Pauline Morrissette's UK LETS Mission #2 Report
April 3,1997
Pauline, Sabine and the Queen
Yes or No to National LETS?
Wirral South By-election
A Wirral Wind of a trip.
Once again, thanks to Ottawa's First Nations Travel-Consultant David
Bonk, at 222 Rideau Street, for my travel arrangements to leave on
February 18th, 1997.
My strategy upon arriving in London was to first find out when and
where the all-candidates' meetings would be hosted. I was given the
name of Jo Pemberton in Wirral South who was working the campaign
office for Flo Clucas, candidate for the Liberal Democrat Party. On
calling Jo, I was alerted to the fact that there would be no all-
candidates' meetings, the policy being that if one of the main three
parties pulled out of attending a meeting, then the meeting is cancelled.
This caused a dilemma, I felt I must get down into Wirral South to
approach the candidates on a one-to-one level. Only having the minimum
financing, I felt if I could get hold of a true LETSer and plead my
case, perhaps my accommodations could be handled that way.
I contacted Liz Sheppard of LetsLink U.K. to plead my case, I needed
contact numbers of the closest LETsystem to Wirral South, unfortunately
this turned out to be a dead end as well. I should have gone with
my initial thoughts about going directly to Wirral South but those
plans had been scuttled by forces not within my control.
I then contacted the Electoral Office to get Fax numbers for each
of the candidates, again to no avail. Eventually what I did get was
phone numbers and mailing addresses of the homes and campaign offices
for each. This was my start at least.
Sabine and I prepared and planned our information package to these
12 candidates. To assure that we had an attractive package which looked
professional, we needed to reproduce the computer diskette with the
LETS logo. Sabine was unable to do this on her computer so at 11 P.M.
we drove over to Kay and Jeff Hyman's home who graciously welcomed
us in and were more than happy to assist in the cause. We now had
everything we needed including the article from the Guardian by Sarah
Ryle, published in our last UK report. The mail system in Britain
is very good and it only took one day turn-around to get those packages
into the homes and offices of the candidates.
I then proceeded with follow-up phone calls. Some of the candidates
had as many as five calls from me, each time leaving a message to
contact me, each time only to be told that they were busy on the campaign
trail, going door to door, as no meetings were scheduled or even allowed
at this point. I was feeling a little sick.
Finally, calls were being returned. Yet, I could tell these people
were exhausted and their minds were not open to any new ideas, especially
from a Canuck who has just jumped in on the scene. I confidently explained
the reasons for my mission. First, I needed to know if they had heard
of LETS prior to receiving my information package. If their constituents
wanted them to quickly set up a LETSystem, would they? Would they
support a National LETS? Would they work towards legislation to secure
DSS benefits for LETS members such as the Maggie Deahm Amendment to
the Social Security Act passed in the Australian Parliament in 1995?
Ms. Deahm pointed out that LETS benefits the unemployed and the underemployed
by keeping their skills upgraded while they wait for jobs.
I do believe the chronicles Sabine and I were posting to econ-lets
so the folks at home could see how things were progressing started
a flurry of discussion, especially on DSS benefits. Helen Barnes and
Andy Ryrie have started brain-storming on this issue and as I perused
their discussions. I can only say: "keep up the good work."
I was very pleased when Geoffrey Mead, the Natural Law Party candidate
called me. I explained that I had run against Neil Patterson, the
Leader of the Natural Law Party in Canada, and had a good rapport
with him. I very much like the Natural Law attitudes towards health,
relaxation, meditation, etc. but I also told Geoffrey Mead what I
had said to Neil Patterson during that election, that it is very difficult
to empty your mind enough to float when you have this bear trap around
your ankle, i.e. the money problem. He was aware of LETS and had attended
meetings to do with LETS and would definitely encourage it.
Tony Samuelson, an Independent candidate, replied that he would encourage
anything that would give dignity and employment to people.
Colin Palmer, 21st Century Independent Foresters, was very enthused
since he himself had already made headlines with a large cardboard
penny as a symbol for another currency. Colin faxed over news articles
to attest to this. We spoke after I received his material and he said
that the issue now on the political agenda in Wirral South is the
lack of media coverage for the minor candidates. We spoke about how
John fought for right of political candidates to speak in Canada and
Colin seemed to be delighted that he was on track with this problem.
Colin was going to try and meet up with me in Crewe at the conference
but, unfortunately, that conference began the day after the by- election
and I have no doubt Colin was exhausted. During our conversations,
Colin mentioned Maundy money. On the Thursday before Easter, known
as Maundy Thursday, the Queen gives out "Maundy money" to the poor.
This 600-year-old custom is a gesture of humility, recalling Jesus'
washing the apostles' feet. Information of this old tradition excited
me. I needed to know exactly when this would happen this year. A fast
call to Buckingham Palace, Christopher Williams in the Palace, informed
us that "Maundy Money" was on the Calendar to be handed out on March
27th, 11 a.m. at Bradford Cathedral. I wasn't sure yet what to do
with this information but I knew it would be useful knowledge at some
point.
Interspersed with LETS and political activities was LETS and social
activities. The morning I arrived in London, Sabine had our day planned
out. It was directly off to The London Arts Conference, a half day
forum for practitioners who work with young people in the Arts/Media
Training sectors. This was held in Haverstock Hill, London at the
Hampstead Town Hall which is now being used by Youth Clubs, Art and
Media schools and the Community.
Key Speakers: Virginia Bottomley MP, Secretary of State for National
Heritage, Sir David Puttnam CBE, Film-maker and commentator on the
importance of arts and media training and the place of the cultural
industries in the Capital city.
This once undoubtedly-beautiful Town Hall was in a shambles. Paint
peeling, in bad need of refurbishing, it is one thing to turn over
a building for a great cause but unless work is done soon, everything
will have been in vain. Enter stage right: Sabine; enter stage left:
Pauline; to work our magic around the place putting the New Word Order
in everyone's ear: LETS and how to use it.
We witnessed young people playing their instruments, dance troupes
doing the latest in street-dancing and a soloist, one young girl in
particular that I recall saying to myself: Watch out Whitney Houston,
this young lady will no doubt reach the top if she continues on this
route."
I had spoken to David Pidcock, Leader of the Islamic Party of Great
Britain, to let him know I was back and why. David was busy getting
ready for his trip to Malaysia and yet amongst all his activities,
he was willing to meet with Sabine and I to discuss what role the
Islamic Party could play in all this. He graciously sat with us and
agreed that the Islamic Party would say yes to a National LETS. He
told us that he informed Sahib Bleher, the secretary, to aid us in
any news releases etc. You may quote:
"The Islamic Party of Britain, not having a candidate standing in
the Wirral by-election, encourages all its supporters and all Muslims
in the constituency to vote for the candidate advocating the introduction
of a LETS scheme, as this is a policy directed against the evils of
an interest-based economy, and therefore, an issue that has our full-
hearted support. We will also make it a criteria of our support in
the forth-coming general election whether a candidate's policies promise
to do something about the greatest injustice of our times, the exploitation
of our people by a fraudulent interest-based meysystem."
I thank you David for taking time out from your busy schedule. It
was a learning experience and I hope your Malaysian mission is successful.
I would like to hear about it some time.
Back at the Sabine's flat, we received a faxed invitation to an Agepower
Celebration and Cerebration, a cocktail reception from 5:30 on (The
Jailhouse Rock Party) at 12 Grosvenor Place, London, SW1X 7HH. Bernice
Weston founder of Weight Watchers was now to embark on her new project
Agepower and this was somewhat of a launch for it. It had attractive
20ft. ceilings, balconied and charmingly decorated offices that afforded
an excellent view of the gardens of Buckingham Palace and the Queen's
private tennis court.
Bernice had just recently been wrongfully arrested and spent the night
in jail. Now she plans to sue the police. Yet, with all this, it was
a wonderful party and Bernice was a most charming Hostess. I got to
mingle and talk with some very delightful characters. The elegant Alesia,
daughter of Bernice, was one. John Casson - 87 years young was another.
This dynamic gentleman told me about his part in the war, first 20
years in the navy, then a pilot captured by the Germans and a prisoner
of war in Germany for 5 years. His mother was a famous actress Cybil
Ike Thorne, buried in Westminster Abbey. He later started training
business men how to act. I found this all very interesting. Christopher
Day, Director of Adams and Associates was just as funny and colorful
as his Mickey Mouse tie. I could go on.
February 21 - I had the real pleasure of meeting Princess Helene Moutafian
from Russia. We drove her over to the Pure Balance Mind and Body Centre
where we waited for her while she had her treatment. During our wait,
Lynn Georgiou, the receptionist, who has studied spiritual healing
etc. was most curious to see and feel the 12,000 Greendollars in notes
I was to deliver to the Queen. She followed along as we explained
the LETS and how it could be applied even to the Pure Balance Centre.
When she eventually held the 12,000 LETS dollars in her hands, she
couldn't say anything, only "it's hot energy." Princess Helene then
insisted on taking Sabine and I to Louis', a very quaint tea room
with magnificent pastries baked on the premises by, yes, Louis himself.
He came out from his work to say hello to the Princess and she reminded
him that she had been patronizing his establishment for over 30 some
years. Not only did we have a delightful lunch, but Helene insisted
on buying us yet another beautiful cheese cake to take home. We left
Helene with the promise to join her for tea on Sunday at her home.
February 22 = We took the cheese cake with us the next day to the
Global Cafe for the demonstration of LOIS (LETS Office Integration
System) presented by Jerry Vahrman of Bristol and assisted by David
Edmond who is always busying himself around the cafe. David Payne
and Christopher Sagajllo, two of the attendees, were finally convinced
to take the risk and attend the Buckingham Palace outing with me.
I needed three people to pull off the picture-taking of the Abolitionist
Party of Canada banner. You are not allowed to do this sort of thing
without permission from the Lord Chamberlain but time certainly did
not allow for such action so we would take the gamble and timing was
to be crucial if we did not want to get arrested. We practiced our
motions at the cafe on how we would pull this off. Adrenalin was rushing
as we entered the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
Robin Johannsen, the student doing a documentary on LETS who kept
company with John and I on our last mission to Britain, was also along
for the ride. On arrival, I tried to get the envelope with the G$12,000
Greendollar notes into the Palace via the Police at the receiving
desk but they would have no part of it and suggested I put it in the
Post. Which is what I did later on in the day at Trafalgar Square's
main Post Office in London. I was told she would receive it in two
days. Not bad. The photo opp at the Palace turned out well and it
must have amused many tourists to see this banner go up and down to
the rhythm of the Bobbies heads turning away from watching us. I thank
David, Christopher and Robin for taking that chance to help me with
my Birthday present to John.
Back at the global cafe we indulged in the cheese cake and tea and
talked in general about the LOIS software. This is his ad:
@12PTC = (LETS Office Integration System)
LOIS is a powerful new Windows-based PC software package which has
been designed for quick and easy LETS scheme administration. Further
development of the system will take place taking particular account
of the feedback received from users of the software. LOIS is available
to help with all your LETS scheme administration functions including:
- Members
- Services
- Member Services
- Transactions
- Accounts
- Reports
Look and Feel:
LOIS is an intuitive menu-driven application. From the main menu,
you can easily access all functions. Even first time computer users
will find LOIS extremely easy to use and it comes complete with on-
line help facilities.
Members:
Information can be stored on all the members on the scheme including
name, address, phone numbers, current balance, joining and renewal
details, etc.
Services:
The Services section contains information about all the services that
are offered or wanted by members of the scheme. A hierarchical system
has been implemented whereby all offers and wants are divided into
groups, categories and services to allow easy entry and analysis of
information. The system has been designed to accommodate over 700
services.
Member Services:
The member services section provides an easy point of entry to edit
the wants and offers of each member. Search facilities are provided
to find the most appropriate group, category and service for each
offer.
Transactions:
All transactions that are carried out by the members can be entered
and stored within the system. The transactions screen has been designed
to make it as easy as possible to look up information about members
and services.
Accounts:
It is possible to view the trading details for each member of the
scheme. This screen has been based on the bank statement format that most
people will be familiar with.
Reports:
A range of reports has been included to allow information stored within
the system to be output to the screen, a printer of exported to a
file. This includes the production of a directory containing all the
services offered by each member.
Training and Consultancy
In addition to supplying the software, training and consultancy can
be provided at a reasonable cost to assist in all aspects of LETS
software and computer systems.
@12PTC = ***** Special Offer *****
The cost of the software will be #125 but until the end of March,
1997, it is available at the special introductory price of #100. For
more information, contact:
@10PTB = Jerry Vahrman, LOIS Software
@10PTB = 10 Filton Ave., Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0AG,
@10PTB = Tel: (0117) 951-3971, Email: 101762.2171@compuserve.com
Jerry has already sold 6 LOIS software packages, one to David Williams,
the councillor mentioned in our last report who set up the Hounslow
LETS. David will use the new LOIS software to set up LIFT which is
for the business sector. Good luck David and we wish you success in
the upcoming election when you run for Labour in the Uxbridge constituency.
Jerry also has sold LOIS to a LETS in Australia.
One young man who I had left out of my last report, a Global Cafe
employee Joel Hammond, on this trip I learned that he was indeed an
artist and I would go so far to state, a great one. As I roamed the
cafe, I saw his works upstairs and downstairs, very modern, but the
detail was awesome. Some of his pieces were very large and I spoke
to him about how long it would take to create some of these pieces.
This young man works to paint, this is his life. Now if only he could
be discovered and his works displayed properly.
Sabine has also set up the first Web Conference on LETS at the Global
Cafe. David Edmond along with Sabine are having to learn more about
the management of that conference to link LETS with Agenda 21 (the
document signed by all governments in Rio in 1992) as paragraph 33
asks for INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL MECHANISMS. LETS is clearly the best
banking mechanism invented as it is interest-free.
Sunday with Princess Helene, a delightful 3-hour get together and
lunch. Helene had us explain what LETS could do for her and her beautiful
home. At a fast glance of the room that around us, I said that she
could possibly list this room as a meeting place for people willing
to trade for LETS to entertain clients and she could be the Hostess
of such meetings, something she really enjoys and does so very well.
In exchange she could receive gardening, painting, repairs all of
which were going on at the time of this meeting. I also, must mention
at this time that Helene also is a wonderful artist. In her sitting
room, her many paintings captured my heart. I sat and focused on them
and they moved me. This extraordinary lady charmed me and as I listened
to the good work she is involved in, I urge her to continue and send
my blessings.
The following day we met with Diana Schumacher, extremely well-known
as an avid networker in the environmental movement, who has developed
the concept of Local Trading Bonds to regenerate the business community.
In her capacity as an international public lecturer, she uses every
opportunity to promote LETS as the way for local communities to organize
themselves. The name of Diana's firm is Work Structuring Limited -
Leaders in Organizational Transformation. Work Structuring operates
in the area of business and institutional re- organization and development.
It seeks to help clients improve their organization at the "total
systems" as well as at the "component" level.
Starting with a set of sound organizational and people-centered principles,
WSL uses a powerful methodology that can turn your strategic vision
into an operational reality.
WSL shows how to align all the elements of an organization around
its essential purpose thereby creating a more streamlined business
process as well as greater job satisfaction and commitment from all.
WSL is the only systems-level approach that combines a thorough analysis
of business processes and structures with clear insights into motivation
and people development.
Diana is very dedicated to her work and was en route to another assignment
when she took time out of her busy schedule to meet with us. Thank
you Diana it was an enlightening and pleasurable meeting.
Diana was the one who pointed out that PASSING THE TORCH, will be
a major event organized by the Fabian Society and The Guardian Newspaper
for the 'Centre-Left' this Saturday. The decision was made at this
point that it would be beneficial for Sabine to join their sessions
on 'strengthening communities' and 'creating unities of interest between
the poor and the rest' after the plenary with Tony Blair, John Gray
and Lord Jenkins. We split forces at this point and I traveled down
to the conference in Crewe.
The Christian Council on Monetary Justice was hosting a conference
within the Crewe Conference titled "Struggle & Survival in the World
of Mammon, a conference organized by Shrewsbury Justice and Peace
Commission with the support of CAFOD, Christian Aid, Chester Diocese
Justice and Development Education Committee and the Justice and Peace
Commission of Liverpool Archdiocese and the Faith and Justice Commission
of Lancaster Diocese.
This conference was held at St. Thomas More High School, Danebank
Avenue, Crewe, a short walk from the Wistasten Hall Monastery where
CCMJ attendees would stay for the next 3 days. Father Murphy and Father
Matts saw to our every need, meals, rooms, chapel-spiritual needs,
meeting rooms, everything that we could possibly need was pointed
out to us on our arrival, including house rules.
This was a wonderful retreat where one could meditate and that is
exactly what we were there for, a think tank, a meeting of like minds
and how to press forth to educate and bring this awareness to others.
It was a wonderful blend of characters: Val Curtis, Tony Mason, Frank
McManus, Mike Coldham, Patricia Knox, Sister Dorothy Peart, Sister
Magdalen Fogarty, Deidre Manifold, Kenneth Allchin, Kevin Donnelly,
Richard Kay and myself. All had brought props, booklets, leaflets,
literature or important information that many had themselves published.
Sister Dorothy, in her wisdom, has chosen to educate via visual demonstrations
that she has applied in book form titled: "Lets Understand our Money"
story which mentions: What money is, how it started and Let's start
again. Gold Tokens, Snags & Benefits. Usury to Blame. Who should create
the money supply? Dorothy also had the Money story done out on long
paper banners that were laid out on the floor. Talk about rolling
out the red carpet. We had Sister Dorothy's cartoons rolled out for
us. This lady is really on track and I warmed to her tender voice
as she would assist in chapel leaving me feeling calm and confident
to go on, in this usury fight. Sister Dorothy noted: "John Turmel
may be God's Engineer???)
Deidre Manifold joined us from Ireland. This petite, fired-up lady
gifted me with books - "Fatima & The Great Conspiracy" which mentions
an extraordinary story of how the international conspiracy to achieve
a materialist world dictatorship is being pursued. The facade of ideologies
and parliamentary politics is unerringly penetrated, to reveal the
hidden mechanisms of world power politics, in all their Machiavellian
subtlety.
Deirdre, a Galway housewife, made it her study over a lifetime to
unravel the peculiar and unique connections of this conspiracy, its
roots in the sixteenth century, its present-day extent, with tentacles
both in the Kremlin and in Wall Street. Deirdre added a lot of pointers,
but one in particular hit my eye: Joseph Kennedy asked his son John:"Do
you realize what you are doing? This year they can make you President,
next year they would kill you if you dared stand in their way."
Concluding my allotted time as a Guest Speaker, I read these words
of encouragement given to me during our New Zealand Mission by Allan
Efford who also works selflessly to promote the good word. Since all
were also impressed, as promised, I include these great words for
you to ponder and pass along to those who waver and feel despair at
times in this ongoing battle.
"Let no one be discouraged by the belief that there is nothing that
one man, or one woman, can do against the enormous array of the world's
ills; against the misery and ignorance, injustice and violence.
Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us
can work to change a small portion of the events and in the total
of all those acts will be written the history of their generation.
It is from numberless, diverse acts of courage and belief that human
history is shaped.
Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot
of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny
ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers
of energy and bearing, those ripples build a current which can SWEEP
DOWN the MIGHTIEST WALLS of OPPRESSION and RESISTANCE." Robert F.
Kennedy
Richard Kay contributed a pamphlet titled"What is the Parable of the
Talents Really About? Sub Headings: Jubilee principles, The parable
of the talents examined, Mammon's system exposed and his fate made
clear, Nehemiah's definition of usury and the subversion of common
law, Mammon's money worshipping economic theory, God's abundant provision
and buying without money. Richard also elaborated on LETS registries
for those who weren't up to speed on that issue.
Back to the Struggle and Survival Conference. There were 15 different
work-shops to choose from. I had already been registered to attend
"LETS - The End of Mammon's Money Monopoly?" presented by Angus Soutar.
As the money system of the Middle Ages struggles to support us in
the new Age of Information, there are several new initiatives which
could reduce our need for conventional money. One of the most practical
of these is LETS, which supports trade and exchange within a community
while reducing the need for cash. This is a reflective, yet light-
hearted, workshop led by Angus Soutar who has six years of experience
in developing LETS and using them to trade. Angus is a member of a
world-wide network developing LETSystems. This was a well attended
workshop and Angus was gracious enough to allow me time to speak with
the participants on how LETS should be put on the Political Agenda.
Thank-you Angus and the Mrs.. Keep up your good work.
This conference was packed out, standing room only, I was told 300-400
annually attended, but I would guesstimate that it was well over that
number. So many great topics were being covered , one could only wish
that more time could have been allotted.
Ken Palmerton and John Thomas arrived in the afternoon and then returned
to join us at the Monastery. Arrangements were immediately made to
accommodate them for tea. More sessions and movies by Kevin Donnelly
were presented, a break allowed me to firm up some plans with John
Thomas who resides in Halifax, Yorkshire. Sabine McNeill arrived from
London, disappointed with the results of the Fabian Society function.
But she was able to unwind now and meet the delightful group of people
I had been spending time with. I feel my greatest contribution to
the Crewe conference was making the connection of Sabine to the CCMJ
group, I am sure she will be more than instrumental in aiding them
in more ways than one. But, remember folks, Sabine also has a large
task of her own to ignite, that being the LETS Coalition. If you can
aid her in anyway, this would be great that the two groups work together.
When Patricia Knox outlined what direction she will now take to educate
and place pressure and mentioned it was because of me that she can
now do this, I felt great pride and I am only grateful that I was
able to bring some clarity to some issues. Patricia has a farm and
is presently feeding 50 families with produce that she grows and is
hoping to provide even more families this year.
Kevin Donnelly provided a wonderful backdrop for the meeting room
by taking my Buckingham Palace shot of John with his Abolish Interest
Rates sign and blowing it up, adding a large Bradbury Bill and other
pieces of interest, was not well during the conference. I have just
learned that Kevin will have to spend a fortnight in hospital. Kevin
my prayers go out to you for a speedy recovery, God Bless.
After the Crewe conference it was up to Hebden Bridge to stay with
Ken Palmerton and his wife Kathleen. Ken picked me up at the bus depot
and at the home, his daughter Flora and two children were just ready
to depart from their visit. We exchanged hellos and good-byes. Kathleen
ushered me into the kitchen to have a cup of tea until Ken got back
from driving Flora and the children home. In the kitchen the table
was like a banquet for a Queen. I said she shouldn't have gone to
all that bother. Kathleen said it was their 34th Wedding Anniversary
and that she always did something special so I got to also benefit
from the occasion.
It was like being home. Kathleen and Ken, gracious Host and Hostess
that they are, saw me to my room in the great Library and I had a
most delightful night's sleep. The following day Ken took me around
to see some of the Calderdale LETS folk. We stopped at the home of
Jonathan and Angie Simms, administration officers for the Calderdale
LETS system. Jonathan had been following Sabine and I on econ-lets
and seemed honestly pleased to meet me in person. We shared views
and progress reports.
The following day, Ken drove me to Halifax to rendezvous with John
Thomas. John is keen to put together a rock opera using money as the
theme and more to use John Turmel's life, fighting the system as his
story line. John Thomas lives over the top of a NAT/WEST bank and
as we spoke of his experience with the banking system which prompted
him to go to Columbia in search of Emeralds, hence his book "Emerald
Mountain", telling how this all came about. He is passionate in his
fight to educate as well and what better way via a rock opera. He
has great musical talent and many great ideas. Now all we need is
to hook him up with people in the industry and make this a reality.
After hours of listening to his music and story telling, his lady
friend Kath Briggs, who has 4 delightful children, joined us. John,
a true vegetarian, made a wonderful meal of pasta, vegetables and
soya balls marinated and deep fried, blended together which was delectable.
The following day, when John returned I had read a good portion of
his book and could understand the driving force behind this man.
Kath, John and I then took a drive up to see Wilfrid Price, 86 years
young, who John had the privilege of meeting on our last trip. Wilfrid
told me the Duke of Bedford gave him a book on Social Credit at the
age of 20 and that launched him on the road to Monetary Reform. Wilfrid
is the author of "Big Banks Create Money Out of Nothing- Then they
lend it to us at interest - An Unpayable & Fraudulent Debt." This
is just one of the many wonderful articles that Wilfrid has written.
Wilfrid lives in the charming Hard Castle Crags, Kath, John and I
took some time to roam the country side, taking in the magnificent
beauty of streams and wooded areas.
When we returned to Halifax, I went with Kath to pick up sons Jonathan
and Michael from her parents home. On entering, there was her dad
playing music on the piano to the children who were quietly sitting
on the floor playing. Andrew, the youngest, was very content in this
atmosphere and this 2 year old made it known to us that he wanted
to stay. Back at Kath's house, while Kath and John put together a
meal, I was entertained by Jonathan and Michael, identical twins,
one left handed and one right handed. These two work their magic on
canvass, most projects done together and for 11 year-olds, I was amazed
at the caliber of art they would produce.
We had a wonderful evening with only David, Kath's 7 year-old, who
is very musically inclined and is learning from John Thomas how to
play the keyboard was off at a party.
During the night Vivienne Smith, candidate for the Green Party in
the upcoming election came over to get John to typeset some literature
pamphlets for her campaign. I left John with an article I found on
Ithaca done in the British papers and explained how this should be
handed out at all-candidates meetings. Vivienne had the concerns and
the answers and this would be her great sample of how things could
get done.
Kath and John offered to get me up to Burnley, Lancashire, so it was
a fast drive over to Ken and Kathleen, where we had tea, then off
to Burnley. I did not want everyone disappointed if for some reason
I couldn't make it, so I decided the surprise tactic was the best.
Allan and Christine, sons Scott and Steven, again made me feel more
than welcome. Allan had to go out but Christine and Steven and I spent
a great evening chatting and laughing.
The following night it was off to the Miners Club where I met up with
Uncle Vincent and Aunt Irene again, I just love the atmosphere of
the Club, the entertainment is of high caliber and it is wonderful
to see everyone participating in a sing song. You can feel the positive
energy level. One of the highlights of the night was when Uncle Vincent
gave me his tickets to watch for the draw. Well, the first number
drawn was mine. I had to go to the front and put my hand in a bag
that contained many keys, I was so excited I wasn't sure what I was
doing, but I was told to pull a key out and try and open the box in
front of me. Well, I opened the box but it was empty, I had a sinking
feeling until I was told that I had won. I said won what the box is
empty. They said they would bring the money to me, that it was too
much to do in the public forum. When they finally counted it out
I had 271 pounds. Since it was Uncle Vincent's ticket I immediately
handed over the loot to them. What a wonderful hello, goodbye gift.
It was just as fast as that because the next day I was expected back
in London for an important interview with Sarah Ryle of the Guardian
Newspaper. Again Thanks to all the Andertons for a pleasurable reunion.
Ken Palmerton again to the rescue. He picked me up in Burnley and
was prepared to drive me to Crewe since I had purchased a return ticket
to London from Crewe. I felt bad about taking Ken away but he assured
me that it was all right. We had a delightful day weather wise and
the country side was something to behold. It was truly spring, crocuses,
daffodils, blossoming shrubs everywhere.
The meeting in London, Global Cafe with Sarah Ryle went very well
and I believe this young lady will be influential in her writings
to come. We seemed to pique a lot of interest from her. Thank you
Sarah for picking up the tab for lunch.
I would like to send special salutations to Jane Vukovich for a brief
meeting. Jane was heading to Nova Scotia Canada to lecture on reflexology.
Jane stopped by to bring me a delightful book to read on the British
way of life. It was lovely Jane.
Mr. Edward (Teddy) Goldsmith, on my Birthday, treated Sabine and I
to a wonderful meal including Champagne at the Richmond Harvest Vegetarian
Restaurant. What delightful company and what a treat.
Michelle Goldberg-Taoist Secrets of Health and Longevity, Super Foods
of the 21st Century Foods that nourish the 'whole' body and each systems
and functions of the body according to the Chinese system of FIVE
ELEMENT NUTRITION. Michelle put on a super demonstration with great
props and samples at the Mandeer Restaurant. This very pleasant young
lady kept me intrigued with her every word. The information given
to us was new, enlightening and well backed-up with facts. When time
allows I will certainly be following up on the Canadian Contact that
Michelle gave me in Alberta (Andrea Langer) 403-242-5543. Well done
Michelle a wonderful demonstration.
We met Jean Whitehead from the Co-operative Party, New Economic Foundation-building
a just and sustainable economy. Jean, Sabine and I all brainstorming
at the innovative Global Cafe was an afternoon well spent. The final
outcome of that meeting: Sabine will organize an introduction of LETS
at the end of May for Economic Democracy to Members of Parliament
and possibly a few celebrities to take place at the innovative Global
Cafe, at 15 Golden Square, just off Piccadilly Circus. She will also
work towards a LETS Coalition of which the seeds have already been
scattered. Just before leaving, a letter arrived from Hampshire County
Council, Members Room, The Castle Winchester- Mr. Mike Roberts -"As
an organizer for the developing Rushmoor Lets, can you send me details
of the Coalition?" dated March 2, 1997. A seed has sprouted? Jean
thank you so much for taking time out from your busy schedule.
Denis Edmondson-Denis brought me literature on Fluoridation. He continues
his ongoing fight to stop fluoride from entering the British water
system. One article was a Press Release by John Yiamouyiannis, an
internationally recognized expert on the Biological effects of Fluoride
on the aging process. He offered a $100,000 reward to end fluoride
controversy. If interested in this topic, you can write to "The Safe
Water Foundation,(A subsidiary of Health Action), 6439 Taggart Road,
Delaware, Ohio 43015 U.S.A.
I visited Michael Booking, Sabine's friend and associate, in his home
and his business "Pure Balance Mind & Body Centre".
Andie Ryrie- again thank you. The side trip to deliver the books was
very much appreciated.
On my return to Canada, the Queen had already answered. She sent back
John's $12,000 in Greendollar notes saying she doesn't accept unsolicited
gifts. I don't think they realize it was not a gift. It was a loan.
And John's package to Prince Charles was also returned. It seems His
Royal Highness does not accept mail.
We are in a Cultural Shift going from individual to collective, from
spectator to activist, from personal to holistic and from God the
Father to God the Spirit. We are ONE WORLD-ONE FAMILY. So LETS get
with the program, stand up for your rights and rights of the children
to follow, do it now, or the children will have no future. WE, meaning
everyone mentioned in this news letter are part of a LIFE SYSTEM of
the Earth, we must work together to save it. Again, thank you all
for making my mission possible and for your contributions.
What I could do for the May Election:
With knowledge of all the LETS groups around Britain, I would pull
the names of all the Administration Officers and:
1) Either contact them by phone or letter to ask if they would support
National LETS/An Interest Free Banking System?
2) Would they contact their local MP to ask that question?
3) Would they call an urgent meeting of all LETSERs to impress upon
them the URGENCY of applying pressure to MPs via a letter writing
campaign, where it would only take each LETS member a piece of paper
an envelope and a stamp to get the message to their MP, that they
want a National LETS. FLOOD Mail. Make it a good old fashion campaign
rally working together, have a Pot Luck, call out all members, spend
an evening discussing strategy as a group, a picket perhaps around
your town hall, just a suggestion we do it.
4) I would urge all LETSers to attend all-candidates meetings and
apply pressure from the floor and ask the question: Yes or No to National
LETS?
It is time this versatile group of individuals make themselves heard.
Yes, we have our safety boat, our individual LETS group, but it is
now time for us, as educators, to get out and educate others who haven't
been enlightened to LETS. The politicians are just some to mention
but via the politicians and the election, consider this "YOUR" soap
box, that you can stand on and bellow out to all to hear: "LETS can
be your life boat too." And as beautifully said in an Australian news
report: "If the economy is the Titanic, LETS is one of the life- boats."
And these life-boats plans came out of Canada. Yes, as Michael Linton,
John Turmel and the many other Canadians who have worked for so long
and so hard towards a Global LETS, I am proud to say I am Canadian.
But, I was British born and I feel that gives me the right to step
into British Territory to pose The Question. Besides HRH is also my
Queen. I have the right to converse with her. As do all her Loyal
Subjects.
If John Turmel "The Banking Systems Engineer" can pose the question
to the Queen, then we, her loyal subjects, also have that right to
pose the question to the politicians. Do not forget who puts them
in their job. You the voter. So tell them what you want from them,
what you insist they do to get your vote. Stop being led to the slaughter.
You are PEOPLE not SHEEPLE.
I know many have been knocked so far down that it is almost an effort
to even get out of bed in the morning because you're facing the same
old thing. But now is the time to let your imaginations soar like
the eagles. What better place you could be living in if everyone were
working and socializing, loving and caring, for their neighbour. Yes,
it is now in the palm of your hand, you can choose to throw it in
the air or let it drop to the ground.
We are being guided from above. Recently John purchased a newspaper,
one which we seldom buy, yet in this particular newspaper was a complete
list of all the British Political Parties and their E-mail addresses.
With this new information we were able to apply pressure from this
side of the world, still the same questions. I am pleased to say that
already we have one reply from the GREEN PARTY office, short but sweet,
simply, "A BIG YES" to National LETS. I will be certain to keep you
all up to date as the replies come in, especially Sabine, as it will
be up to her then to follow through with contacts and invite key people
from these political parties to the Global Cafe to educate them.
So, I say to you LETSERs: Get out of bed, take a good shot of Vitamin
C, get the glad rags on and get out there and be heard. We can all
proudly say we are all engineering this project. You will also be
proud one day when you can say to your kin: "I was part of that LETS
war that went on for so many years which eventually brought the establishment
back to reality." You are doing it now. You belong to LETS. Proudly
hold up your head and go into battle for your kin, your loved ones.
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