Isocracy Newsletter #3: November 3, 2009
... all the fruits it naturally produces, and beasts it feeds, belong to mankind in common, as they are produced by the spontaneous band of nature: ... Whatsoever then he removes out of the state that nature hath provided, and left it in, he hath mixed his labour with, and joined to it something that is his own, and thereby makes it his property... For this labour being the unquestionable property of the labourer, no man but he can have a right to what that is once joined to, at least where there is enough, and as good left in common for others.
John Locke: Of Civil Government - Second Treatise
Kevin Carson Interview
As forewarned in the last newsletter, we have Kevin Carson, an American political theorist and a contemporary leader in discussions concerning mutualism, interviewed on The Isocracy Network website. Kevin describes the history and theory of mutualism, argues that most worker's cooperatives and credit unions are not quite right if on the right track, answers some difficult questions concerning monopoly power and perverse incentives, responds to critics, and argues that we should politically concentrate on building parallel institutions alongside state power.
The interview can read on The Isocracy Network website:
Mutualism: An Interview with Kevin Carson: http://isocracy.org/node/25
Single-Payer Health Option in the United States
Speaker Pelosi recently a "floor version" of the healthcare bill but left out - by accident or design - the "State Single Payer" amendment proposed by Rep. Dennis Kucinich. The "Kucinich Amendment" had previously passed the House Education & Labor Committee on July 17 by a rare bi-partisan 27-19 vote.
The argument (apart from public welfare and efficiency) is that States should be free to decide what they consider the possible healthcare plans for their residents. If Congress gives States the right to "opt-in" or "opt-out" of a national "public option," it must also give States the right to "opt-in" to a State Single Payer plan.
Activists in California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania want to enact State Single Payer plans, but cannot do so under current law.
Those in the United States should argue for a "Managers Amendment" to H.R. 3962 immediately. Pelosi will decide on Monday.
http://democrats.com/state-single-payer?cid=ZGVtczU0Mzc2OWRlbXM%3D
Honduran President re-instated
On October 30, Zelaya and the coup regime signed an agreement opening the way for the elected president to take office once more. However, the key demand of the mass resistance for a constituent assembly to rewrite the constitution is excluded by the deal until Zelaya leaves office in late January.
The National Resistance Front against the Coup (FNRG) is pledging to continue its campaign of protests around this demand (see statement following this article) and it is unclear whether it will continue with a planned boycott of the November 29 elections.
Only one month away, preparations and campaigning for these presidential and congressional elections have occurred in the context of brutal repression and the silencing of anti-coup media. This makes a free and fair vote almost certainly impossible.
More at: http://links.org.au/node/1328
Reinstate Professor David Nutt!
Professor David Nutt, the U.K. Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has been sacked. The council is an independent body that is supposed to advise the government on the application of the misuse of drugs act- how drugs should be classified and what penalties should be given out for their possession and supply. Professor Nutt was sacked for his comments criticising the government for choosing to reclassify cannabis to class B, despite evidence that it should remain a class C drug.
Two other members of the drugs advisory council have already quit in protest and other scientists say they must now ask if they can continue in "good conscience". A leaked letter from the council said the remaining 28 members have "serious concerns" about Professor Nutt's dismissal.
A Facebook group has been established with the express claim of "We support the comments of Professor David Nutt, an evidence based drugs policy and demand that drug policy be based upon science and reason- not on ideology, fearmongering and dogma."
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=169748050377
Strategic Planning for the Isocracy Network
The Isocracy Network, as a loose network of individuals, is nevertheless an organisation. Over coming weeks a strategic plan will be developed which will specify the objectives of the group, including values and mission statement, outline a program of action and key measurable objectives. Those who wish to be involved in this should send a request for participation.