A way to unleash people’s potential and creativity

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In 1795 Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet entitled “Agrarian Justice” wherein he argued that every citizen should be given a basic annual income on the sole basis that he or she is a citizen. The justification for this “gift” was that before humans ever populated the earth, land didn’t belong to anyone and it was only much later that individuals acquired land for themselves. With this, the landless were prevented from growing their own food and, in compensation, landowners should be obliged to pay a tax which would then be distributed to all.

Today this idea is witnessing a comeback in the face of massive unemployment and unequal distribution of wealth. It is no more just a question of land ownership but having access to a job or having the basic means to pursue a living. The present system accepts a certain percentage of unemployment and the welfare system tries to make it possible for people to survive. However, in order to do this we have created a huge administration where people have to prove that they are in need, or unable to work, or unable to get work - any work - to be entitled to hand outs. But will we ever be without the unemployed or, what is called, unemployables? Highly unlikely.

Any company is trying to cut costs. Labour costs occupy the highest position in any annual account. Science and modern technology are continually researching for ever better ways to replace the worker with machines. There will be fewer jobs for non-skilled workers and in addition, there will be fewer skilled workers necessary to do the work. It is intrinsic to the system that the unemployment rate will grow. The situation is such that fewer people will have jobs and those who do have jobs will earn very good salaries whereas the rest will be looking for ways to get one of those well paid jobs.

The idea of a basic income means that we accept the fact that there will be ever fewer jobs but that we do not demand that people look for jobs when there are none: instead they are free to do what they really want to do. If they can find a job that is fine; if they prefer to grow their own food; look after a sick person; paint, start their own business; play music, whatever - they receive a basic income to do this. Because they do not need to prove anything, they are free to prove that they are creative, have initiative and want to do something rather than stand in a line to sign on and be humiliated.

The initiative “Basic Income Ireland” will present the idea and the way forward on
Thursday, March 7th, 7-9 pm, Auxilia 1, North Campus, NUI, Maynooth.
For more info email: basic.income@nuim.ie
Attendance is free and everyone is welcome.

Further Reading: http://www.basicincomeireland.com/

A group meeting will be held next Wednesday evening, December 5th here in Kilkenny.

We will be discussing the ongoing projects as well as some fresh ideas for 2013 in keeping a positive vision for Kilkenny.

If you are interested in becoming more involved in the events /activities of FPK
then please email us info@futureproofkilkenny.org

Oct - Dec 2012

Join us again at the Hole in the Wall, High Street, Kilkenny, for Future Proof Kilkenny’s 6th season of films exploring the global issues of sustainability, justice, equality and the environment.
Films start at 8pm.  Admission is free of charge but a contribution of €5 is appreciated to cover our costs.

GARBAGE DREAMS

“Raised in the Trash trade”

A film by Mai Iskander - 2009

8pm Thursday 18th October

Garbage Dreams follows three teenage boys born into the trash trade and growing up in the world’s largest garbage village on the outskirts of Cairo. It is home to 60,000 Zaballeen. Arabic for “garbage people”. Far ahead of any modern “Green” initiatives, the Zaballeen survive by recycling 80 percent of the garbage they collect. When their community is suddenly faced with the globalisation of its trade, each of the teenage boys is forced to make choices that will impact his future and the survival of his community.

JUST DO IT

“A tale of modern-day outlaws”

A documentary film by Emily James - 2011
8pm Thursday 8th November
Just Do It lifts the lid on climate activism and the daring troublemakers who have crossed the line to become modern day outlaws. Documented over a year, Emily James’ film follows these activists as they blockade factories, attack coal power stations and glue themselves to the trading floors of international banks despite the very threat of arrest.
Just Do It is an independently produced film made possible by over 100 volunteers and 447 crowd funders.

INTO ETERNITY

“This hiding place should never be disturbed”

A film for the future by Michael Madsen - 2010

8pm Thursday 29th November
In Finland the world’s first permanent repository for high-level radioactive waste is being hewn out of solid rock. A huge system of underground tunnels is being constructed, tunnels which must last though natural disasters, man-made disasters, and societal changes for 100,000 years. Captivating, wondrous and extremely frightening, Into Eternity takes viewers on a journey never seen before into the underworld and into the future.

NO IMPACT MAN

“can you save the planet without driving your family crazy?”

A Film by Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein - 201

8pm Thursday 13th December

Colin Beaver decides to completely eliminate his personal impact on the environment for a whole year. It means eating vegetarian, buying only local food, and turning off the refrigerator. It also means no elevators, no television, no cars, buses, or airplanes, no toxic cleaning products, no electricity, no material consumption, and no garbage. No problem - at least for Colin - but he and his family live in Manhattan. So when his espresso-guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two-year-old daughter are dragged into the fray, the No Impact Project has an unforeseen impact of its own.

Supported by Kilkenny County Council Local Agenda 21

A beautiful collection of flowers, shrubs, window boxes and herbs will be available at the Good Shepherd Garden Sale this Sunday.
A nice variety of vegetable plants including, Tomatoe, Courgette and Squash will also be available.
Its expected to be a nice summers day with Strawberry and Elderflower cordial on hand for refreshments.

Get your garden growing this weekend while contributing towards The Good Shepherd Centre.

Future Proof Kilkenny’s Brian Dillon has been working in the garden with the men at the centre over the past three years with great results.
So drop by early on Sunday to stock up on plants or just to see this wonderful urban garden project.

Remember, all proceeds go to The Good Shepherd Centre

Sale on 12-2pm
Sunday 3 June
at The Good Shepherd Centre, behind St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny

Next weekend:    25th - 26th  February

On Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th February Marjó Oosterhoff will be teaching a mindfulness retreat (non-residential) in the
Castalia Hall of Camphill Community in Ballytobin near Callan.

The retreat will start at 10.30 am on both days, and finish around 4 pm.

All are welcome, the retreat is suitable for beginners and non-beginners, it’s possible to come for one or both days.

Loving kindness meditation will also be incorporated during the two days.

The cost is by donation and please bring something for your own lunch (meditation cushions/stools/blankets will be provided if you don’t have your own)

You can visit  www.vipassana.ie for details of these meditation practices if you are not familiar with them.

Please book in beforehand if you would like to come by emailing Marjó at: moosterhoff @ eircom.net

Marjó Oosterhoff is the resident teacher and manager at Passaddhi Meditation Centre in Adrigole, Co. Cork. She has practised meditation (both vipassana and metta) for many years, in monasteries and meditation centres in Burma and Thailand, as well as in Buddhist retreat centres in the West. Her Thai and Burmese teachers authorised her to teach vipassana/mindfulness and metta/loving kindness retreats.