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INQUIRY Into Your Beliefs · ASKHENRY Search Engine · BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of the Georgist Movement · DISCUSSION · ENCYCLOPEDIA on Political Economy · ENCYCLOPEDIA on Political Economy - INDEX · HENRY GEORGE Page · LAND QUESTION - Quoted Authors · LINKS to Other Websites |
Benjamin Russell |
Herewith some background on my involvement with the Georgist movement. When the United States declared war in 1917, I was 8 years old. Over the next few years, our home became a neighborhood discussion center. My father, grandfather and several neighbors would talk about the war. Several families had sons over in Europe and were always anxious to keep up with any news of the war. I was a quiet listener over these years, but I had questions, too, because I was deeply concerned about what I was hearing. We lived in a typical small town and neighborliness was a [continued below...] |
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way of life with families sharing their tools, pastries, garden produce, etc. Now I heard talk of war, atrocities, and men being wounded and killed in battle. And as I lstened to these conversations, I was absorbed by, and deeply moved by what I was hearing. How explain this terrible violence of war? I asked many questions but learned very little. "When you grow up you will understand." So here I was, many years later, now 34 years old and still searching for logical answers. And then, in 1943 I was invited to attend a class at a local library that my brother-in-law was teaching, called "Basic Economics." I joined this group along with a dozen or so others. I was intrigued by the way new ideas were presented and by the questioning approach. That evening I read the whole textbook "Progress and Poverty" by Henry George. When I finished early the next morning, I knew I was on the path to an answer! There was much I only dimly understood. I had old ideas to be re-examined, but I was on my way! Upon completing the course, I took the several advanced courses, meanwhile teaching the basic course. I have been actively teaching and promoting the Georgist philosophy now for about 56 years. In 1045 I quit my job at Delco Radio Div. of GM and started working for the Chicago Henry George School with a genius by the name of John Monroe. I worked there for about eight years as an associate in charge of administrative services. At this time I and my family moved to Traverse City, MI where I taught adult night school classes at North Western Michigan College. I enjoyed teaching both basic and advanced courses there for about seven years. We then returned to the Chicago area where I re-commenced teaching community classes. In 1973 we moved to Yellville, Arkansas where I held classes in a vegetarian restaurant for five years. We then moved here to Mountain Home where I continued teaching. On Dec. 10, 1987, our local Home Cable TV aired the first of a series of 14 weekly lessons on "Understanding |
Economics." Interested viewers picked up lesson sheets at their office. This project was well received and led to an expansion of our educational programs. The above program was also aired by the Yellville-Summit Cable Co. starting in March, 1988. This series was shown again by American Christian Television System (A.C.T.S.). This was followed by two documentary videos showing the practical application of the principles outlined in the basic course. Starting on Sept. 4, 1988, a Kathy Jones taught a class of 25 students, assisted by Ben Russell. We used the series of 13 - 30 minute videos on "Understanding Economics" The discussions that followed raised interesting questions and provoked lively discussion. On Sept. 10th of that same year, an adult study group was formed and a 13 week course began at the Cotter High School, enthusiastically sponsored by Mr. Waco Sutterfield, Superintendent of Schools. Two economics teachers were enrolled in this course along with several business men and others. Upon completion, certificates were awarded on Nov. 23, 1989. At this time, Mr. Homer Crook taught a class of 31 juniors and seniors, using the 9 - 13 series of videos. On Nov. 14th, we set up an essay contest for the students of these two classes. A number of excellent essays were entered and four students; two from each class were awarded #25 for the best essays. In April of 1989 A.C.T.S. and Home Cable TV aired an eight week series of programs, "Issues and Alternatives" This series was followed by "One Way to Better Cities" and "A Tale of Five Cities." In January, 1990, a local environmental group "Citizens for Clean Water" (CCW) sponsored a ten-week study of economic principles for the benefit of their members. In April, 1990, the 12-week series "Understanding Economics was aired again. On July 7 the two :Cities" videos were televised again. In May 8th the CCW again sponsored the U E course in the offices of Dr. David Fachting. Six students received certificates. |
In May of 1989, the Council for Economic Inquiry was formed and a board of five directors established. Executive Director is Waco Sutterfield, Supt. of schools at Cotter, Ark. Ben Russell Program Director. It was at this time we set up a web page at: www.mtnhomechamber.com/cip/clublis2.htm In December, 1990, we conducted a class at our local Vo-Tech Vocational Center. Looking back to my early experiences with the Chicago School, I remember those heady days when I had the great privilege of working with John Monroe, the senior L.T. Tideman, his son Bob, Weld Carter, Jesse Matson. Norman, and so many other students and teachers. They were busy and exciting times! We all had great plans for expansion and more and more classes. There w as one year when our goal was set for 100 classes. Although we didn't make it, we still had a great and productive year. Monroe was able to obtain funding from the Lincoln Foundation and the Ford Foundation that enabled him to organize the Commerce and Industry Program. For several years we had monthly luncheon meetings to which we invited students and speakers from companies which sponsored classes. At one time we had close to 200 companies supporting the educational work of the School; by providing funds or sponsoring study groups. Today I continue teaching the several courses and promoting the Georgist philosophy. I have had many letters to the editor piblished over the past 20 years. Presently I enjoy working with a half-dozen correspondence course students via regular mail plus a few that Lindy Davis regularly sends me. I also write a regular monthly column on the Internet at www.americannonconformist.com |
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