American Monetary Institute

PO BOX 601, VALATIE, NY 12184

Tel: 1-224-805-2200, email:  ami@taconic.net

http://www.monetary.org
Stephen Zarlenga, Director
Dedicated to the independent study of monetary history, theory, and reform

Announcing the 5th annual

AMI 2009 Monetary Reform Conference

At Roosevelt University* in Chicago, Sept. 24–27, 2009

Registration $395.

                Dear Friends,

            The American Monetary Institute is proud to announce its 5th annual Monetary Reform Conference in Chicago. Our conferences have launched the modern grass roots movement for U.S. monetary reform and thereby World reform. Make your plans now to attend this important meeting in beautiful downtown Chicago. Our money system clearly needs a serious overhaul to secure economic justice and peace as we enter the 3rd Millennium. It’s evident that true reform, not palliatives, are necessary to  move humanity back from the brink of nuclear war; away from a World dominated by fraud, warfare and ugliness and toward a World of justice and beauty. The conference focuses on minimum initial steps to begin this process and put time on the side of humanity instead of against us. You may receive this announcement amidst very depressing news and events, but we urge you to avoid discouragement and instead join with us in this adventure to achieve positive results for America and the world.

Don't allow yourself to be discouraged because the villains who created the present crisis, have manipulated governments to bail them out, at the expense of the public. We the people have the power to end that nonsense.Once we realize that, and learn to ignore the "corrupt and corrupting" negative influences, we can understand what should be done and then act.

Main Themes of the Conference: Implementing Monetary Reform now!          
At the forefront of the Conference will be  a description of the essential elements of monetary reform needed to "get the snake out of the house." A program for achieving the reforms will be discussed at length.

This conference will continue to examine the problem of usury. Is it a necessary part of "free market economics," or is it a destroyer of nations, or is it both? The present false definition of usury as excessive interest, was foisted on economics by Jeremy Bentham, who also devised utilitarianism - dropping morality in favor of supposed results. But the real concept of usury is the anti-social misuse of the money mechanism for private gain. The conference continues to help revive this classical concept of usury and relate it to how our present privatized monetary system malfuntions, for example in creating the present banking crisis.

Because the world is still in danger of sliding into an unimaginable disaster in the Middle-East, the conference will also focus on how a privately controlled money system such as we presently have in the U.S. leads to warfare by providing the financial motivation for starting unnecessary wars.  Everyone has heard that banking and wars are related, but only a handful of people understand how.
            

 A Different Kind of Monetary Conference

The situation in which knowledgeable monetary reformers find ourselves is that after years of studying monetary history and theory, we already know many if not most of the broad shapes that monetary reform should take. We know from experience that these views have stood the test of time and many challenges from those with less experience in the field or operating under misconceptions or pursuing non-reform agendas. Rather than merely arguing over these main themes, it is time for those of us who understand, to move forward to implement those elements that we know must be a part of good reform.

What are these broad national parameters supported by over 3000 years of history? That the control of money systems should shift away from private control toward governmental control. Away from commodity money notions; away from fractional reserve banking – monetizing private credits and loaning them into circulation at interest. Towards money issued interest free by government and spent into circulation for the common good. The system must be morally grounded in fairness.

Not seeking blind trust, we’ll continue educating and explaining why the proposals are beneficial and moral and continue to present the historical evidence demonstrating that. We’ll answer any serious challenges, and those arising from plain misunderstanding. We may invite selected spokesmen for differing reforms to succinctly present their case. But we’ll do it within a context of advancing the reform agenda, making necessary adjustments as we proceed. We won't waste our participants time! Dissenters obviously don’t have to join in the reform phase; but neither need we procrastinate, waiting for all to experience their monetary epiphanies, before moving forward. The direction of world events requires that we begin a solid program now.

Themes of the Conference

Therefore the AMI annual conferences focus on three broad areas:

The Monetary Reforms:
 
The main focus of the conferences - Researchers will describe and make the case for the kind of monetary reforms advocated, presenting both the logical and historical basis for them, and the mechanics of implementing them. Extensive question and answer periods and panel discussions can air doubts or concerns regarding the desirability of the reforms and suggest refinements. Included will be discussions of research and thinking methodology. Two monetary reform acts will be analyzed including strategies for getting it supported.

Achieving the Reforms - What we can do now:
Selected Political, Social and Monetary Activists will give the benefit of their experience in educating, raising public awareness, organizing and motivating people and governmental bodies to influence public policy decisions 

Using the Reforms:
Presentations on how a properly reconstituted money power within government will be effectively used to “promote the general welfare”. These will focus on
Infrastructure Programs particularly how to pay for the $2.2 trillion the American Society of Civil Engineers tells us is needed to maintain our infrastructure over the next 5 years, through monetary reform. Understand that we include the "human infrastructure" of  health Care and Education within infrastructure! With proper monetary reform all these things become possible, including education and health, upgrading America’s crumbling infrastructure, towards futuristic energy efficient, eco friendly designs well within the reach of today’s technology and economy. We can create hospitable, clean, cities of the future using 21st century solutions.

This conference is open to the public*, and to properly organize it the AMI requires a minimum donation of $395 per attendee; $625 (to include significant other). For early registrations postmarked by August 15th, the minimum donation is only $245, and by August 30th the minimum donation is $295. This includes substantial conference materials and aids, daily coffee breaks, a Get Acquainted wine and juice Reception and a Celebration Dinner and beach barbecue. Hotel and travel costs are separate at group discounts. We say minimum donation because affluent attendees who want to help out with larger donations are strongly encouraged to do so. It enables us to extend attendance scholarships to students. Looking forward very much to seeing you and advancing monetary reform to the next level.

Stephen Zarlenga,                Please visit AMI’s website for latest conference info:

Director                                                        http://www.monetary.org

To See the Schedule of Confirmed Speakers please see http://www.monetary.org/2009schedule.html             



Conference Schedule at Roosevelt University*, Chicago


Thursday Sept. 24th    Registration from 9 AM. (and the prior Wednesday evening from 6 PM to 8 PM)

                                             1 PM to 6 PM    Presentations, coffee break.

                                             7 PM   Conference Reception with wine, juice, cold cuts and cheeses


Friday Sept. 25th  
       9 AM to 7 PM       Presentations; break for lunch; refreshment breaks

Saturday Sept. 26th    9 AM to 6 PM       Presentations; refreshment breaks.

                                             7:30 PM                 Dinner party, with keynote presentation

Sunday Sept. 27th        9 AM to 12 PM     Presentations & discussion - Conference adjourns until September 2009.

                                              1 PM to 5 PM       AMI hosts a Sunday afternoon Beach Barbecue at North Avenue Beach.

* N                  NOT AFFILIATED WITH ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY. Roosevelt University is simply the venue for the event. This does not imply either support or endorsement of the AMI, the speakers or their messages.

 Each day will begin with coffee, tea, muffins, bagels, jams, fruit, etc, served half an hour before the talks start. After the conference AMI hosts a Beach Barbecue at Chicago’s renowned Oak Street Beach. For the athletically inclined, and if Lake Michigan co-operates, we’ll have a Magnificent Mile Swim Challenge (and an alternate mile “Walk”). Those completing the swim receive the prestigious (and well-earned) AMI Magnificent Mile Swim Club T-shirt.

The Conference (and Reception and Dinner) are at Roosevelt University at 430 S. Michigan Ave. in the heart of Chicago. The University’s facilities seat attendees in comfortable classroom type seating, using narrow tables.

Choose your own accommodation level from 4 nearby Hotels: (AMI will help assign attendees who want to share rooms)

All prices quoted are after 15% taxes. Mention the AMI Conference when making reservations.

1) The Travelodge Hotel Downtown at 65 E. Harrison; Closest hotel - only one block from Roosevelt University. Rates will be from $62 per person double occupancy, after taxes, to $102 per person single occupancy. Make reservations now! Cut off date for reservations at this rate is September 8th - no exceptions! You must ask for Darren Andrews only, at 312-376-1481. and mention the American Monetary Institute Conference. Your credit card holds the reservation but is not billed until after your stay. There is no charge for cancellations by Sept. 8th. See  www.travelodgehoteldowntown.com
The travelodge also offers larger suites with kitcheonettes at $144 Single, $72 per person double occupancy. We will do our best to match up participants to share rooms, on a first come first served basis.

2)  ONLY $33 PER NIGHT!!!  The HI Chicago Youth Hostel at 24 E Congress Pkwy, across the street from Roosevelt University. These modern, clean, secure, dorm style accommodations (6 to a room, with lockable lockers, bring your own lock) are only $33 per night. There’s no age limit, no curfew and no membership required! A number of our attendees stayed here comfortably. It enables us to also strongly promote the conference to a young audience, who may not have much money, but have great social commitment to creating a better world than we are handing them. We’ll help them do that. We will arrange to have several dorm rooms for attendees of the conference. Call 312-583-2225 for reservations. Mention the AMI Conference. http://www.hichicago.org

3) Chicago’s Essex Inn at 800 S. Michigan Ave, features a large indoor/outdoor pool, and health club which opens onto a tree landscaped terrace with seating overlooking Chicago’s Grant Park and Lake Michigan. A reasonably priced hotel for this area (Approximately $100-$105 per person per night,double occupancy- make reservations early). http://www.essexinn.com

The AMI speakers have received great praise from participants. There’s opportunity for interaction with speakers as most will be present all 4 days. Please watch the AMI website for fuller descriptions of their talks and backgrounds.

To See the Schedule of Confirmed Speakers with photos and bios please see http://www.monetary.org/2009schedule.html             

This years speakers will be posted as they confirm - more to come!

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, major proponent of economic justice and possible future President of the United States of America. Congressman Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth have addressed three of our past 4 conferences. His presence does depends on the Congressional schedule.
Prof. William Black  of UMKC; the man who successfully ran the savings and loan crisis rescue in the 90s, will speak on
Fraud's Critical Role in Producing the Financial Crisis

Richard Cook, Formerly the NASA whistleblower on the Challenger disaster; then 2 decades at the U.S. Treasury, with a lifetime in monetary/economic studies, speaks on questions of justice in monetary and economic matters.

William Bergman, Economist and Formerly an official at the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank, until he became a whistleblower on Fed practices will focus on the present condition of banking after the massive bailouts.

Michael Hudson, UMKC professor and PBS commentator and the only economist to accurately forecast the mortgage and housing debacle, speaks on what is needed before there can be a real recovery. He also discusses reforming the international payments system.

Prof. Nic Tideman of Virginia Tech (formerly Senior Economist on the President’s Council of Economic Advisors) on how banks will compete after monetary reforms are in place.

Chris Lindstrom, who organized the highly successful  Shumacker monetary Conference in May 2005 and was deeply involved in the creation of the Berkshares local currency program speaks on The Myth of Money, The Spirit of BerkShares in Great Barrington Massachusets.

Dr. Norman Ehrentreich, a quantitative investment analyst responsible for forecasting interest rate decisions of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee tells where markets go from here.

Michelle St. Pierre, Leader of the highly successful Ron Paul movement in north Washington State will tell discuss how to turn talk into action!

Will Abrams of British Columbia, presents the important and neglected story of Gerald G. McGeer, the "father" of the Bank of Canada, who instituted major monetary reforms along the lines of the American Monetary Act.

Steven Walsh, leading Chicago educator and expert authority on New England Colonial moneys, describes how banks create money out of thin air.

Jamie Walton, a knowledgeable money reformer from New Zealand describes the American Montary Act and why all three elements must be put into effect. He describes some of New Zealand's experience with money reforms.

Dr. Ed Chambers  who trained Barack Obama in street organizing when he came to Chicago's South Side from Harvard, discusses how Power results from organized money or organized people!

Ole Mackeprang, European Financier discusses "Money Systems & Warfare"; and will update us on practical changes the Euro has brought about. He has worked in 62 countries, principally France, Germany, Italy and Spain; discusses How the Euro Has Done.

Dr. Cay Hehner, Director of the New York Henry George School of Social Science Discusses the End of Capitalism as we know it.

John O'Holleran of the American Society of Civil Engineers describes the infrastructure deficit now estimated at over $2.2 trillion over the next 5 years.

David E. Kelley noted pensions expert and economic advisor will present concepts for achieving economic justice.

Stephen Zarlenga Director of the American Monetary Institute and author of The Lost Science of Money book speaks  on progress at the AMI, and the direction of monetary reform in America.

Robert Poteat, long term and meticulous monetary researcher, certainly among the top half dozen in America in awareness of monetary systems, and leader of the AMI Chapters in Portland and Seattle and Centralia WA. Bob discusses why monetary reform is largely a moral question.

Richard Distelhorst, long term monetary researcher and activist (another in the top monetary leaders in America) recipient of the AMI Lifetime Achievement Award, and leader of the AMI Chapter in Burlington, Iowa speaks on What Must Be Done Now? as we move to a constitutional Money System.

Randy Cook, Executive Director of National Organization for Raw Materials will discuss The great importance of farm parity programs.


Chapter leaders will report on the developing AMI Chapters in formation around the U.S. and discuss what works in attracting and educating fellow Americans on reforming the money system. Our goal is to establish one chapter in each Congressional District.

The American Monetary Act, and The Monetary Transparency Act, Ami’s proposed monetary legislation will be discussed in detail:  including how to gain support for monetary reform.

To understand how good these conferences are, please see the report on previous conferences at our website, or get the audio CDs of the 2006 conference (see registration form below). Those who attended will tell you how wonderful and encouraging it was to be together with others who understand the vision for monetary reform. It's a valuable experience of much needed “community.”

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2009 AMI Conference Registration Form

Click here for a printer friendly registration form

To register by phone call: 1-224-805-2200
Enclosed is my $______ registration donation for the 2009 AMI Monetary Reform Conference in Chicago September 24 to 27, 2009.  Minimum donation $395 per person*. All participants must pre-register.
There are no "at the door" registrations.
Use Paypal to register now:

Registration $395.

From September 1st registration will be $395.

(An 80% refund is available until May 15th, and will afterward be pro-rated downward to a 20% refund after September 1st)

*The American Monetary Institute as part of its responsibility in sponsoring the Conference reserves the right at its sole discretion and without public or private explanation, to restrict attendance at this Conference to persons it considers will enhance the purposes of the meeting, as detailed above. Participants should understand and be in agreement that the conference will stay focused on monetary system questions and will not be diverted into other areas.

 For excellent pre-conference reading:  (Many conference presentations assume this book has been read)

___ Please send me a copy of The Lost Science of Money book by Stephen Zarlenga. Enclosed is my check for $68 ($60 plus $8 S & H) [All foreign shipments are now by airmail at $22 per book (total $90) - a post office requirement].

___ Please send me the professionally recorded 4 CD Audio set of the full 2006 Conference Speakers, at $75 postpaid in the US
  
     (or $85 total by foreign airmail). Outstanding monetary material! Play them while working on your computer.

___ Please send me the professionally recorded video DVDs of the full 2007 Conference Speakers, at $395 postpaid in the US and abroad. Outstanding monetary material!

Enclose Check OR:

___ Bill my credit card (no Amex) ____________ Card #________/________/_________/_________ Expiration____________

 
Signature_________________________________ Print name_____________________________________________________

 Address___________________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________­­_____________

 
Phone #__________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________

send by post or E-mail applications to ami@taconic.net

Tel. 1-224-805-2200  - If leaving a message, use a loud clear voice!

Mail registrations to The American Monetary Institute
P.O. Box 601,  Valatie, NY 12184


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