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The How: A Framework for Change

MANIFESTO

Economic growth, either directly or indirectly, is the cause of all our problems, be they local or global. It is so easy to put a few noughts on a bit of paper but that apparent wealth is pointless unless it is used to exploit, and provide some more noughts.

In order to correct this it is necessary to change some of our legislation, i.e words on bits of paper, but let us take this one step at a time;

First we need to change our philosophical base from one of maximising growth to one of minimising it. We will then have made the necessary paradigm shift and thus be prepared for constructive debate.

The next step is to envisage an ideal society. Although there are countless variations to this theme, all agree that such a society will be socially just, ecologically sustainable, decentralised and non-violent. It needs to be said that such a vision may well be unobtainable but it is the direction that is important, not the destination.

It is now necessary to extend these generalisations into something tangible, the legislative changes that are necessary to bring them about.

§ Social Justice

Personal security is obtained through a Basic Income where the same amount would be available to all citizens either as a payment or as a tax free allowance. It would replace the present divisive system and at the same time allow us to follow the productive pursuit that we find most satisfying. More importantly, it would eliminate the need, although not the incentive, for a job and thus the pretext for further exploitation.

Wealth distribution is required to narrow the gap between rich and poor to a socially acceptable level, say five times the Basic Income? This could be obtained through an inheritance tax and a wealth tax on accumulated assets that exceed a standard threshold. PAYE would be progressive until equity is achieved when it would convert to a flat rate.

§ Ecological Sustainability

Industrial restraint is obtained through a progressive company tax and capital assets tax, each to encourage firms to scale down to a size where small becomes beautiful. Local residents and consumers would be represented and fully informed. Companies employing say more than five wage earners may choose to become a co-operative and share capital be converted to loans for repayment. Company liability would be unlimited and advertising costs taxable.

Resource taxation is required in order to shift our revenue base to the source from which it derives, at the same time ensuring economic stability. Taxes and depletion quotas would be applied to natural resources and manufactured energy. Revenue would also be obtained from Ground Rent as private ’ownership‘ of land gives way to regional control.

It can be seen that these legislative changes are incompatible with growth and therefore impossible to apply to our present situation. The philosophical change must come first.

§ Decentralisation

The Electoral boundaries offer a base from which to develop regional autonomy. Ultimately each region would finance, from Ground Rent, its own health, welfare, education, and law and order budgets. Regions would also finance central government for whatever services are best administered at that level.

Self reliant communities within the regions will be able to practice a wide range of social reforms and ecological repair work and more readily withstand natural or other disasters.

§ Non-violence

It is inconceivable that any of this reformation would be made without an overwhelming level of public support, coercive legislation is a form of violence.

As society eases to a more benign mode, where all are cared for and all who wish may have a part to play, it is reasonable to assume that the reduction in stress will lead to a reduction in personal violence.

Our military services would gradually metamorphise into Civil Defence groups, available to the United Nations.

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