Re: Local exchange trading systems (LETS)

[GGard97342@xxxxxx]

In a message dated 03/04/01 16:19:33 GMT Daylight Time, Jstanziola@xxxxxxx
writes:

> Subj:  Local exchange trading systems (LETS)
>  Date:    03/04/01 16:19:33 GMT Daylight Time
>  From:    Jstanziola@xxxxxxx
>  Sender:  pkt-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>  Reply-to:    pkt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>  To:  pkt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>  Anyone familiar with academic literature on the effects of LETS on local
>  economic performance?  The literature I have encountered so far is pretty
>  much self congratulatory.
>  Javier Stanziola

One very major effect of LETS is to avoid taxes: the participant gets the
full value of his work, without the state getting any rake off. Therefore one
of the aspects to study should be the effect on the tax take. LETS are
identical in effect to the black economy: indeed it could be argued by the
cynical that they are the black economy disguised by a white cloak.

Margrit Kennedy (suggested by Sven) is all Keynes' "Brave heretics" rolled
into one. Idealism personified. Oversimplifies problems like her mentors.

G W Gardiner