New economy Discussions - Theosophy.Net2024-03-29T07:32:00Zhttps://theosophy.net/groups/group/forum?groupUrl=new-economy&id=3055387%3AGroup%3A88924&feed=yes&xn_auth=noYes! Magazine articles onlinetag:theosophy.net,2012-03-29:3055387:Topic:1103052012-03-29T10:40:38.433ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
<p>Yes! Magazine has a good number of articles on how we can influence affairs in this world: political, social, economic. Their latest issue is titled: <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule">http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule</a></p>
<p>Have a look over there.</p>
<p>Yes! Magazine has a good number of articles on how we can influence affairs in this world: political, social, economic. Their latest issue is titled: <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule">http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule</a></p>
<p>Have a look over there.</p> Seeds of Dystopia and Occupy Davostag:theosophy.net,2012-01-25:3055387:Topic:1063602012-01-25T12:30:37.485ZCapt. Anand Kumarhttps://theosophy.net/profile/CaptAnandKumar
<p>It does not come as a surprise that following the Arab Spring and the worldwide Occupy movement in 2011, the theme chosen for World Economic Forum Summit 2012 is "<a href="http://www.weforum.org/content/nouriel-speaking-soon-wef-session-seeds-dystopia-i-understand-dystopia-opposite-utopia-fitti" target="_blank">Seeds of Dystopia</a>". While there appears to be a reluctant admission on the part of political and business leaders that old greed based system is collapsing, no definite movement…</p>
<p>It does not come as a surprise that following the Arab Spring and the worldwide Occupy movement in 2011, the theme chosen for World Economic Forum Summit 2012 is "<a href="http://www.weforum.org/content/nouriel-speaking-soon-wef-session-seeds-dystopia-i-understand-dystopia-opposite-utopia-fitti" target="_blank">Seeds of Dystopia</a>". While there appears to be a reluctant admission on the part of political and business leaders that old greed based system is collapsing, no definite movement towards looking for a right solution is in sight.</p>
<p>As Huffington Post report on the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/davos-2012_n_1223279.html" target="_blank">"Occupy Davos</a>" protestors mentions, it is the same usual exercise by the 1% taking decisions for the rest of the 99%. Yet a deeper examination gives some cause for hope.</p>
<p>First, in their own <a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GlobalRisks_Report_2012.pdf" target="_blank">risk assessment for 2012</a>, "Major Systemic Financial Failure" gets highest ranking of nearly 4.2. Next the summit begins with "T<a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/AM12/WEF_AM12_ExecutiveSummary.pdf" target="_blank">he Great Transformation : Shaping New Models</a>", implying that the recognition of the transformation and the search for new models is there, even though it may be in the wrong direction this year. Further the <a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/AM12/WEF_AM12_ProgrammeWeb.pdf" target="_blank">program</a> lists a few topics for discussion such as "Fixing Capitalism" and "Beyond Basel: Financial Institution Regulation". It may be recalled that it was the flouting of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_II_Accord" target="_blank">Basel Accord</a> regarding the capital adequacy and liquidity norms of financial institutions that led to the current global economic crisis.</p>
<p>There is also growing feeling amongst the business and political leaders that the "Occupy" movement will only grow and consolidate itself in 2012.</p>
<p>Cause for Hope?</p> Sharing is cool: the age of collaborative consumptiontag:theosophy.net,2012-01-14:3055387:Topic:1048922012-01-14T20:17:32.210ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
<p>Have a look at this <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/new-economy/why-own-when-you-can-share?utm_source=wkly20120113&utm_medium=yesemail&utm_campaign=mrVideo" target="_blank">TED talk</a> by Rachel Botsman.</p>
<p>Thank goes to YES! magazine.</p>
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<p>Have a look at this <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/new-economy/why-own-when-you-can-share?utm_source=wkly20120113&utm_medium=yesemail&utm_campaign=mrVideo" target="_blank">TED talk</a> by Rachel Botsman.</p>
<p>Thank goes to YES! magazine.</p>
<p></p> Current World Economy are lead by poker Players...tag:theosophy.net,2012-01-14:3055387:Topic:1050462012-01-14T03:51:49.991ZBaha Alihttps://theosophy.net/profile/BahaAli
<p>Speculation has became the basic source of making Money out of Money, and the banking systems fuel this unstable method of economic growth, which is designed to be doomed. eg: Federal reserve ( not very federal)</p>
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<p>Derivative markets, which was created in good faith for hedging has became the play ground for gamblers and these gamblers has our hard earned money at stake.One of the most deadly weapon, Options.</p>
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<p>The purpose of this post is not to nag but to do…</p>
<p>Speculation has became the basic source of making Money out of Money, and the banking systems fuel this unstable method of economic growth, which is designed to be doomed. eg: Federal reserve ( not very federal)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Derivative markets, which was created in good faith for hedging has became the play ground for gamblers and these gamblers has our hard earned money at stake.One of the most deadly weapon, Options.</p>
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<p>The purpose of this post is not to nag but to do something about it. Helping couple of people won't help humanity, if the roots are corrupt. I have noticed how small stake holders are sucked in and wiped out by artificial waves created for this very purpose.</p>
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<p>What are some alternatives? Should the system be demolished and rebuild? or there is hope and ways to restructure this unstable system to enhance economic productivity within ethics of humanity?</p>
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<p>This site has group of intellectuals with the will of making a difference, what do you people think? I got some ideas popping up in my head, but i would like to hear yours.</p>
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<p></p> Buddhist economics beyond Schumachertag:theosophy.net,2011-12-05:3055387:Topic:923062011-12-05T15:12:23.064ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
<p>At scribd.com, I found a powerpoint presentation of a <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/18148746/Buddhist-economics-beyond-Schumacher" target="_blank">Buddhist "middle way"</a> for economics.<br></br>Since this study group is devoted to new forms of economy, I add a link to this article here.</p>
<p>E.F. Schumacher was the author of "Small is Beautiful" and "A guide for the perplexed", dealing with issues of economy, spirituality, morality and finding purpose in life. Some of his work can be…</p>
<p>At scribd.com, I found a powerpoint presentation of a <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/18148746/Buddhist-economics-beyond-Schumacher" target="_blank">Buddhist "middle way"</a> for economics.<br/>Since this study group is devoted to new forms of economy, I add a link to this article here.</p>
<p>E.F. Schumacher was the author of "Small is Beautiful" and "A guide for the perplexed", dealing with issues of economy, spirituality, morality and finding purpose in life. Some of his work can be found on scribd.com as well.</p>
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<p></p> What's your story for the new economy?tag:theosophy.net,2011-11-30:3055387:Topic:916162011-11-30T19:32:22.756ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
<p>The fourth and fifth part of David's book center on evolving a new story for our economy. The old story is about greed, usurious practices and unlimited growth. </p>
<p>Now, what is your story for a new kind of economy? How does it look? Which values do you feel should be embodied in this new economy? Are there already examples of this?</p>
<p>I really like focusing on change. The old system is rotten and crumbling. How can we build a new and better one? Take your time to reflect on this.…</p>
<p>The fourth and fifth part of David's book center on evolving a new story for our economy. The old story is about greed, usurious practices and unlimited growth. </p>
<p>Now, what is your story for a new kind of economy? How does it look? Which values do you feel should be embodied in this new economy? Are there already examples of this?</p>
<p>I really like focusing on change. The old system is rotten and crumbling. How can we build a new and better one? Take your time to reflect on this. 5,000 years of Empire cannot be undone with the stroke of a pen. We need to develop new patterns of thought on economy, cooperation, spirituality, politics, and the like.</p>
<p> </p> How will Occupy evolve?tag:theosophy.net,2011-11-27:3055387:Topic:909142011-11-27T21:34:18.632ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
<p>A short video interview with Sarah van Gelder, co-founder of YES! magazine:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/how-will-occupy-evolve?utm_source=wkly20111125&utm_medium=yesemail&utm_campaign=mraharbin">http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/how-will-occupy-evolve?utm_source=wkly20111125&utm_medium=yesemail&utm_campaign=mraharbin</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A short video interview with Sarah van Gelder, co-founder of YES! magazine:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/how-will-occupy-evolve?utm_source=wkly20111125&utm_medium=yesemail&utm_campaign=mraharbin">http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/how-will-occupy-evolve?utm_source=wkly20111125&utm_medium=yesemail&utm_campaign=mraharbin</a></p>
<p> </p> Essential question: what do you feel is the purpose of an economic system?tag:theosophy.net,2011-11-24:3055387:Topic:900902011-11-24T19:48:23.669ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
<p>Here is a question that is really fundamental. Have you ever thought about it?</p>
<p>what do you feel is the purpose of an economic system?</p>
<p>Here is a question that is really fundamental. Have you ever thought about it?</p>
<p>what do you feel is the purpose of an economic system?</p> Discussion questions part I Agenda for a new economytag:theosophy.net,2011-11-23:3055387:Topic:901132011-11-23T19:21:02.638ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
<p>Questions pertain to the first four chapters, which form part I of the book. Pick one or two that resonate with you, or come up with your own questions and ideas.</p>
<p>Take your time to study these chapters. A short summary of each will be posted the next weeks.</p>
<p>From the study guide:</p>
<p>CHAPTER 1 “Looking Upstream,” spells out what it means to treat causes rather than symptoms and why restructuring the economy’s most powerful institutions is essential.</p>
<p></p>
<p>CHAPTER 2…</p>
<p>Questions pertain to the first four chapters, which form part I of the book. Pick one or two that resonate with you, or come up with your own questions and ideas.</p>
<p>Take your time to study these chapters. A short summary of each will be posted the next weeks.</p>
<p>From the study guide:</p>
<p>CHAPTER 1 “Looking Upstream,” spells out what it means to treat causes rather than symptoms and why restructuring the economy’s most powerful institutions is essential.</p>
<p></p>
<p>CHAPTER 2 “Modern Alchemists and the Sport of Moneymaking,” looks at the reality behind Wall Street’s illusions and the variety of its methods for making money without the exertion of creating anything of real value in return.</p>
<p>CHAPTER 3“A Real-Market Alternative,” contrasts the Wall Street and Main Street economies and puts to rest the fallacy that the only alternative to rule by Wall Street capitalists is rule by communist bureaucrats.</p>
<p>CHAPTER 4“More Than Tinkering at the Margins,” spells out why the “adjustment at the margins” approach favored by establishment interests cannot stabilize the economy, reduce economic inequality, or prevent environmental collapse.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Sample questions: </p>
<p>1. What did you fi nd particularly compelling or provocative about these chapters of Agenda?</p>
<p>2. What is the difference between treating the symptoms and addressing the root causes?</p>
<p>How can root causes be addressed while in the midst of the crisis? </p>
<p>3. What effects of the ongoing economic crisis have you observed in your community – for local government, businesses, schools, etc.? </p>
<p>4. What is the relationship between the environmental and social crises/issues making the headlines today and the economic system?</p>
<p>5. How have the credit, mortgage, and/or investment crises touched you and your circle of friends and family? How have your personal decisions and approaches to finances, debt, and consumption changed? </p>
<p>6. When and how was your definition and experience of “capitalism” formed, and how has it changed, if at all, since the beginning of the economic collapse in 2008? </p>
<p>7. Table 3.1 (Page 51 of Agenda) contrasts the differences between Wall Street capitalism and a Main Street market economy. What, if anything, is appealing about the Wall Street approach and what would be difficult to let go? What is most appealing about Main Street markets? To which elements would you give highest priority for major transformation? </p>
<p>8. In what ways do you directly or indirectly rely on Wall Street? In what ways do these connections create contradictions in your value system? What can you do to reduce your dependence on Wall Street? </p>
<p>9. How do you respond to the position that regulation of the free market is an infringement on individual liberty?</p>
<p>10. How should the “public interest” or the “common good” get factored into decisions regarding financial/market policies and regulations?</p>
<p>11. Besides GDP, what indicators or indices are used in the mainstream media to portray the “health” or strength of the economy? What alternative measurements would reflect the true health of people and the planet?</p>
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<p></p> Prologue: a question of valuestag:theosophy.net,2011-11-21:3055387:Topic:898242011-11-21T15:47:07.936ZMartin Euserhttps://theosophy.net/profile/MartinEuser
<p> <strong>Summary</strong><br></br><br></br>The author refers to the Wall Street meltdown in 2008, and its consequences. There have been a couple of authors (Dean Baker, William Black, Charles Morris, Kevin Phillips and Gary Weiss) who have documented how Wall Street institutions have been corrupted, even before the crash.<br></br>There is as yet no national conversation on essential questions, such as:</p>
<p>* Are Wall Street institutions so vital for US interest that it justifies the showering them…</p>
<p> <strong>Summary</strong><br/><br/>The author refers to the Wall Street meltdown in 2008, and its consequences. There have been a couple of authors (Dean Baker, William Black, Charles Morris, Kevin Phillips and Gary Weiss) who have documented how Wall Street institutions have been corrupted, even before the crash.<br/>There is as yet no national conversation on essential questions, such as:</p>
<p>* Are Wall Street institutions so vital for US interest that it justifies the showering them with trillions of dollars at the expense of the tax payer?</p>
<p>* Is it possible that these institutions are built on an illusion and in reality have detrimental effects on society (economical, social, environmental)? </p>
<p>* Are there other ways to provide necessary financial services that are more effective and cost less?<br/>David argues for no, yes and yes, respectively. It is all a matter of values we believe the economy should serve. Is the economy to serve a few wealthy people or all of us? Is the goal of economy to make money or to serve life?The way it is now organized is a path to collective suicide (think of the biosphere). New institutions are needed to replace the current ones on Wall Street.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> <strong>Two schools of economic thought</strong></p>
<p>Market fundamentalism and Keynesianism are the two best known schools of economic thought. David briefly refers to these and calls for an honest public examination of above mentioned questions. He believes that this will lead to "a unifying political consensus that, rather than repair and restrain the Wall Street institutions that have brought down the global economy, we can and should replace them with institutions that serve our real values andare appropriate to the needs and realities of the twenty-first century." </p>
<p>He has written the book in the hope "that it may help to provoke and frame such a conversation".</p>