The Last Superpower Recognize In Time What We Must Do To Survive? article:
What now? It would be nice to see something specific the average citizen could do to affect some change but this post seems to be about governmental action which I would not trust to act in my best interest. Perhaps it would be best to tell people not to be paralized by fear tactics and instead look to what is currently available. One activity people could do is to stop building homes out of wood. Each tree lost means a gain in CO2. Stop voting against nuclear power and we wouldnt need to burn coal or natural gas to make electricity. There is more that can be done but it must be done in spite of government policies not in support.
--Ben Lear
CaliforniaManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Nuclear power, however, is a figment of government policy, exempting nukes from normal insurance requirements, preparing their fuel, handling their waste, etc. It might make more sense to cut demand for electricity by reducing demand via more efficient homes and motors and shifting supply over to renewable sources like photovoltaics. These advances are things the market would deliver us if not for government interference.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Concerning the Napoleoni Asks -- The Saudis: Friends or Foes? article:
Napoleoni, Could you please write an update to this article. I would like to send this to many friends, but the information, although maybe still valid, is dated 2003. Do you have something current on this? Thank you.
--Roy Moore
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Concerning the Citizens Dividend Dialogue article:
I definatly favor some sort of land reform, land should not be treated as a commodity to be bought, sold and ultimatly degraded. Every one has a right to the earth, it is our home. And no, no one should have to spend years laboring for living space upon a planet that already belongs to everyone. Personally, I favor a system in which each citizen who desires to do so is alloted a certain amount of property, for the purpose of subsistance farming, specialty crops, a small buisness and of course living space. For the most industrious amongst us, larger lots of property could be set aside for large scale industry. These industry sites should be recyclable or renewable and expansion controled by the people or represenitive government. All remaining undeveloped land should be placed within the realm of natural commons for the well regulated use of all. When I say use, I mean hunting, fishing, gathering, or planting in already bare spots. In these commons people could choose to live in tents, or temporary structures made from fallen timber, loose stone, handmade mortar, etc. No commercial development would be allowed, and democratically approved regulation could be applied to hunting, fishing, and gathering practices. Such a system would provide for a maximum choice in lifestyle, respecting personal differences and to a certain degree rewarding even the more aggressive, but not allowing them ownership over the whole earth as is the case now. The industrious could be industrious and the more relaxed individual who just wants to live within their means, and enjoy nature could also do so. As far as taxation, people will pay for the sevices they desire, and since everyone will be entitled to direct benifit of land less goverment services would be needed. All taxation would be strictly voluntary, as true civilization and forced taxation are mutually exclusive. Forced taxation requires the threat of violence, which is exactly the evil civilization is supposed to curtail. As far as freeloaders, we are all freeloaders as none of us has paid for the biological, mechanical, and chemical processes which keep us alive and allow work to be preformed. The last I checked no one had paid a dime towards assuring the sun would rise in the morning. How many of us really want police services? I have only vauge ideas as to how to implement such land use systems, but I am still working on it. In all seriousness this is a subject that I have only recently taken a serious interest in, and I must say that it is a subject that I am becoming more passionate about. I realize more and more that the average person is akin to a slave because of the fact that so many people believe that they should not only have access to land, but also own nature and the earth. This is an afront to intelligence, spirituality, and even common sense once a person takes time to think about the issue. Something must be done to end our unfair, unjust, unnatural private land ownership schemes which deprive so many of their rightfull place and status upon the earth. The world belongs to us all,and when we ignore that fact freedom, peace and justice are nothing but rhetoric spewed by the elite and the many ignorant redneaks amongst us. I have to go for now, but you will be hearing from me again soon. Thanks for your time and your interest in this subject.
--James Guilford
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Concerning the Speculation and the Price of Oil article:
Once again Fred has presented us with a great article but I do take issue with a couple of points. Why would the Saudi Chiefs sell futures for oil at lower than spot prices then they are getting now? The market has become so monopolized or oligopolized that no existing producer has any incentive to increase production to lower prices when they can sell all the oil they are now producing at even higer prices? Another issue is the value of the dollar. Why would you want to sell anything for fewer dollers if the value of those dollars is declining daily? I believe that the high oil prices are directly related to the ratio of the value of the US dollar to basic commodities especially oil. Fred said; "The falling value of the dollar relative to other currencies has also contributed to the rising price measured in dollars. When the dollar has less exchange value, the price of oil in euros and other currencies becomes lower, and so the price of oil gets bid up. But oil priced in euros and other major currencies has also been rising. The price of oil has also risen relative to gold, so the rise is mostly fundamental and not due to the value of the dollar. " The price of oil has risen in dollar terms relative to gold because it seems that gold has ceased to be the inflation hedge and oil and oil futures have replaced gold as a chosen hedge against inflation and the devaluation of the US currency. So now I ask, what would happen to the price of oil if the Fed decided to substantially increase the interest rates? For more discussion go to www.progress.org/cgi/webbbs/config.pl?read
--Warren C.
MA
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Concerning a letter below on this page:
> Concerning the Speculation and the Price of Oil article: Sounds like a compelling argument, but I am not sure I understand who would buy and who would sell the futures contracts and at what price. --Peter Javsicas, Pennsylvania FF: it would be at whatever price the market is setting at that moment. > Would Saudi Arabia be selling and the airlines be BUYING the futures contracts? FF: Saudi Arabia would be selling, to drive the price down. Airlines could join in on the selling side in an organized effort to drive the price down. Airlines buy futures contracts in oil if they expect the price to be higher in the future.
--Fred Foldvary
California
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Concerning the Tanzania Producing Its Own Anti-AIDS Drugs article:
Naomba mnifahamishe kirefu cha ARV. "What is the abbreviation of ARV"
--Emmanuel John
Tanzanian
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Concerning a letter below on this page:
Jeffrey wrote: "When Denmark did this, their workers got the biggest raise in their history." The news today says that Denmark is the happiest country on earth. Think we should pay attention to the Danes re: the Right to Life Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness?
--Nus
FL
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Concerning the Marijuana is Safer Than Alcohol article:
Loved the article, very informative and spot on. More power to anti-prohibition!
--Landin
FL
Monday, June 30, 2008
Concerning the Saving the Penguins article:
I love penguins
--Alyssa
Monday, June 30, 2008
Concerning the Speculation and the Price of Oil article:
Sounds like a compelling argument, but I am not sure I understand who would buy and who would sell the futures contracts and at what price. Would Saudi Arabia be selling and the airlines be BUYING the futures contracts? Would the Saudis sell those futures contracts at current prices? Discounted prices?
--Peter Javsicas
Pennsylvania
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Concerning a letter below on this page:
Mr. Jeffrey Smith, I would like to have an Georgist explanation the case for or against Minimum Wage Laws? I have always struggled to understand it. Conservatives say it hurts businesses and liberals defend their position. If there was a land value tax would there be a need for a minimum wage?
--Thierry
North CarolinaManaging Editor Jeffery Smith replies --
Hi, Thierry. History shows that workers who have more options than just jobs can command higher wages, making a legal minimum unnecessary. When this nation had lots of available land for Euro descendants, wages were quite high compared to Europe. Another way to make land available at affordable prices - better than conquest - is to tax locational value. Then owners don't hoard land but put it to good use, creating a demand for labor. When Denmark did this, their workers got the biggest raise in their history. So, markets can work right for everybody. We don't need conquest. Don't need government interference. All we need to do is recover and share the value of land and nature. And if people got "rent shares", too, besides just having to pay for their land but not having to pay taxes on wages and other earnings, then they could _really_ negotiate a higher wage! So, if people have the power to pass laws to set some wage floor, they should instead use that political power to shift taxes off labor, onto land.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Concerning the Speculation and the Price of Oil article:
Im having trouble getting past the first paragraph of this article: "Speculation and the Price of Oil". You acknowledge that Saudi Arabia has an interest in higher prices, but then you try to discredit the Kings explanation of high prices pointing out that he could stop it if he wanted to. There is a big difference between him graciously explaining OUR problem and him taking action that would hurt his income. I have no particular affinity for the King, especially since a member of the royal family is primarily responsible for 9/11 and is mysteriously able to avoid apprehension. But , your logic is seriously flawed.
--Wayne Waldrop
Texas
Monday, June 30, 2008
Concerning a letter below on this page:
Dont foreget to include the responsibility for safe disposal of nucleaar wastein number 6.
--Mary Anne Hunter
PA
Monday, June 30, 2008
Concerning the Speculation and the Price of Oil article:
Well put, Fred. As you say, "The cure for the high price of oil is to liberate the market." We have seen the paradigm shift in the free market for a quarter century providing answers to save energy and protect the environment via nanotechnology from California to Holland to China. Watch the movie at www.FUEL300.com to see people making it happen, in spite of actions, misactions, or inactions of Speculators, Saudi Kings, or Big Brother.
--Nus
FL
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary on Saturday Delivery and USPS versus Private Enterprise article:
Why not let Rural Carrier Associates that are currently employeed by the USPS do it? Since Saturday is the one of the few days they work? A lot of city carriers deliveries are closed on Saturdays, so why waste fuel/labor and have them work?
--Mailmam
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Concerning the Much Better Than the Electoral College article:
Instant run off is the way to go. I agree the Electoral College should by eliminated
--Fran Daggett
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Concerning a letter below on this page:
l dont think its an greay idea .cause of ripping off the american people and ther been decades payin taxes for goverment to give this to the farmers and pay them for lost when they know every well. when they have for lost that causes hardship on american people ( stravation ) THIS SHOULD STOP. WHY SHOULD HUGE FARMERS GET AWAY AND GET PAID FROM THE GOVERMENT WHAT WE " THE PEOPLE THAT HAS PAID TAXES .THIS IS NOT FAIR TO NON OF US, STOP IT WHILE THE GOING IS GOOD
--ELLA
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Concerning the Flunk the Electoral College article:
Good argument for having the election decided by a majority of individual votes: a compromise might be to decide the election by states, but if the states vote is split then decide the winner by simple majority anyway, so that the electoral college is still done away with. Next question: whatever is a superdelegate?
--Diana E Forrest
UK
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary on Saturday Delivery and USPS versus Private Enterprise article:
Does any other private carrier really want to take a piece of mail coming from an inmate down a street riddled with gang members fighting at all hours of the day and walk up on the porch of a home full of barking dogs, some on the porch and place it in a container especially made for that letter going to his girlfriend for 42 cents. Honestly! The postal service is a trustworthy service. If other carriers delivered first class mail, you wouldnt know who to expect your social security check from. Is it UPS or DHL or FedEx bringing my christmas cards, maybe one of each. Be realistic.
--Annie
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Concerning the Delusional Democracy Breeds Delusional Prosperity article:
I believe that the repeal of the "Fairness Doctrine" has been a major factor in giving wealth more control over the broadcast and print media that has permitted the public to become so easily manipulated. Even our "Public" Broadcasting Network as far more corporate dollar finger prints all over it. Our press is not free, it available only to the highest bidder.
--Matthew Groff
Pennsylvania
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Concerning the Marijuana is Safer Than Alcohol article:
Hello, my name is Abran Lucero and I am in the process of writing a book on why Marijuana should be legal and how hemp would provide us with better, more durable products, how we could use hemp seed oil as an alternative, reproduceabl, enviroment friendly alternative to nearly $5.00 per gallon fuel costs. This is a product that could single handidly eliminate our national debt, we would no longer need chinas cheap and toxic plastic because we could us hemp oil to produce plastic as they did by making hemp plastic panals on Henry Fords 1936 Model T that were 10 times more durable than industrial steel, and was also built to run on hemp seed oil. Folks, hemp could change the world, hell it could save or world! I plan on making congress listen to me, and i would sure like your support! If you feel how I feel, or even if you dont send me your coments to Blackcanyonmt at gmail.com Oh yea, smoking a joint, even 3 joints is safer than alcohol any day of the week. My book is going to be so powerfull that my questions will have to be answered, and Im only rolling with facts. Talk to you soon! Abran Lucero
--Abran Lucero
Colorado, USA
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Concerning the Gates on Wealth Redistribution article:
It has been dawning on me for the past decade or two that capitalism, as practiced, is not delivering the utopia we were led to believe it would. I am happy to see that someone else has not only noticed this, but has made a careful analysis. Go, Jeff, go!
--Miles Odonnol
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Concerning the Beyond the Last Computer article:
Wow! What a vision! SF or the near future?
--Diana E Forrest
UK
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Concerning the Foldvary on Saturday Delivery and USPS versus Private Enterprise article:
If they allow private institutions to deliver mail for the United States Post Office I will not allow them on my property.
--Billy Woods Edwardsville, IL
Friday, June 27, 2008
Concerning the The Autoimmune Epidemic: Bodies Gone Haywire in a World out of Balance article:
I have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease for nearly ten years. I hurt all over. I have severe carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, herninated disc with nerve damage down my left leg, insomia, my neck and shoulders hurt a lot and actually my whole body. My blood count is always low and crp is always high. Im on ambien, hydorcodone, muscle relaxer, I suffer from depression. Lately Ive been extremely tired going to sleep while driving, my whole left arm hurts really bad and is swollen. I cant get on disability because they say I dont have enough quaters however, first it was Im not disabled enough. Ive been in therapy and am about to go back. Im at the end of my road. If it wasnt for my faith I would have end it all already. Im tired and Im tired of being tired. Can you help please?
--Sarah Wells
Texas
Send a Letter Use this form:
| Page One | Page Two | Archive |
| Discussion Room | Letters | What's Geoism? |
