Original Conference Announcement
[The text of the original conference announcement was modified slightly after the Business Cycle Dating Committee of the National Bureau of Economic Research declared on September 20 that the recent recession ended in June 2009. The original version of the conference announcement is below. The current version is available here.]
THE ECONOMIC CRISIS & LEFT RESPONSES
A conference convened by Marxist-Humanist Initiative
Saturday Nov. 6, 2010 – 9 am to 6 pm
Pace University in lower Manhattan
One Pace Plaza, Multipurpose Room
Confirmed Speakers:
Brendan Cooney, Walter Daum, Barry Finger
David Harvey, Mac Intosh, Anne Jaclard, Andrew Kliman
Paul Mattick, Jr., Fred Moseley, and Richard Wolff
________________
Chances of a double-dip recession in the U.S. are increasing–if the first recession ever ended. The threat of government-debt defaults in Europe also indicates that the economic crisis of 2007-08 continues to have consequences. The U.S. government’s efforts to prevent another Great Depression have left it saddled with a serious debt problem that could impede efforts to stabilize the economy for a long time to come. The future is especially uncertain, and “the new normal” may prove to be very difficult, economically and politically.
For the Left to be prepared for what may happen and prepared to respond effectively, activity and organization will not be enough. We also need the organization of thought–and that is why we have convened this conference. In order to work out a viable response, one that doesn’t merely react to and support the least-bad proposals offered by policymakers and mainstream thinkers, we need a clear and deep understanding of what has gone wrong with capitalism, and of the limits and pitfalls of proposed reforms. And we cannot take for granted that more progressive policies would in fact bring capitalism out of the crisis and restore jobs, economic growth, and stability. Wide-ranging dialogue on these topics is needed, not only so that all views can be heard but, above all, so that we can test different ideas in debate and work out answers to the questions we face.
Sponsored by Pace University’s Center for Community Action & Research and Economics Department (Pace-Pleasantville campus), the Committee for a Conference on the Economic Crisis, Marxist-Humanist Initiative, League for the Revolutionary Party, Internationalist Perspective, and The New SPACE.
Pre-Registration is Required
Pre-registration is required due to limited seating. Please register below via PayPal. The registration fee is $20; $10 for students and low income individuals. The conference is free for Pace University students, faculty, and staff with valid ID (contact us to register). Note: Registrants must check in by 9:15 a.m. The conference will start promptly at 9:30 am in the Multipurpose Room at 1 Pace Plaza. Click here for directions to Pace’s lower Manhattan campus.
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Second Version of the Conference Announcement
[The text of the second version of the conference announcement was modified after David Harvey informed us that circumstances have arisen that oblige him to withdraw from the conference. The second version of the conference announcement is below. The current version is available here.]
THE ECONOMIC CRISIS & LEFT RESPONSES
A conference convened by Marxist-Humanist Initiative
Saturday Nov. 6, 2010 – 9 am to 6 pm
Pace University in lower Manhattan
One Pace Plaza, Multipurpose Room
Confirmed Speakers:
Brendan Cooney, Walter Daum, Barry Finger
David Harvey, Mac Intosh, Anne Jaclard, Andrew Kliman
Paul Mattick, Fred Moseley, and Richard Wolff
________________
Chances of a double-dip recession in the U.S. are increasing. The threat of government-debt defaults in Europe also indicates that the economic crisis of 2007-08 continues to have consequences. The U.S. government’s efforts to prevent another Great Depression have left it saddled with a serious debt problem that could impede efforts to stabilize the economy for a long time to come. The future is especially uncertain, and “the new normal” may prove to be very difficult, economically and politically.
For the Left to be prepared for what may happen and prepared to respond effectively, activity and organization will not be enough. We also need the organization of thought–and that is why we have convened this conference. In order to work out a viable response, one that doesn’t merely react to and support the least-bad proposals offered by policymakers and mainstream thinkers, we need a clear and deep understanding of what has gone wrong with capitalism, and of the limits and pitfalls of proposed reforms. And we cannot take for granted that more progressive policies would in fact bring capitalism out of the crisis and restore jobs, economic growth, and stability. Wide-ranging dialogue on these topics is needed, not only so that all views can be heard but, above all, so that we can test different ideas in debate and work out answers to the questions we face.
Sponsored by Pace University’s Center for Community Action & Research and Economics Department (Pace-Pleasantville campus), the Committee for a Conference on the Economic Crisis, Marxist-Humanist Initiative, League for the Revolutionary Party, Internationalist Perspective, and The New SPACE.
Pre-Registration is Required
Pre-registration is required due to limited seating. Please register below via PayPal. The registration fee is $20; $10 for students and low income individuals. The conference is free for Pace University students, faculty, and staff with valid ID (contact us to register). Note: Registrants must check in by 9:15 a.m. The conference will start promptly at 9:30 am in the Multipurpose Room at 1 Pace Plaza. Enter on Spruce St. Click here for directions to Pace’s lower Manhattan campus.
click here to view the original conference announcement