Back in May 2003 we started a wiki to 'discuss monetary reform and democracy', and I just posted Positive Money's Banking 101 video course, probably the best introduction to how money and banking actually works. For a long time Money as Debt was best and only documentary film about these issues. Later, the Zeitgeist films (despite their many failings) thankfully managed to get the word out to many more people. Most recently we've had Money and Life cover this topic, and before that The … [Read more...]
Banking 101 – How money and banking actually works
This great little collection of videos is the clearest and most authoritative introduction to exactly how the monetary and banking system in the UK actually works. It is based on the excellent book 'Where Does Money Come From?' published by the Positive Money campaign and the new economics foundation … [Read more...]
Money and Life – a new documentary about money
Have you seen Money and Life yet? It is a great new film all about money that is well worth watching. I'm pleased to say that I helped fund the production of the film by contributing to their crowdfunding campaign. It is not too late to support the film yourself. You can donate, buy the DVD, and find out how to host a screening etc over at the website. Please do so and help Katie Teague, the independent film maker who made the film, to recoup the signifcant costs incurred during the making … [Read more...]
Time to replicate WIR Bank?
The WIR Bank in Switzerland has been successfully running for over 60 years. It was started in the 1930s in response to the great economic crises of the time. Studies have shown that it's turnover is extremely counter-cyclical, adding to the resilience and stability of the Swiss Economy. They are a great long-term example of how financial co-operatives prove to be more resilient in times of crisis. Almost 20% of all Swiss Businesses are members and they have an annual turnover of nearly £3 … [Read more...]
Financial co-operatives: A safe bet in a crisis
The Co-opreative News has reported news about a study by the International Labour Organization called Resilience in a downturn: The power of financial cooperatives. You can download find the report on the Co-operatives shelf of of online library or read it now below. Resilience in a Downturn - The Power of Financial Cooperatives … [Read more...]
Inside Job (with Spanish subtitles, again)
This is a must see film. We've posted it a couple of times before, but those videos have since been removed. Here is is again, again with Spanish subtitles: … [Read more...]
Inside Job
The last version of this film we posted has since been removed so here it is again (this time with Greek subtitles). It is an important film well worth watching. You can also watch (and download) it on vimeo, or download it via bittorrent. … [Read more...]
RIP Richard Douthwaite
Saddened to hear the news that Richard Douthwaite just passed away after a period of illness. Richard was a tremendous pioneer and thought leader who championed economies that functioned in balance with and of the ecology. Please, if you do nothing else, read at least these two of his books (both utterly important and timely despite being written years ago) Short Circuit: Strengthening Local Economics for Security in an Unstable World (1996) Read it … [Read more...]
The Money Fix
The Money Fix, another must see documentary about money and the banking system. "Money is at the intersection of nearly every aspect of modern life. Most of us take the monetary system for granted, but it has a profound and largely misunderstood influence on our lives. THE MONEY FIX is a feature-length documentary exploring our society’s relationship with the almighty dollar. THE MONEY FIX examines economic patterning in both the human and the natural worlds, and through this lens we learn how … [Read more...]
Must See Film: Inside Job (with Spanish Subtitles)
Inside Job is a really good film that deserves your attention. I just stumbled across an online copy and thought I should post it so as many people get to see it as possible. If this copy disappears you can download it using bittorrent here. Also, if you've not watched them before be sure to check out Money as Debt and The Money Fix too, both essential viewing. … [Read more...]