SOCIAL CREDIT: AND THE CANCER OF COLLECTIVISM

by James Reed
From Eric Butler and Jeremy Lee to League writers such as Betty Luks, Brian Simpson, Peter Ewer, Ian Wilson and myself (and others) There runs a common thread: Western Civilisation is under severe threat and without action and resistance, faces oblivion. A little Social Credit booklet "The Crime and the Cure" (Sydney 1980) begins: "The signs are all round us of the collapse of our civilisation."

The problems discussed each week are many and seen outside of a philosophical world view, may produce in the individual feelings of despair and hopelessness. What can be done? Can civilisation be saved?
Many of us believe that we have degenerated to such a degree that some nations cannot be saved. France, perhaps, South Africa and Zimbabwe (once called Rhodesia) have fallen and have descended into chaos.

The Downfall of Beauty
Social Credit writers have been well aware of the threat to civilisation and even in the 1930s were addressing questions that social critics and environmentalists are thinking about today.
Norman Webb, writing in 1936 in the Social Credit journal "The Fig Tree" published an insightful essay entitled "The Downfall of Beauty":

Industrialisation - and what today we would call globalisation - fuelled by the pursuit of money and utility, has reduced man to a machine, levelled traditional cultures and produced a world crippling ugliness.
"This present civilisation is not only failing in the achievement of the object for which it came into being, the enjoyment of the increment of association, but it is fast losing consciousness of what that object is - is actually ceasing to know for what it is in association. There is no Canon today other than that of Finance - a static, book-keeping theory, related at no point to the spiritual, dynamic facts of existence.
The lover of beauty looks at the pre-industrial world and recognises that in some particular denied to us, it was good; it was right. In those days, in spite of the fact that there were wars and pestilence, cruelty and hunger…, there was a focus; there was homogeneity; there was unity in diversity; there was fitness; there was taste."
"Even if he caught only fleeting glimpses of it, man still knew what he was concerned to achieve. The present industrialised world has forfeited all this, not because it has been mechanised, as artists have thought, but for the single, simple reason that it has been beguiled by an artificially imposed condition into desiring an abstraction - money - in place of the substantial things it can make.
Realism and beauty are one, and the age that has lost the sense of what it wants to such a degree that it mistakes the shadow for the substance, is incapable of creating real beauty."

C.H. Douglas also observed the process of the levelling of community. In the "Big Idea" he said:
"There is, a memory-history of still greater importance [than personal experience], and that is heredity. Many of the country villages of England and Scotland were full of it. The first essential of its growth is stability… Family-traditional history … may have taken the form of 'feeling for the land', water divining, boat-building, or anything else which has been carried on in the same place by the same families over a considerable period. For the purpose of a 'feeling for a policy', which is really a subconscious memory of trial and error, the same consideration is equally true, if we are to accept the theory of a continuous policy [as we do boat building]."

Along with this, the ruthless pursuit of growth at all costs to serve the financial system, grounded upon the creation of credit from nothing as a debt to the financial money-men, was leading to the devastation of the countryside.

In "The Land for the Chosen People Racket" Douglas said of one once-beautiful town:
"Two hundred years ago it was a lovely little country borough beside a sparkling salmon river, surrounded by wooded hills with hundreds of modest manor houses within an hour's canter, and a half dozen famous mansions within a radius of fifteen miles, each of them a little community in itself."
However now it must "be well in the running for pre-eminence as a faithful similitude of Dante's Inferno… There are hundreds of such districts in various parts of Great Britain. The general deterioration has been more rapid in the last fifty years than in the previous century, and a wide extension of this deterioration is threatened."

Douglas would not be surprised at what the forces of globalisation - the last battle of financial capital over the soul of man - have done to China and most of Asia. Choking pollution, the by-products of de-humanised economic growth at all cost, unconnected with real human need, is poisoning rivers, the land and the air. Ultimately the people themselves, being reduced to the level of robot workers, face destruction. Capital then moves on, on its rampage over the planet, until all that remains of earth is a burnt-out shell, purposelessly orbiting the sun.

Collectivism and the Philosophical Anthropology of Social Credit:
On the threat facing Western Civilisation (and increasingly Oriental culture as well), Wilhelm Ropke in "Civitas Humana" (William Hodge and Co. Ltd.) said:
"If we then describe the deadly danger which threatens our whole Western civilisation as Collectivism we do not doubt that we shall be fully understood by everybody. We are surely within our rights in speaking of Collectivism as the fundamental and mortal danger of the West and in describing it as nothing less than political and economic tyranny, regimentation, centralisation, the despotic organisation of every department of life, the destruction of personality, totalitarianism and the rigid mechanisation of human society. And we do not doubt that we can count upon general agreement when we say that this resulting insect State would not only destroy most institutions and values which comprise a development of three thousand years and which, with a conscious pride, we designate Occidental civilisation. It would not only rob society of that organic structure, and internal support which gives it its stability, but above all it would take from the life of the individual just that essential purpose which only freedom can bestow, and with the loss of individual liberty every vestige of intrinsic worth and dignity would perish from the earth. In speaking thus we are expressing convictions which comprise the very core of Christian thought and which must perish with it."

The Common Good:
The problem of de-humanisation of man by the global economy has been dealt with by many, but usually in a limited fashion. Thus "The Common Good and the Catholic Church's Social Teaching" (1996) Statement by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of England and Wales contains valuable criticisms of collectivism and laissez-faire economics, but does not address the key role of the monetary system upon the production/consumption system.
Money, debt and credit do not essentially feature in the scheme of things of "The Common Good". However the social credit movement addresses this deficiency.

C.H. Douglas writing in "The Control and Distribution of Production," was well aware of the important links between the economy and the common good. Thus:
"Society exists for the individual, not the individual for society." And: "The root problem of civilisation - not the only problem, but that which has to be disposed of before any other - is the provision of bed, board and clothes, and this affects the ordinary man in terms of effort. If he has to work hard and long hours to obtain a precarious existence, then for him civilisation fails."

C.H. Douglas defined 'Social Credit' as "The Policy of a Philosophy" and held that the philosophy was Christianity so that Social Credit was applied Christianity. But what is 'applied Christianity'? It involved belief in a certain metaphysics about the world and society, because all theories, be they scientific, mathematical or social have metaphysical presuppositions.

Michael Lane in his article "Power and Freedom" neatly sums up Douglas' social metaphysics:
"The individual soul is the centre of the universe; the group derivative, limited. Contingent. The -tion ending of association makes it an action word, "associating". The individual soul is the substantial reality, whereas the association is merely the doing of something by individuals. If the doing assumes a life of its own, with needs and demands of its own (the result of some individuals' identifying themselves with the 'group'), the group becomes a tyranny." Social credit itself reflects the power of human beings in association to produce intended goals and results, measured in terms of human satisfaction."

Social Credit Applied Christianity:
Readers new to League material will do well to purchase a number of 'big picture' booklets that put Social Credit into a clear philosophical and spiritual context. "Social Credit and Catholicism" by George-Henri Levesque (introduced by Eric D. Butler) is an excellent little booklet which shows that monetary reform is only part of Social Credit.

However life is a Whole, not a set of disorganised atoms. As Pope Pius XI recognised the international financial system has rendered life, "hard, horrible and cruel" and economic conditions "make it difficult for an increasing number of men to operate the capital work of their eternal salvation."

Eric D. Butler in his superb "Releasing Reality: Social Credit and the Kingdom of God" gives an extremely clear introduction to the idea of Social Credit as applied Christianity. He gives an extremely readable outline of C.H. Douglas' thought on Christianity and the evolution of Western European civilisation.

The Jewish problem, something that is difficult to discuss today (since now, we are the problem) is also concisely discussed. Reasons why the social credit idea - of the individual receiving a dividend based upon the cultural heritage - has been so ruthlessly attacked are also given. Commenting on the theme of this essay, the survival of Western Christian civilisation, Mr. Butler said:
"Traditional Christian philosophy has always insisted that God reveals Himself through history; through the continuous application of policies - economic, financial, political and social - rooted in philosophies. The very chaos of today's world is a demonstration of God's power; that God does not permit a violation of His truths to take place without a price being paid. The disintegration of Civilisation is not a sin in itself: it is the wages of sin. The individual defies God's truths at his own peril."

Social Credit opposes the disintegration of civilisation. It has an economic programme for doing this of course, which has been well discussed in a multitude of booklets.
Some as an introduction include: "The Crime and the Cure"; "Social Credit" by C.H. Douglas; "The Truth About Social Credit," by Eric D. Butler; "Social Credit and Christian Philosophy" by Eric D. Butler; "The ABC of Social Credit" by Elizabeth Holter and many more books and booklets. Send for a list.

Beyond all of this though, the battle we are facing is a spiritual one, the archetypal fight between good and evil. Both Douglas and Butler recognised that our age is one where the anti-Christ is wreaking havoc upon the world. Mere economic reform alone is not enough - there must be a spiritual regeneration. This is the real challenge confronting us.
As Mr. Butler concluded in "Releasing Reality" the starting point for a genuine spiritual renewal is not found in mass rallies but within the individual:
"As the Kingdom of God is within each individual, access to the Kingdom is available NOW. Regeneration of Civilisation must start with regeneration of the individual. The development of the Kingdom of God can start now with individuals seeking to use their initiative, in association with others, who are also 'practical Christians', to resist wherever possible the policies of evil. Refusal to act is a failure to strive to enter the Kingdom."

For Social Crediters:
"The future of Christianity now depends upon those who have grasped the truths - the glimpse of reality - discovered and presented by Douglas."

"Releasing Reality: Social Credit and the Kingdom of God" by Eric D. Butler $7.00 posted

CANBERRA THIS WEEK - THEATRE, PURE THEATRE

by Betty Luks
One ABC Radio caller described the event in Canberra this week as 'Pure Theatre'. Another spoke of the fact that what are called the 'Stolen Generations' should be accurately referred to as the 'Rescued Generations'.

Although we were told Rudd would apologise to the 'stolen generation' on behalf of the Parliament only (whatever that means) already the media is presenting it as an apology 'on behalf of the nation'. So, the 'drama' will move on from a simple 'apology' to the next stage of the attack to destabilise Australia as a Western nation.

The media reported Port Lincoln's Mayor Peter Davis as a dissenting voice.
The online headlines from AAP's Alan Porritt read: "Too much 'sorrying and reconciliating', says critic":
Port Lincoln's mayor says he is not into all the 'sorrying and reconciliating' and thinks it will be of no practical benefit to Indigenous people… Mr Davis says he cannot see the apology making any difference to the everyday plight of Aborigines…
"I mean, to me life is a lottery whether one is Aboriginal or black or white or blue or brindle.
"As far as I'm concerned [it] makes no difference; the past is past, we've got to make our life into the future. And I can tell you I personally have no sorrying to do, nor have I on behalf of the Port Lincoln community."

WHAT WILL RUDD NOW DO FOR AN ENCORE?
It is one thing to perform a great spectacle on the Canberra stage, it is quite another matter to attend to the real tragedies of the Aboriginal people:
Living conditions in remote communities, sickness and disease from inadequate nutrition, alcoholism and petrol-sniffing, the early deaths, the neglect of the young and vulnerable, the sexual abuse of very young children, and so the list goes on.

Neo-Marxists are not practical people - their theories of life are not based on Reality. They are much more interested in centralisation of power and control. They will 'do good' (impose their will) to the people whether the people want it or not. There is nowhere in the world where a Marxist government has demonstrated it governs for the good of all their people.

GUILT AS A WEAPON AGAINST THE WESTERN WORLD

by Betty Luks
In his essay, "Collapse of Marxist Orthodoxy and Triumph of American Neo-Marxism," Eric D. Ross, Ph.D., explained the plotters and planners of the New World Marxist Order realised that such blunt instruments of force Stalin used would not work in the Western World. Another more subtle means was required. The Italian Communist Gramsci taught that a Cultural Revolution would be more successful - and so it was.

One of the objectives of Neo-Marxism was the destruction of Western Culture and the imposition of Neo-Marxism was through the takeover of its institutions, i.e., the common law, education, the family, the church, the mass media, and popular culture. They have done so.

The Rescued Generations:
As witnessed this last week, the attack and dumbing down on Westerners' pysche through the psychopolitical weapon of COLLECTIVE GUILT and whipped up emotion has proved most effective. And those guilt-ridden 'weak sisters' in the Opposition, who have no strong convictions of the value and worth of Western Christian heritage, have gone along with Rudd's 'weeping sisters'.

I wonder if Australians realise such a psychopolitical campaign would not work in other cultures. It works in Western cultures because over the centuries, freedom and the imagination it involves, begot Conscience, and it is Conscience that is targeted.
But because of the devilishly-clever strategy of dumbing-down Judgment, Assessment, Discernment, Critical Analysis, etc., those faculties have been sapped of their strength and vitality! Australians are now sleep-walking into a trap set for them many years ago.

Do you oppose what Rudd has done? Have you expressed your opposition to Rudd and the Leader of the Opposition, Brendan Nelson? Have you written to your local paper expressing your concerns and warning them of the consequences to such a move as this 'apology'?

LETTER IN THE PRESS

To the Editor, The Advertiser (Adelaide):
So Prime Minister Kevin Rudd believes that by saying sorry, indigenous people will become full participants in society. They already have this opportunity.
However, because of the majority lacking incentive and motivation, as well as the inability to resolve their own centuries-old ingrained differences to speak in one voice, full participation will not occur.
Governments know this, yet still allow themselves to be led by the nose down this politically correct path, driven by the media and minority groups. It will achieve nothing, and I do not give Mr. Rudd permission to include me in his apology.
- - Joy Baluch, Port Augusta (South Australia)

Editor's note: Joy Baluch is Port Augusta's much loved and respected Mayor and has been for many a year. The Rudd government has said compensation claims will not be linked to the 'apology', but already hardliners such as Michael Mansell, and a former minister in the Keating Labor government Michael Lavarch are calling for compensation claims! Ho hum. What did we say?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
To the Editor: On Target.
Dear Sir,
The 'talk-back' radio has delivered some of the sanest comments on the "Sorry" fiasco; far outclassing the politicians. One of the best went like this:
"Aborigines are one of the most privileged groups in the world. They do not have to work for anybody else. The Government sends them a cheque each fortnight, pays all their legal fees, rents and most of their dental and health care, as well as providing adequate sums of money for special occasions such as weddings and funerals.
When are a fraction of these handouts going to be available to the children of those white people who have worked all their lives to make all these handouts possible?
What about a big "thank-you" from the recipients of this largesse, next time Parliament is opened?" I would not dispute that argument.
- - With best wishes, John Brett, Highfields Queensland.

A MAJOR PROBLEM IS THE MODERN CHURCH

by Betty Luks
Can we look to the established Churches for some spiritual and moral guidance in these matters? Don't hold your breath. The ecclesiastics have been through the same educational process of neo-Marxist indoctrination and 'dumbing down' as have the rest of Australians.
A hundred years ago, the infiltration of the Church's own institutions was well under way; Christianity was becoming thoroughly infected with the Marxist virus.

In the middle 1930s, Malcolm Muggeridge, while stationed in Moscow as a journalist for The Guardian newspaper had his own great awakening to the realities of Fabian Socialism - and he spoke as one who had grown up within the movement.

Malcolm Muggeridge's father was one of the original Fabian Socialists, and the group would meet in his father's home. Malcolm married the niece of the early Fabian Socialist icons Sydney and Beatrice Webb.
Malcolm wrote that what his father had imagined to be the new brotherly way of life, was upon examination of its application in Soviet Russia, an appalling tyranny, in which the only thing that mattered was power.

He wrote in "The Great Liberal Death Wish":
"The thing that impressed me, and the thing that touched off my awareness of the great liberal death wish, my sense that western man was, as it were, sleep-walking into his own ruin, was the extraordinary performance of the liberal intelligentsia, who, in those days, flocked to Moscow like pilgrims to Mecca. And they were one and all thoroughly delighted and excited by what they saw there. Clergymen walked serenely and happily through the anti-God museums, politicians claimed that no system of society could possibly be more equitable and just … They all wrote articles in this sense which we resident journalists knew were completely nonsensical…"

Australians are now going to have their own 'great awakening' - but at what cost? For those who would earnestly seek to understand the important distinctions between the two systems a good primer is:
"The Australian Heritage Series". Price $7.00 posted.
"The Great Liberal Death Wish" by Malcolm Muggeridge is available - $3.00 posted.

Further reading on the Neo-Marxist plans for Australia:
"Red Over Black" by Geoff MacDonald - $15.00 posted.

Doug Collins was hounded by the thought police and wrote of his experiences to warn his fellow Canadians of what to expect in that country. "Here We Go Again," by Douglas Collins. $25.00 posted.

"Truth Out of Africa," by Ivor Benson. $15.00 posted. Read what happened to the African peoples as the Communists took over former western colonies one after another. Australia is now placed squarely in the front line in defence of what is left of the free world.

DOCTORS SIGN PETITION AGAINST FLUORIDE IN OUR WATER SUPPLIES