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| America Beyond Capitalism - Gar Alperovitz |
2017 Reading Challenge - Day 121
May 1, 2017
Book 35 - America Beyond Capitalism -
Reclaiming our Wealth, our Liberty and our Democracy
Gar Alperovitz (2005)
Part 3 - pages 79-122
Reading Time - 1 hour
Reclaiming our Wealth, our Liberty and our Democracy
Gar Alperovitz (2005)
Part 3 - pages 79-122
Reading Time - 1 hour
The heart of a Pluralist Commonwealth would be the idea that ownership of a nation's wealth must be shifted, instituionally, to benefit the vast majority. Radical concept.
It's already happening in some ways. The idea of worker-owned companies and cooperatives (think Mountain Equipment Coop in Canada or REI in the US).
There is also the idea of municipalities looking for non-tax revenue. Cities could own buildings or property, lease them out and collect a percentage of the profit in lieu of property taxes.
Another idea is Community Development Corporations which were designed to provide low income housing, loans... anything to support the local community.
Some of the US states have programs where they match the savings of low income citziens. Some states operate banks and life insurance funds. The federal government, when it offers bailouts to corporations demands some stock in return... which can then provide the feds with a steady income.
The overall idea is that citizens could get an income stream from publicly backed investments. It's an intriguing concept. And it also makes me think of my own life. I have savings and investments with several of the Big Banks in Canada. Why am I supporting them and not my local Credit Union??
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