The post at the following link may give a better idea of the paradigm concerned here Transfinancial Economics
Project by Robert Searle/ p2pfoundation.
Tranfinancial Economics in a Nutshell
Please read the following very carefully. A clearer and shorter presentation may be created soon giving a better understanding of the subject. Some people though do have a "good" understanding of this important form of economics which is arguably most suited for our present 21st Century. Furthermore, it has been decided that in the following paradigm that inflation taxation should be introduced as a means of controlling the money but only if it is absolutely necessary. In Transfinancial Economics though emphasis on special electronic price controls are used in real time to deal with it.
Transfinancial Economics, or TFE is an advanced futuristic form of "Deficit Spending", and believes that largely non-repayable new unearned money can be created electronically, and slowly phased into the economy itself. If sufficient amounts of it can be produced this should not lead to serious inflation, or even hyperinflation (ie. Primary TFE similar to Quantitative Easing, or QE or indeed Modern Monetary Theory, or MMT). However, if further new money was required then special temporary unconventional super-flexible electronic price controls would probably be necessary. In TFE they could monitor, and control inflation, and yet, allow the market price to rise, and fall naturally as much as possible. Such an arrangement could possibly phase out taxation and interest rates "altogether". These are in part the normal conventional methods to control inflation by helping to reduce money in circulation. But the super-flexible price controls mentioned are far more advanced, and beneficial. They would be used whenever a transaction is undertaken and each product or service would have a product or service code. Ofcourse, barcodes already exist, and give the retailers a record of goods sold. What is suggested here is that there should be an extra dimension involved in which such data could be checked electronically in real time to discover their inflation status. In turn this could build a "complete" picture of the entire economy, and would allow the instant digital, or electronic capping where and when necessary of the market price. In other words, Big Data on a colossal scale in which the entire economy can be understood 24/7 highly accurately in real time. Moreover, novel ideas notably from the school of RTE or the Real Time Economy could be included, and so-called Faster Indicators taken from various activities in real, or indeed near real time of the economy could give an even more enhanced understanding.
If TFE is ultimately possible it would be essentially targeted at many high ethical/social projects, and a highly comprehensive New Green Deal in which there would be a period of massive growth. The only limits to all this ofcourse would not be money but limited natural, and human resources.But in some future decade of such developments this could lead to a situation in which "excess" money would exist in the economy. This could be dealt with by notably saving it until a time may, or may not come when it can be more be fully invested. Ofcourse it could be taxed or deleted out of existence but this should be avoided as far as possible. Moreover, unlike Modern Monetary Theory it could give a far more accurate understanding of how much tax could be deducted. Furthermore, there could be a "long" temporary freeze on the creation of new money for businesses. As soon as new resources though become available they could be supplied with new money again. Also, inflation, and hyperinflation are virtually impossible because the super flexible controls control prices in the market economy itself instantly if necessary and on a nationwide scale. Such an arrangement would involve super computers, and indeed, probably quantum computing. There is also one other thing to be said, and it is that if businesses and investors wanted to invest in other countries (which would not have advanced TFE to control inflation directly, and instantaneously where necessary) there may be tough financial restrictions for the fear of exporting serious inflation.
It must be made clear that TFE is not fantasy economics as our financial world is essentially a vast computing system made up of a vast number of networks. IT, or Information Technology has become such that something very much like TFE will inevitably emerge.
It must be stated in no uncertain terms that TFE would work within the context of capitalism but one which is more ethical, and environmentally friendly. But it can also be adapted to socialist type system as well.It should be noted though that there will always be those who will totally misrepresent it as something akin to full-blooded communism especially Americans. However, TFE can also have some degree of nationalization of industry if required as in the case of many genuine democratic European countries.
PS. There is serious interest in the idea of "free" money especially in connection with the Universal Basic Income. The originator of this presentation on TFE is in favour of it. It could act as an essential stopgap for the phasing in of Transfinancial Economics in its most advanced form.
Transfinancial Economics is an evolving project nearing basic completion. It should be said that there has been a degree of interest in it from a number of people with economic backgrounds such as Warren Mosler, Andy Dennis, Stephen Monrad, Trond Andresen (cybernetics expert), Prem Sikka, Steve Keen, Andy Haldane (of BoE, or the Bank of England) and the futurist, and autodidact Hazel Henderson. In April 2010, TFE was also a subject discussed at a major scientific conference (the ICEME, or International Conference of Engineering, and Meta-Engineering, Florida, USA).
In 2016 a paper was published entitled Orthodox Monetary Theory: A Critique from Post Keynesianism and Transfinancial Economics by the economist, Dante A Urbina. It formed part of a respected academic publication called International Monetary System, Past, Present and Future edited by Dr Debesh Bhowmik. It should be said here that a paper may also be published soon by the originator of TFE itself. Furthermore, one paper was to be published some time ago, but after receiving the copyright clearance form a dispute arose with the editor in connection with it, and it was withdrawn by the author.
Anyway, it is important to say that TFE itself regards the financial system as a huge global IT system, and recognizes the reality that virtually all money exists as electronic,or digital data transmitted from one bank account to another. This means that the free flow of capital can be tracked, and controlled if necessary.
Essentially, TFE can be regarded as a form of Cybernetic Economics. Its scope, and scale is colossal....colossal enough to help deal with a whole range of multidimensional problems facing humanity, be it social, economic, or political.
It should be said that TFE is form of non-mainstream economics, or Heterodox Economics. It is not a science in the strict sense of the word. Yet,it has aspects which may appear "scientific". Ofcourse, it also takes into account uncertainty in the economy, and indeed, the irrationality of the money markets. It has special super-flexible electronic controls that can instantly adapt to such unexpected economic problems.
As one may gather, the "full" development of TFE will require the help of "open minded" experts notably in the fields of Economics, Computer Science, Politics, and indeed, the Law (both National, and International). Indeed, there may well be important global/political implications to consider notably international trading laws especially in connection with WTO, or the World Trade Organisation. Moreover, there could be implications for the EU State Rules, and certain other rules of such other influential organisations as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to do with amounts of money given to the Developing World by certain countries in the Developed World.
Please note that this presentation of TFE has been going through a whole series of changes, and where, and when necessary may be subject to further additions, and possible corrections. It is still a "work in progress" project. Also, the Kheper version of TFE which appears at times on search engines is out-of-date, and is not as authorative as the presentation here.
It should be clearly stressed here that TFE fully recognizes the vital importance of good planning by businesses, governments, and NGOs in connection with many commercial, and "charitable" projects. Without that, money can be so easily wasted. Hence, excellent planning is of equal importance to excellent funding. One cannot have one without the other. Thus, the two factors of good planning, and good funding are critical for success. The former can be seen as the "Brains" of a project, and the latter as the great Enabler.
IMPORTANT. It should be said too that references are made to supercomputers to possibly monitor, and control the economy within a capitalist system. However, quantum computers could do an infinitely better job than supercomputers if they are properly developed.
Also, please note that we do not waste any time, or space here with the usual conspiracies theories against banking, and bankers.
Towards Futuristic Economics
An Introduction to a Major Global Paradigm
The following may be helpful for new readers.
Essentially, TFE claims that new closely monitored non-repayable money, or Facilitation Finance could be created electronically by special transparent, and credible funding mechanisms, or Facilitation Banks (and/or by governments to some extent). This could notably fund in full, or in part high environmental, and high socio-economic projects of great ethical value. This would help to speed things up unlike repayable loans, but interest free ones could also be created electronically when necessary, and when a commercial operation becomes self-supporting. Incidently, funding using non-repayable money could be used to deal with projects that have little, or indeed, no commercial viability.
The aim of all this is also to give powerful financial incentives to businesses. They could profit with genuine projects, and more importantly help save the planet, and its people notably in connection with Climate Change, and "irreversible" Global Warming.
Extra finance would not lead to serious inflation, or indeed, hyperinflation (eg. Zimbabwe, and ofcourse, Venuzuela) as the phasing in of newly created unearned money would be a gradual process, and the checks, and "controls" would be most effective in monitoring, and controlling inflation. This point is most notably true of Advanced Stage TFE explained a little later. Thus, there is no mad flooding of the real economy which ofcourse is absurd in extremis.
Strictly speaking, there are two forms of TFE, one of which has just been mentioned above. Firstly, Primary Stage TFE which is when the amount of new money created is limited to "sufficient" amounts. It notably uses Economic Indicators (eg. GDP, and Inflation Indexes)to help decide how much could be created, and used directly into the Real Economy. Also, the conventional method of raising taxation, and interest rates could be utilized to help decrease the money supply, and hence, reduce any inflationary pressures.
Also, it is important to note that Primary Stage TFE could be skipped altogether in favour of Advanced Stage TFE. This could be regarded as genuine Transfinancial Economics as the latter would involve highly credible programming using relevant algorithms, and supercomputers, and their ilke.
In contrast to Primary Stage TFE, Advanced Stage TFE itself can create and phase in far greater amounts of new financial capital for projects mentioned in the first paragraph of this section. This should become clear shortly.
Among other things, Advanced Stage TFE can gain a "near perfect" knowledge of the entire economy of the country. Such Big Data as it is called would come about via full Electronic Transaction Monitoring(or ETM)and could be collected 24/7 in Real-Time. This is done via the ID codes, and barcodes of most products, and services at the electronic Point of Sale (EPOS), or later transactions with banks.
Due to comprehensive algorithmic programming, the Free Market Price comparisons can be made in Real-Time, and inflationary pressures can be detected (ie. data mining). This transaction data could be vital to bring about a genuine wholesale sea change towards an environmentally more comprehensive sustainable, and socially ethical economy, as more, and more new electronically monitored non-repayable money could be gradually phased in, and created with real confidence, and without any serious inflation in Advanced Stage TFE.
As we would have a highly accurate understanding of the real economy inflation risks could possibly be more accurately assessed continually via "instant" continuous computer simulations of the economy itself. This is revolutionary when fully understood. However, it is worth repeating here that TFE would have to take into account uncertainty, and indeed, the irrationality of the money markets. As such economic forecasts would still be very difficult to do accurately. However, such predictions may be more accurate than conventional methods.
Another aspect of Advanced Stage TFE, and full ETM is taxation(and interest) itself could possibly be phased out. Moreover, fuller funding of many charitable NGOs would also become possible, and fundraising for them could ultimately be phased out altogether in many cases.
In Advanced Stage TFE there would be super-flexible direct electronic controls (similiar to temporary "price controls" but far more advanced)to ensure inflation, and currency devaluation can never get out of hand. This would involve an instantaneous intervention with little, or no time-lag. This is explained in more detail later on.
However, as far as the collection of income tax is concerned it would be allowed to continue for the time being via conventional means. It would not be undertaken by some form of "instant" electronic deduction(s)even though this is perfectly possible. Civil, and criminal fines (a kind of tax if such it could be called) would still exist ofcourse.
It is also important to point out that we are not discussing a full Soviet style top down command/control economy. The reason why is that the Free Market Price is largely determined by private businesses, and capitalism in an increasingly more ethical form (due to increasing powerful financial incentives notably created by non-repayable money, plus repayable money as loans if necessary)would still continue until there is "full" automation when money, and wage slavery would no longer exist, and hence, become largely, or wholly unnecessary. This could with the right education lead to the "natural" phasing out of the rich elites, and lead to a more advanced non-hierarchical society based on true cooperation rather than competition.
During the above process, pressure groups, or NGOs would become increasingly more influential as they would gain over time greater, and greater access to mainly newly created funds from independent grant making bodies, and possible other sources. Thus, the process of socio-economic, and political reform should grow apace as never before in human history.
Hopefully, a more advanced technological, and more moral human civilization will largely emerge based on improved Democracy, Universal Human Rights, and greater fairness. In other words, Global Justice. As can be seen TFE is concerned essentially with a system's change to achieve these lofty goals.
Present Day Economics
Mainstream Neo-Classical Economics has developed a somewhat appalling reputation as the dismal "science". Most of its work appears to be largely theoretical, and based on highly questionable statistics, and mathematical modelling. Its economic forecasts often, or not turn out to be wrong.
Moreover, there is still an obsession with the need for more, and more unsustainable growth even though the planet has finite resources. More startling though, is that there is little, or no real understanding of the importance of how money is created, and what it fully means in society, and the world.
Unfortunately, Neo-Classical Economics still has great influence over the economics profession. Essentially, it believes in the "Free Market" in which little, or virtually no regulation is needed. Thus, Capitalism then appears to do well by being largely unimpeded by red tape.
Such ideology received a battering with the Great Financial Crisis, or GFC (2008, and the following Global Recession) in which the entire world banking system practically collapsed, and was saved by massive bailouts. Ofcourse, the basic cause of the GFC was largely the overproduction of repayable loans due arguably to too much self-regulation. With TFE advanced computer technology would be able to get an accurate knowledge when such a "process" was beginning to get out of hand, and hence, curb the possibility of a serious economic collapse. This would also involve the likelihood of more advanced regulations.
The Creation of Money
In TFE ofcourse, money is recognized as being largely digital, or electronic encrypted data which can be transmitted from one bank account to another at the touch of a button. Governments create it notably as paper, and coins. This makes up a near non-existent portion of the entire money supply itself, and is spent into the economy as something largely non-repayable. However, the rest of the money is created electronically out of thin air by mainly private banks via Credit Creation as repayable loans with interest charged on them. In other words, unlike what many people may think, they do not actually lend out existing money from their reserves. The amounts they can issue are supposed to be limited by a "set" fraction of existing money held. However, in most, if not in "all" cases this is not observed. Thus, banks can create any amount of new repayable money. In the light of all this, it is not surprising that certain banking reformers believe that banks should not be allowed to create more money than they actually have.But it is very hard to see how this can ever become a reality in the foreseeable future.
As can be seen the actual mechanics of money creation are subject to some controversy. But what does appear to be clear as day is the seeming fact that private banks can create money ex nihilo which gives them great power. But this money is something which is repayable(ie. a loan) as opposed to being something non-repayable. Also, there are ofcourse a number of NGOs such as Positive Money, and the American Monetary Institute which are concerned with such issues.
A NOTE. In connection with the money creation by banks the actual principal, or the borrower's hard earned money (not created out of thin air electronically ofcourse) is apparently actually deleted leaving the interest (ie. earned money) on a loan for the bankers. This raises interesting ethical, and philosophical questions on the nature of money which is beyond the scope of this presentation on TFE.
Brief look at some other "Unconventional" Monetary Initiatives
Anyhow, some radical monetary reformers believe (like the Muslims) that loans should be free of interest, and of "excessive" interest, or usury. Others like the idea of banks possibly being nationalized.
Certain monetary reformers believe in the development, and the usuage of free local currencies which strictly speaking are meant to be tax free, and interest free. These have obvious limitations, but they are easily set up, and are workable. However, new virtual cryptocurrencies, notably Bitcoin have a global reach. They are usually anonymous transactions, and have no Central Bank.
Another important initiative is the emergence of P2P lending companies that avoid mainstream banks. Zopa is one such example in which lenders, and borrowers are brought together. Crowdfunding is another, in which the internet notably is used to raise money directly from the people themselves for some business proposal, or charity.
To return to TFE. It can be regarded by many as being very similiar to Social Credit(Socred) started by C.H. Douglas. Modern Monetary Theory, or MMT (also called Neo-Chartalism )is also like TFE. Both notably believe in the responsible creation of mainly new non-repayable money, or what Douglas referred to as Debt-Free Money in the case of Social Credit.
It should be said too that MMT seems to be gaining some traction notably among the American progressives. It can be summed up in one sentence. Essentially, it believes that government should create new money to fund public expenditure, and taxation itself is only used as a means of controlling inflation. This is a good idea. One recommends it as a good start in the development towards a more Non-Debt Based Economic System. On a downside note, the degree of inflation taxation within the MMT concept could possibly become increasingly greater over time, and hence, lead a grave social, economic, and political situation... when the tax debt could become "too heavy". However, the big advantage of MMT has over TFE in its Advanced Stage is that it would require time to set up, but the amount of new money it could create, and safely phase in would ultimately be far greater than MMT. The reason for this is that it would be possible to gradually increase the levels of growth and potential inflation in such a way as to retain the value of the currency (This is explained later in the text). Such a process can only be successfully achievable if the economy can be monitored, and controlled in Real-Time, or near Real-Time. Furthermore, taxation itself could be phased out altogether as a means of controlling inflation, and only used in an emergency situation.
A New Vision and Understanding of Money
Policy makers, and technocrats in Advanced Stage TFE are given full confidence that newly created money could be "safely" created.Instead of conventional "controls" of raising taxation, and interest rates to try, and control inflation the TFE ones would be electronic, and ideally instantaneous. As a result, taxation, and interest rates could possibly be phased out altogether.
Some people would say that the notion of creating new non-repayable money is funny money. But as we have seen here in connection with banks they themselves create it ex nihilo as something repayable(ie as loans).
Moreover, in TFE itself we are not discussing easy money because controls on its electronic issuance would be legally credible, and transparent.
For some, the notion that new money could be created at the push of a button is socially unacceptable. Yet, social, economic, and political injustice is also socially unacceptable especially if there is a lack of conventional earned funding available to back up NGOs, (green) businesses, and governments to deal with it.This gives newly created money a new higher value, and ethical dimension as never before.
The Problem with Redistribution
It has been said that there may be more than enough money to change the world.The problem is gaining legal access to it especially where there is a genuine social,econommic, or environmental issue at stake.Apparently, most of the money of the world exists in financial trading, or "betting casinos" dealing with derivatives (eg. currency speculation). Indeed, the sum total of the capital involved may even be several times greater than the entire Gross Domestic Product(GDP)of the planet.
Some activist groups have suggested the implementation of the Financial Transaction Tax (FFT), or Robin Hood Tax to raise funds in the real productive economy. In TFE such an approach at "redistribution" in this context is ultimately seen as unnecessary, and frankly absurd when sufficient sums could be created at the press of a button. Incidently, it is interesting to point out that the Transaction Tax appears to be an instant electronic deduction in Real-Time.
However, redistribution of financial wealth using taxation is fine, and ethical as far as it goes. It is highly unlikely though that such capital will "ever" be fairly redistributed due to the present Capitalist System, and the Free Market Economy. Moreover though, the problems facing humanity such as food security, Climate Change/Global Warming, population growth, and the like are colossal. To try, and solve this via earned money alone through taxation, and business investment will probably become increasingly difficult. Hence, the need for TFE to speed up, and facilitate change notably using newly created non-repayable money, or indeed, repayable finance as an add on where necessary to earned capital. In other words, direct financial easing by special Facilitation Banks, and/or by governments if absolutely necessary.
The Emergence of Facilitation Banks
If Primary, and later Advanced Stage TFE is undertaken the introduction of ethical Smart Banks, or rather Facilitation Banks, or FBs is an important start.They can be seen as "superbanks". They could become a part of the mainstream banking system but they would have a far tighter regulatory framework. Ofcourse, there are a few so-called "ethical" banks already such as Charity Bank, and Tridos.
Anyhow, FBs would have powers to electronically create closely monitored new non-repayable Debt-Free Money (ie. Facilitation Finance) as well as repayable interest free loans if necessary. The interest on loans does not have to come from the customer necessarily but could instead be electronically created by the Central Bank, or by some other independent authority. Something similiar could happen with the new non-repayable capital. In other words, an operating cost ideally, or more controversially, Grant Interest which could increase depending on the amount of new money created.
The basic aim, and purpose of such FBs is to create funds for projects which would be difficult if not "impossible" to finance by conventional means as indicated earlier on. Initially, their remit though is largely targetted at investing in full, or in part in large, or small human-scale concerns to do with renewable energy alternatives, enviromental projects as well as social/ethical "entrepreneurial" businesses, or indeed, non-profit "enterprises".
The decision making process on all this must be largely, if not wholly be free from any undue influence from governments, and corporations.It must notably be transparent, holistic and "objective" as possible with all options for consideration for some specific project, or projects that could be vital for the social, and environmental "health" of the planet. In the main this would require bona fide experts in their respective fields. It could involve genuinely transparent cooperation, and partnerships with governments, NGOs, and existing green businesses as well as Open Source consultations with the public.
Ofcourse, when ready, investors using their own earned money could put it in some commercial project in order to gain a return. Indeed, their assets could be financially protected by the FB should the economy of any country face any serious problems, and hence, could avoid capital flight where possible.
However, quite unlike existing mainstream commercial banks,(which would coexist with FBs) the financial dealings of FBs are continually, and fully tracked electronically to prevent fraud with specific algorithms for the job. Such a process could again be undertaken by a Central Bank, or by some other credible body which could also possibly impose instant fines, and/or indeed, an instant freeze on targeted accounts as part of a legally binding contract.
Also, during tough business negotiations with companies, and notably corporations the FB would have access to "infinite" sums of money. This would hopefully ensure that only the very best lawyers, and business negotiators are always employed to ensure that contracts are genuinely enforceable, and hence, honoured.
Essentially, the amount of funding which FBs can create is dependent on the cost, and availability of present, and future planned resources, or products from suppliers. This means that the amount of goods needed to be manufactured for some project would need to be planned well in advance.
Ideally, if possible at all, checks on the relevant suppliers in the supply chain as to whether they have sufficient capacity to produce such resources could be undertaken. Capacity though could be increased if necessary by the FB. Ofcourse, it would be possible to have the relevant products (and services) on order to be electronically monitored whenever money is transmitted. In effect, we could have to some extent an Advanced Market Commitment in which a more "Protected" Economy would emerge within the present "Free Market" System.
With the aid of experts it is hoped that Facilitation Banks, and indeed, Facilitation Finance in the context of TFE will become a serious proposition. This innovative financial model would certainly be more advanced than such controversial global institutions as the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, or IMF.
Indeed, FBs would not lead to "competition" with "normal" mainstream banks as the latter could possibly have equal shares in the FBs, or some other legal arrangement(s). Understandably, some NGOs may regard them with suspicion but hopefully this will be dispelled if everything goes to plan "successfully".
Some critics will probably point out that elected governments alone should have the power via an independent body to have Facilitation Finance created rather than mainly by companies such as the FBs (possibly existing mainly as private companies, or as indicated here be owned by the state in full, or in part). The reason for emphasis on the latter (unbracketted) approach is that it is hard to see that a country notably like the US would frown on the idea of greater government interventionism in the "Free Market" Economy.
Thus, something like FBs could be more acceptable, and their influence towards more environmentally, and ethically centred businesses would be more agreeable. Arguably, more regulations could do this to some extent, and this would be a more ethical approach rather than greater financial incentives (eg The European Union regulation for design of Energy Related Products Directive 2009/125/EC).
However, many companies including a certain corporations are taking the initiative as they realize for example that recycling, and reusing resources in the Free Market makes good business sense as the planet has finite resources. A good example of this is the promotion of the so-called Circular Economy. To some extent, this already exists as more, and more "rubbish" is being recycled rather than sent to landfill.
Another instance of the Free Market at work is Ethical Investment. People can decide for themselves in which shares, or securities they could invest in. Such investments should ideally go into companies with a good environmental/socially ethical track record.
All this, is very well, and good, but sufficient amounts of new non-repayable money (plus interest free loans ideally)could also be created to speed things up in a Free Market Economy. Ofcourse, to a very limited extent, a number of governments have been doing just that, but ofcourse using earned money from green taxes. A huge amount needs to be done though as there are many complex aspects to this subject.
Democratic Governments, and Finance
In TFE taxation could possibly be phased out over time. In other words, earned money from the people would be gradually reduced in terms of tax liability as new non-repayable money is slowly phased in.
At present though, if there are shortfalls in tax revenues, governments can issue bonds. These are IOUs mainly bought up by the rich, and super rich companies, and corporations in which money is lent to governments. When paid back by government the bonds also carry interest which act as profit for lenders in the private sector.
In Quantitative Easing or QE governments again create bonds (with the right legal arrangements), and these though are bought up by the Central Bank electronically creating new unearned money ex nihilo. This could be seen as a form of Primary TFE. Furthermore, it should be said that during the Great Financial Crisis the specific use of money created by the Central Bank to prop up banks, and certain other large businesses was severely restricted. In other words, the funding could not be used willy nilly and hence, essentially contained within the relevant commercial organisations. Thus, such a move did not lead to seriously inflation, or even, hyperinflation. Also, it should be noted that such a measure such as QE in TFE in its Advanced Stage would not ofcourse only be used in an emergency situation (ie The Great Financial Crisis)but could become the norm in the economy as inflation could be electronically tracked, and controlled (when necessary and "instantaneously") in Real-Time, or near Real-Time without serious devaluation of currency, or even serious inflation. This aspect will be explained later on.
To return to bonds per se the trading of them is a huge global market. With TFE it could continue if necessary, or be gradually phased out (if desired). If the latter happened, investors could possibly receive compensation, or alternatively other kinds of financial instruments, or investments could be found. These could be far more lucrative. In other words, vested interests would not find TFE a threat, thus making global change quicker, and easier to achieve. This seems to be the most sensible, and practical way forward. Trying to do otherwise would probably be too slow, and "virtually impossible" to do. Many of the left will not like this but it may be necessary if not enough political pressure is applied to the financial elites. What is far more important is to turn TFE into reality as soon as is feasible which may take time.
The Electronic Profile of the Economy, and Big Data in Real-Time/Advanced Stage TFE
Most products, and services in the business world have codes for the ease of accounting. Small shops, and supermarkets often, or not have barcodes which are used at checkouts to electronically account for sales transactions of customers. This is known as the Electronic Point of Sales, or EPOS. This notably gives retailers an accurate understanding of the demand of barcoded products along with their identifications, or IDs.
Such a method known as Electronic Transaction Monitoring, or ETM could also be used to create an electronic profile of the entire economy in Real-Time (or near Real-Time if necessary). What we are also ofcourse talking about here is Big Data,and instant Data Mining. Morever, even so-called Deep Learning, and Artificial Intelligence could also possibly play a part.
Anyway, under new regulations, retailers would not only account for their sales, but would also at the same time transmit their information to a public, or semi-public, or private inflation authority (which could be a part of the banking system, or independent of it). With modifications in barcodes,such transaction data (largely identified but not always,and would allow for commercial confidentiality where necessary) would be able to build up a highly accurate electronic Global Domestic Product, or GDP of the entire economy on a daily basis(ie.24/7) essentially in near Real-Time, or rather in Real-Time par excellence.
The question now is this. Why is it vital to know the economy as far as possible in Real-Time? The answer is basically three-fold.
i) To electronically monitor, and track, and compare price changes of specific groupings of most products, and services to help check inflation status.
If serious rises in prices occur they could be monitored, and targetted by direct electronic controls rather than always using indirect controls of taxation, and interest on loans which could be phased out over time. This process would involve advanced, and highly credible algorithmic programming, and the possible use of supercomputers of the inflation authority. A more "decentralized" version of this could also exist.
ii) To create a highly accurate electronic "inventory" of resources used to make up products, or goods.
This will become increasingly vital as resource scarcity increases. Such data would be good for democratic government planners, and more importantly for private business planners who have a profit motive as their incentive. In other words, improved traceability. Indeed, something called the Blockchain (usually associated with Cryptocurrencies) exists to a somewhat limited extent which can electronically track the provenance of the materials used in the making of goods in a supply chain.
iii) To bring about a greater understanding of the dynamics of the economy itself.
This may be very useful for future economists. With continuous computer simulations garnered directly in Real-Time (ideally) from ETM of the Real Economy itself it may be possible to "accurately" forecast the potential inflation impact involved in the creation of new unearned money (ie. Facilitation Finance) for certain vital projects. It could also ultimately give us direct data of the productive capacity of various "small" companies, and corporations as never before.
Indeed, the origins of potential business cycles of boom, and bust could be tracked, and resolved. This is a very important point. In other words, recessions, and depressions could become things of the past. This could notably involve a Quantitative Easing for the People, as well as a Quantitative Easing for Businesses.
Anyway, Transfinancial Economics, or TFE itself is an IT Megaproject. Unfortunately, at the present time though management of such Projects can fail. However, there is no reason in the world why they cannot be achieved with total persistence in the future with greater, and greater insight gathered from the analysis of past experience. Thus, ETM on a national scale represents a big technical challenge, but it is one well worth undertaking as the social, economic, environmental, and political implications of it would be colossal.
Incidently, cash transactions, or something similiar could still exist, and be adapted to Advanced TFE in some manner, or other.
It should be said that such an "Electronic Economy" would be "fully" protected against Cyberattacks. Indeed, there would always be the funds to ensure that security is continually reviewed to the highest possible standards.
Finally for this section it must be added that the Data Mining involved would require a huge amount of electricity. One way of dealing with this is possibly to reduce the amount of "Mining" needed. However, solar power, and other alternative energies could be utilized to deal with this "problem" successfully. Nuclear power is obviously another possible option but a far less popular one.
Super Flexible Instantaneous Electronic Controls
With the continous electronic monitoring of the Free Market Prices of the transaction of most goods, and services the data which results is transmitted to the inflation authority where supercomputers could be programmed to notably check any inflationary problems.
However, economists would recognize the direct electronic controls mentioned above as being like "price controls," but a far more advanced version of them. The key feature of them is that in Advanced TFE they are super-flexible, and instantaneous. They are also notably super-sensitive to the changes in Real-Time to inflationary pressures in ways unimaginable to the old clumsy, and "rigid" price controls of the past.
Ofcourse, their correct programming using algorithms is absolutely vital, and this could be based with likely modifications on existing formulas, and equations known in Econometrics. Naturally, such an arrangement could take into account many factors in Free Market Pricing such as the value added to a product, or service. It should also be said that a producer of goods, or services would have to register online by law to ensure that their offerings can be correctly identified at the point of transactions by special barcodes, or like means.
Such electronic, or digital transactions would occur in the main with smartphones, or indeed, by debit, or credit cards, or something similiar. These can transmit, and receive money electronically. Ofcourse, to a growing extent, this already happens in many parts of the world.
Anyhow, there are a number of things which the electronic controls (open to further modification, and development) could do, and they would naturally enough require specific algorithms to be programmed carefully, and properly :-
i) Above Inflation Adjustment
A Free Market Price of a product being bought at a checkout is found to be above the inflation rate. An example, should make it clear as to what happens. Lets say that the price of product X is instantly checked by the inflation authority using supercomputers at the Point of Sale. It is found that X is 2p above inflation. As a result, the 2p is instantly added to the customer's bank account electronically (ie. Inflation Interest). However, the retailer still retains the 2p on product X. The extra 2p for the customer is an adjustment, or instant subsidy created electronically with newly created money.
Ofcourse, an instant electronic inflation tax could be created to deduct the inflated value of money. This though is avoided unless it is absolutely necessary. TFE aims to be as business friendly as possible otherwise attempts to introduce it would be blocked by commercial interests.
ii) Below Inflation Adjustment
This is when a price of a product may be below the inflation rate, and an instant subsidy, or adjustment is created electronically. Again, to take a simple example. A customer wishes to buy product Z at the Point of Sale. The price is checked instantly by the inflation authority. It is found that Product Z is being sold below inflation by 2p. As such, the retailer, and not ofcourse, the customer gets 2p straight into their account.
What is described above is deliberately "simplistic" as there may well be many aspects to all this that are beyond the scope of our presentation.
iii) Instant Price Drop Subsidy
This may be necessary if the Free Market Price is rising too quickly. If so, a price drop may be undertaken instantaneously. At the same time, a subsidy, or adjustment is instantly created with new money which creates a "progressive" profit to a certain level for the retailer instead of a profit "loss". In effect, it creates an incentive to drop prices if, and when necessary.
iv) Temporary Electronic Price Capping.
Here, a maximun price may be set by a government, or by an FB in certain circumstances, or by any other "organization". If the price of production starts to exceed the maximun price, the producers would recieve instant financial help, or compensation where necessary as long as they stick to the temporary "control" price. Ofcourse, electronic price capping should be avoided at all cost as it could in certain instances lead to serious shortages, and price distortions.The aim in TFE is to allow as far as possible for the laws of supply, and demand to be maintained naturally.
It should again be added here that similar methods to the above could possibly be used to help control "bubbles" in the economy (eg."runaway" rising prices in the housing market being the classic example).'
The Question of Economic Growth
As many realize the planet has finite resources. Thus, continous exponential growth cannot go on indefinitely. In Advanced TFE there is a long temporary period of rapid economic growth but it is heavily influenced notably by the power of FBs, and Facilitation Financing making the present capitalist system far more environmentally sustainable, more ethical, and energy efficient as never before in human history.
Yet, how finite is our planet really? This is arguably at present an "impossible" question to fully, or accurately answer. But, it has also been pointed out that most of the resources of our planet lie under sea beds. To actually "mine them"(with robots) is prohibitively expensive but there appear to be small initial attempts to do just that. With Facilitation Finance this process could be speeded up, but it must be undertaken in a responsible manner.
Apart from mining sea beds, there are other ways to deal with the potential resource scarcity question. They could include the following:-
i) The development of safe Nanotechnology which could create new resources out of thin air via the manipulation of atoms.
ii) Space exploration with the aid of Facilitation Finance could find resources from other planets. These could be brought to our terrestrial world.
iii) Again, with Facilitation Finance it would be possible to create colonies on other planets, and hopefully, use their resources responsibly.
iv) Inventions could be developed to create more out of less, and less. For example, miniaturization of certain devices/products would require little in the way of resources for their creation. In economics this is sometimes referred to as dematerialization.
v) Digital Abundance is an awareness, and indeed, a growing reality that online/internet information is "infinite" and not subject to mainstream resource scarcity as we would understand it.
It should be said here that people (especially the young) should become more, and more educated in that we must live simpler, less materialistic lives. This does not mean going back to the "stone age" but instead to an advanced technological world in which higher values, or ideals should take their place of unnecessary overconsumption, or "affluenza". This is not a question of ideology. It is a question of practical necessity. This would all be part of GEMs, or Global Education Movements mentioned later on.
Some Other Key Benefits of Transfinancial Economics.
Apart from the above section there are many other benefits with TFE. They would include the following list.
a) Poverty.
With TFE, NGOs concerned with this issue would become increasingly empowered financially by Facilitation Finance which could be had directly from a FB, or possibly a government agency. It could also come from one, or more "independent" grant-making body (ie. a foundation, or trust). Such better financed NGOs with good strategies, and logistics(ie good planning) could thus help reduce inequality in the world more quickly than at present.
Indeed, some of them could modify microfinance in the developing world to include an UBI, or Universal Basic Income, or subsidy of sorts without having to borrow money all the time (except possibly for the development of some form of self-employment/business ofcourse). It could be electronically created by FBs, or by genuine governments, or by both of them in partnership.
It should be stressed that every effort would be made to ensure that new money does not go into the wrong hands especially in the developing world. What is notably required here is a very credible "full-proof" system for the electronic tracking of funds which could lead to instant fines, and/or freeze of relevant targeted accounts. This was mentioned earlier on in the text in connection with FBs, but is worth repeating. Moreover, NGOs could get Facililtation Finance to help fund regular spot checks on people, and organisations involved in some socially ethical project be it social, or environmentally important.
Moreover, such financing could also be invested in making sure aid workers are "fully" protected, along with their convoys from terrorist attacks in countries under crisis.
b) Health Care.
Irrespective of whether health care is largely in private hands, or not, Facilitation Financing could help enhance the existing system in which everyone in spite of their economic status has access to high quality medical intervention. This process could happen in both the developed world, and the developing world. Again, efficient planning plays a vital role in all this ofcourse.
One vital potential application of all this is that TFE could fund in full, or in part new antibiotic drugs to help save the lives of huge numbers of people in the present, and in the future. Such medicines make little, or indeed, no real profit for the big corporations, and their ilke, and hence, an "unconventional" approach to funding may be required.
c) Food Security.
Here, innovative but safe production of more food could be funded in full, or in part by Facilitation Finance. Moreover, like their developed world couterparts, farmers in the developing world could receive in full, or in part subsidies notably via closely monitored new non-repayable money created electronically.
d) Population.
NGOs with ideas, and projects concerned with this matter could be funded in full, or in part by Facilitation Finance. These would probably be largely educational in nature (ie. family planning advice).
e) Climate Change, and Potential Global Warming.
This is probably the most important challenge facing the human race,(apart from potential resource scarcity) and could infact, threaten its very existence. A huge amount needs to be done in the quickest space of time. "Science Fiction" type projects should be considered seriously such as Geoengineering (eg.Sun Dimming Management undertaken very carefully if necessary), and various adaption, and mitigation projects such as the following where appropriate, and necessary...........
1) Special smart dams..........
2) Underground cities/towns............
3) Artificial underwater dwellings..........
4) Artificial "islands"...............
5) Underground agriculture (this does seem to be possible, and could be done on a colossal scale helping to feed the global population)..............
6) Mass Tree planting and machines to suck carbon out of the air............
7) A whole variety of sustainable smart energy production (ideally decentralized) such as wind, wave power, and ofcourse solar energy, along with the development of effective long-term green reusable storage batteries, and other like innovations...............
8) Introducing resilence in the construction of buildings, and other kinds of structures so that they can withstand a variety of extreme weather from Climate Change...............
9) Smart green transport such as electric vehicles, or better still cycling if one is able..............
Governments need to take climate change very seriously, along with global warming irrespective of whether such "scenarios" ultimately happen, or not. To do otherwise is totally irresponsible, and could lead to the future deaths of thousands, or indeed, millions of people on the planet. It should be stated that most scientists believe that Climate Change is largely man-made, and could lead to serious Global Warming.
It aught to be added that though the market price of renewables (notably for wind, and solar power)are falling the need for greater, and greater capital investment would still be necessary in projects notably mentioned above. This is very important to understand, and appreciate. Dealing with Climate Change, and potential Global Warming is a complex multi-faceted problem. Moreover, even if humanity manages to reach a largely low, or zero carbon state, there is no telling whether we have actually reached the so-called tipping point in which "irreversible" Global Warming occurs. Hence, the need to turn our planet into Fortress Earth which could largely withstand extreme weather conditions, and the like.
*It should be noted that there is some evidence in connection with below ground "human-induced" activity causing minor earthquakes (so-called "HiQuakes") However, it should be noted that there is no reason to believe that structures such as houses underground could not be largely protected by advanced design "technology", but this ofcourse would require more capital investment.
Possible National, and International "Compensation" with Facilitation Finance
One aspect of TFE is that any "unethical" environmental activity undertaken by some company, or transnational corporation could if absolutely necessary be paid "compensation" (depending on the situation) to stop, or correct itself from going ahead, or continuing with something which may be "wrong" for the people, and the planet. Such an approach has already been undertaken by a number of governments on certain issues (eg. protecting threatened forests), but ofcourse using earned money (ie.via taxation) on a limited scale. With TFE though such "compensation" can be undertaken on a massive scale by FBs, and possibly governments via an independent public authority.
In an ideal world there should be a credible global environmental agency which could ensure that corporations, and smaller business organizations are regulated in ways which are legally binding, and truly enforceable on an international scale. This is the high ethical approach.
However, the lower ethical approach of legally "bribing" them to move in the right directions would probably be necessary in a large number of cases. Ofcourse, we are not discussing here a friendly, or hostile takeover bid, or indeed, disinvestment ofcourse. The aim again is to be business friendly as possible without sacrificing many important ethical/environmental principles. This should speed up change which is vital in our present time.
An important example, of all this is the possible implications for over consumption of certain products (even where there may be a demand for them). Some lines of environmentally "wasteful" productions (eg particular types of goods with planned obsolescence) could be quickly phased out altogether where necessary, and profits lost as a result could be compensated using a one off payment, or alternatively as continuous compensation as if the products concerned were still being created, and sold. In other words, a lower ethical approach which may seem "utterly outrageous" for some, but may for practical purposes be deemed necessary.
All this has profound importance for humanity. But it should be said that TFE is not the panacea for all the problems of the world. Yet, it can certainly help solve many of them in a "surprising" manner.
PS. Another way of doing things is B Corporation which issues private certificates claiming that a corporation is being "ethical" as far as social, and environmental issues are concerned.
"Full" Automation, the Future, and Global Citizenship
During the transition from a debt based economic system to a non-debt based one in which taxation, and interest could ultimately be phased out, many momentous, and simultaneous socio-economic, and political changes would probably occur. But the rates at which this evolutionary process would happen will vary from one country to another.
One of the future momentous events is the phasing in of "full" automation on a huge scale. This could lead to growing "unemployment". However, something like an UBI, or Universal Basic Income (mentioned earlier on) could be introduced irrespective of whether one is employed, or not. This would not require means testing. Moreover, it could be financed in full, or in part by new non-repayable funds without fear of serious inflation.
In the light of the above paragraph, other kinds of "leisure-like" forms of work, or employment could come into being. Alternatively, for some, a green business could be created but with a high degree of automation included. The finance for such things would not be a problem. Ultimately, the only problem with developing such "enterprises" would no longer be financial capital but rather good efficient small-scale, or large-scale planning, plus relevant resources. Ideally, such "businesses" should also be genuine cooperatives.
Naturally enough, TFE has great implications for NGOs. These Civil Societies could expand, and be able to bring aboard new recruits as money would become easier to find, and fundraising itself could also be ultimately phased out altogether in many cases. Hence, progress of socio-economic, and political issues (eg. Fair Trade, Human Rights, Poverty Reduction, Globalization, Racial Discrimination, Campaign Finance, et al) will gain far greater momentum, influence, and power as never before in human history. Thus, Advanced TFE can lead to greater, and greater Democracy rather than to some dystopian future.
Certain better financed NGOs would find it easier to challenge elitist plutocratic power structures if they feel that their activities to a certain extent are unethical in some manner, or other.
...But, TFE may make the wealthy richer notably with genuine green, and socially ethical type investments. It could also ironically lead to their own demise when automation begins to take over most work activities. This could be accelerated with new non-repayable money. When near "full" automation, is achieved on a largely global scale money itself could become largely, or wholly unnecessary. This is very important to try, and grasp.It is revolutionary. Essentially, TFE can be seen as a transitional stage from a money based system to something more akin to a non-money based one.
With the growing financial empowerment of NGOs for a new, and hopefully a better, and fairer world the following could be included notably.
i) The continuance of Open Democracy, and respect for Universal Human Rights.
ii) Growing altruism, and more humanitarian action in society should act as the key incentive rather than the profit motive. This is very important. Indeed, so-called Hedonic, or Happiness Economics can play a part in all this via its "scientific quantification" of "well-being" of people through the further creation of special Indexes. This ofcourse goes beyond the mere material wealth accumulation of the Gross Domestic Product, or GDP of an entire country. Happiness Economics can present a more fuller, and more advanced picture of the economy in relation to human beings.
iii) Possible evolution towards direct/digital Democracy in which a Universal Debating Project could be part of a "Global Brain", or "forum" could be credibly created on the internet on a P2P Open Source basis to show clearly "all-known" arguments notably for, and against social, economic, and political issues (presented without too much verbal padding). In other words, an objective, and holistic approach to information. This could be updated continually in Real-Time.
iv) The need to move towards a society in which cooperation, and high ideals rather than competition, and greed should be the incentive to drive the world forwards. At the same time, there should be greater growth in the development of a "genuine" Sharing Economy in which products, and services could be shared for non-financial gain.
v) There should be a greater emphasis for "smaller" human-scale communities which could be highly self-sufficient. This is important, but huge "smart" eco-cities could also possibly be developed, and expanded simultaneously. Also, there should be a drive towards more, and more decentralised energy systems.
vi) As already indicated, NGOs notably concerned with inequality would become increasingly empowered by Facilitation Finance in the form of grants, and interest free loans to improve the lot of the poor. One aspect of this is the creation of more social housing which could be funded in full, or in part with new non-repayable money.
vii) Greater decentralisation of power especially at the top.
viii) Society should become less, and less hierarchical.
It is ultimately envisaged that something like an advanced technological world will emerge. The Venus Project inspired by Jacque Fresco, a noted populariser of something akin to Technocracy could be seen as an example of what could be done. Unfortunately, it does not seem to have any real, or credible transition plan, unlike Transfinancial Economics.
The ideas above could help form the basis of a new global order of existence. They are progressive, and humane. They also indicate the need for the entire world to move towards Global Cooperation, and Global Citizenship.
Indeed, there should over time be the creation of Global Education Movements (or GEMs)which could inspire the young especially, to bring about change in the world. Ofcourse, there are many groups already which are similar to GEMs. They could join in, and work together more, and more to bring about a "saner" reality in the spirit of genuine cooperation. This could notably occur with P2P-like computer networks.
Naturally enough, GEMs could be funded in full, or in part with new money electronically created.
PS. It should be stressed that automation (including robotics ofcourse) should be totally suited to a low carbon, or "zero carbon economy," and as such would qualify for Facilitation Financing.
Campaign Activism for Transfinancial Economics.
In order to bring about the serious possibility of change from our present debt based economy of taxation, and interest to one which is largely non-debt based, a campaign would be necessary. Unfortunately, at the present time, a grassroots organization(s) to directly challenge banks, and their kind is unlikely to work. A more pragmatic approach is needed.
To promote TFE a campaign is required. Initially, it is suggested here that a professional website would need to be set up to spread the word of Transfinancial Economics as a serious, and credible proposal. It could be sent to people, and organizations that have real power, and influence such as government policy makers, banks, specialized financial companies, progressive think tanks, et cetera. Other such strategies could be utilized. This is probably the way forward, and there are a number of other key aspects to this process notably in connection with the main website. They are:-
I. News update about the campaign progress, notably the lobbying of certain governments.
II. Commissioned papers (initially) by willing forward thinking economists (and others, notably computer scientists) possibly using econometric models to show the efficacy of TFE in technical terms, including detailed studies on various facets of the subject.
III. A scholarly online Journal of Transfinancial Economics.
V. A powerpoint presentation of TFE for downloading.
VI. Monitoring advances in technology, notably in connection to dynamic algorithmic pricing, and developments in Big Data would help to give TFE greater, and greater credibility. Indeed, it aught to be added that there are now initiatives to electronically track to a limited degree, the Free Market Price of products, and services in Real-Time.
VII. Possible field trials of the electronic technologies involved in TFE. This could be partly, or fully funded by governments, and/or by corporations, or possibly by some other source such as a NGO(s).
At some point, the concept of TFE would probably have to go before the US authorities, the European Parliament, the UK Parliament, and other democratic governments. Ideally, most countries especially in the developed world should work in consort to introduce something like TFE. However, certain developing countries which may have corrupt governments may only be helped indirectly, and would not necessarily be allowed to create full Advanced TFE. Hence, possible geo-political implications.
Anyway, a "good," but controversial idea is to try, and market TFE to certain corporations(and ofcourse, other smaller businesses) as a huge global "business opportunity" of colossal importance. Ideally, such massive businesses though should ideally have some serious, and genuine interest in sustainability. They could form a special alliance to put pressure on governments for revolutionary financial reform, possibly in Washington to carry out Primary Stage TFE at least (though QE has been, or is being undertaken indirectly financially supporting the economy via certain businesses rather than a direct QE for the people)
Advanced TFE (ie Electronic Transaction Monitoring, or ETM)would be more difficult, and controversial to "sell," and become law on a national, or more international scale. But it has a huge number of social, economic, and political benefits. It is this that should help to "easily" sell it not only to the rich, but more importantly to the masses who could find that their financial problems could be "progressively" eased.
Basic Glossary
What is presented here are the basic definition of key terms in TFE. New ones may be added in the future, but most of the terminology would ultimately come from mainstream economics.
- Transfinancial = The latin word trans implies something above, or beyond. In this case, it can be interpreted as being beyond conventional finance, and indeed, economics itself (ie Transfinancial Economics). In another context, transfinancial can imply money being transferred across borders to other countries.
- Facilitation Banks (FBs) = These would be quite unlike their mainstream "counterparts" in that they have a licence to create new non-repayable money directly, and indirectly into the economy. Moreover, their regulatory framework is far more tighter than an ordinary bank. Ideally, they could among other things closely track, and monitor electronically where newly created money goes, and can instantly override, and fine an account holder if it is deemed that certain funds have gone to a "wrong" account (ie. fraud prevention). The aim of FBs would be notably concerned with creating finance for environmental projects, and high social/ethical concerns. Ofcourse, it should be added that Central Banks could do the "same" work as FBs if necessary.
- Primary (Stage) TFE = Here, very limited amounts of mainly new debt-free non-repayable money could be gradually created electronically into the economy directly, and indirectly. Repayable money, or loans could be created as well if necessary. Economic Indicators (ie.GDP, and Inflation Indices) could be used to decide whether more new money could be created, or not. If inflationary pressures grow the conventional methods of raising taxation, and interest on loans could be undertaken. This is intended to help reduce the money supply, and hence, inflation. Primary TFE can also be largely equated with concepts of QE for the People, so-called Helicopter Money, Overt Monetary Financing, Emergency Money (term used in Numismatics for governments notably creating their own money), Deficit Spending (in conventional economics), Debt-Free Money (term usually used in Social Credit), and a Modern Debt Jubilee (suggested by Steve Keen, a noted economist)
- Advanced (Stage) TFE = This is when most goods, and services would be tracked electronically, and have instantaneous checks undertaken at the point of transaction. This is done to find out their inflation status, and also to ideally discover the IDs of most goods, and services. The latter aspect is used to instantly create a profile, or electronic GDP of the economy in Real-Time. At the point of transaction electronic checks are undertaken by supercomputers (and/or quantum supercomputers as indicated at the very end of the first section of this presentation)when the relevant pricing data is sent to an inflation authority. It is then that the inflation status, and IDs of most goods, and services can be ascertained. The resulting data is transmitted to the cashier, and certain "unconventional" electronic controls may be used to adjust the Free Market Price.
- Electronic Transaction Monitoring (ETM) = This is explained above. It is simply the monitoring of most goods, and services of products, and services.
- Facilitation Finance = The circulation of mainly new Debt-Free non-repayble electronic money by special Smart Banks, or Facilitation Banks(FBs), and/or possibly by governments. This Facilitation Finance can be seen as the result of a money creation process known in economics as Quantitative Easing, or QE. Ofcourse, repayable money could be created electronically sans interest ideally.
- Grant Interest = The creation of new money as something non-repayable by an independent organisation (other than the mainstream banking system) to gradually pay on behalf of a customer or company the interest on a loan. This is a controversial concept.
Some Key References
The following is not exhaustive ofcourse. The literature on finance, monetary reform, economics,and sustainability, is vast with an array of well-known, and little-known authors.
Steve Keen, Debunking Economics - Revised and Expanded Edition: The Naked Emperor Dethroned? Zed Books, 2011
David Colander (Author), Paul Ormerod (Author), Dave Ramsden (Author), Paul Seabright (Author), John Sloman (Author), Edward Glaeser (Author), Andrew Haldane (Author), John Kay (Author), Andrew Lo (Author), Diane Coyle (Editor), What's the Use of Economics? Teaching the Dismal Science after the Crisis, published 2012.
L. Randall Wray, Modern Money Theory: A Primer on Macroeconomics for Sovereign Monetary Systems, Palgrave Macmillan, 2012
Stephen Zarlenga,The Lost Science of Money: The Mythology of Money, The Story of Power, AMI, Dec 2002
J.W. Hughes,Major Douglas: The Policy of a Philosophy, Wedderspoon Associates,2002
Ellen Hodgson Brown and Reed Simpson, Web of Debt: The Shocking Truth About Our Money System and How We Can Break Free, 2012 edition (among many other interesting things, it includes some rare info on "experiments" used by early American Colonists to create "enough" new money to fund various projects)
Josh Ryan-Collins (Author), Tony Greenham (Author), Richard Werner (Author), Andrew Jackson (Author) Where Does Money Come From?: A Guide to the UK Monetary and Banking System, New Economics Foundation, 2012
Jeffrey D. Sachs,Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet,Penguin Books, 2009
Jeffrey D. Sachs, The Price of Civilization: Reawakening American Virtue and Prosperity, Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2012
Joseph Stiglitz, Freefall: America, Free Markets, and the Sinking of the World Economy, W. W. Norton & Company, 2010
Noreena Hertz, IOU: The Debt Threat and Why We Must Defuse It, Fourth Estate, 2010
Mckenzie Funk, Windfall, The Booming Business of Climate Change, Penguin, 2014
Viktor Mayer-Schonberger, and Kenneth Cukier, Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work and Think, John Murray, 2013
Jeremy Rifkin, The Zero Marginal Cost Society: The Internet of Things, the Collaborative Commons, and the Eclipse of Capitalism, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014
Naomi Klein, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate Simon & Schuster, 2014
Vasilis Kostakis, Michel Bauwens, Network Society and Future Scenarios for a Collaborative Economy Palgrave Pivot, 2014
Some Links Of Possible Interest.
The following links may be of interest.
1) TFE is notably similiar to Social Credit. The following link may be of interest, and a French version also exists. http://www.michaeljournal.org/plenty42.htm
2) An introduction to MMT, or Modern Monetary Theory which is also similiar to TFE. http://ralphanomics.blogspot.com/2011/02/introduction-to-modern-monetary-theory.html
4) Trond Andresen connects electronic money to MMT in his working paper. He may have drawn some of his inspiration from TFE. A link here is also included on Steve Keen's Modern Debt Jubilee http://www.itk.ntnu.no/ansatte/Andresen_Trond/econ/mmt-electronic.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocQWs8EteqI
5) The following link to a NGO is concerned with how money is created, and used. http://www.positivemoney.org.uk/
6) The idea of businesses working in a possible future Real-Time monitored economy has been mooted at. Ofcourse, TFE ultimately goes beyond this to include a deeper, and far more accurate understanding of the actual workings of the economy itself. This is revolutionary, and turns economics on its head. Indeed, it could be argued that TFE is the most important breakthrough in the history of economics, and this may one day be recognized. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real-time_economy Certain initiatives are being undertaken to a limited degree to track the Free Market Prices of goods in Real-Time. Some examples are as follows http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/real-time-economic-data-tracking.html http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/mit-launches-real-time-inflation-indices.html http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/raging-inflation-narendra-modi.html http://information.aalto.fi/en/research/rte/ (Finnish academic organization concerned with the possibility of Real-Time economics)
7) Kenya, of all places have been using the mobile phone as the main means to transmit, and indeed, recieve funds electronically. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11793290
8) The links below lead to a blog developed by the author of this presentation on TFE http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/how-can-anything-rival-threat-of.html http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/paradise-or-oblivion.html
10) High Frequency Trading is an example of the power of advanced automated computer technology. http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_frequency_trading
11) The idea of something like a cybernetic economy has been around for sometime. The following links may be of interest, and appear to offer "techno-economic" ideas within a genuine socialist, or communist type system. With TFE though we are discussing an economy that exists within the framework of a more "ethical" futuristic capitalist system which would ideally have genuine open democracy, and respect for universal human rights rather than some dystopia, or totalitarian system. This is always important to remember. Yet, if society decides it can evolve into a "higher," or more "advanced" social structure similiar to one envisaged by Technocracy. In this respect, TFE can be seen as a "credible" transitional system to a "better" world. http://p2pfoundation.net/Towards_a_New_Cybernetic_Socialism http://blog.p2pfoundation.net/why-you-should-read-the-essay-red-plenty-platforms/2013/08/20 http://p2pfoundation.net/Cybernetic_Communism http://p2pfoundation.net/Cybernetic_Revolutionaries http://p2pfoundation.net/Cybernetic_Planning http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Economic+Cybernetics Reference is also made to Paul Cockshott, and his Cybersocialism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtlZys7QOO4
12) Professor Richard Werner was the originator of the term Quantitative Easing, or QE. But it has been completely misinterpreted as the following link reveals http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24614016#story_continues_3
13) The problems facing the management, and possible success of Megaprojects, notably IT ones.http://blog.budzier.com/me-research/ http://www.mckinsey.com/client_service/public_sector/latest_thinking/mckinsey_on_government/seven_imperatives_for_success_in_it_megaprojects
14) The use, and development of Big Data appears to be growing apace in the world. It has huge significance for TFE http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_data
15) The use of dynamic pricing, and algorithms is becoming a serious reality. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_pricing
16) Serious problems may be faced with ageing bank computer systems. With TFE it may be possible to help in full, or in part the financing of new IT systems.http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/banking-it-crisis.html
17) The Resource Based Economy may be of interest. http://www.theresourcebasedeconomy.com/
18) The Universal Debating Project http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Universal_Debating_Project
19) The idea of the Industrial Internet is similar to the concept of ETM in TFE. http://gelookahead.economist.com/industrial-internet/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Internet
20) The Internet of Things could have relevance to TFE. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Internet_of_Things&redirect=no
21) Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the UK Labour Party has expressed some interest in a direct form of Quantitative Easing for the people, and possibly businesses as well. http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/corbyns-peoples-qe-could-actually-be.html http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/is-corbynomics-inflationary.html http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/chris-leslie-has-got-corbynomics-wrong.html Richard Murphy who wrote the article on the last link above seems to have written a lot on QE as revealed in the link on the following link so to speak... http://theeconomicrealms.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/how-green-infrastructure-quantitative.html
The following are links to searches concerning possibilities for the future. TFE could play a big part in their realization.
1) Undersea living https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=undersea+living
2) Underground Agriculture https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=underground+agriculture
3) Smart Eco Cities https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en&q=smart+eco+cities
4) Smart Technologies https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=Smart+Technogies
5) Smart Sustainable Resilence https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=Smart+Sustainable+Resilience
6) Robots https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=robotics
7) Automation https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=automation
8) Smart Sustainable Transport https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=smart+sustainable+transport
9) Future Studies https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=future+studies
10) Smart Agricuture https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en&ei=0NPyVfKqB-O17gag97egDQ#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=smart+agriculture
11) Geoengineering https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en&ei=7tPyVbnvJIfb7AarkpzYAg#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=geoengineering
12) Undersea Mining (for resources) https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=undersea+mining+
13) Supercomputers / Quantum Computers https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=Supercomputers+Quantum+Computers
14) Terraforming https://www.google.co.uk/?as_qdr=all&gws_rd=cr,ssl&ei=IrTyVcfRC4absgHSqrOgDQ#safe=strict&as_qdr=all&q=Terraforming
15) Heat Resistance/Climate Change https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB758&biw=1920&bih=974&ei=hKE-Xs6WAZq4gAaAmoPgBQ&q=heat+resistance+climate+change&oq=heat+resistance+climate+change&gs_l=psy-ab.12...0.0..34134...0.0..0.0.0.......0......gws-wiz.-sbQ6PdRz5o&ved=0ahUKEwjO6KLg8sHnAhUaHMAKHQDNAFwQ4dUDCAs
16) Nanotechnology https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=nanotechnology
17) Renewable Energy https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=Renewable+Energy
18) Big Data/Economics https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en#safe=strict&hl=en-GB&q=Big+Data+economics (The huge importance, and relevance of Big Data in economics is slowly dawning in mainstream, and heterodox economic circles)
19) Inflation in Real-Time https://www.google.co.uk/search?source=hp&ei=-Ks-XrqtN4PeauKoqLgH&q=economics+in+real+time+fast+indicators&oq=economics+in+real+time+fast+indicators&gs_l=psy-ab.12..33i22i29i30.1574.15491..17056...4.0..0.128.3141.37j5......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i131j0j0i10j0i22i30j0i13i5i30j33i10.X-jN5lmYEb0&ved=0ahUKEwi6idvc_MHnAhUDrxoKHWIUCncQ4dUDCAc#spf=1581165571693 (There is now a growing "literature" on attempts to track inflation in Real-Time. This is a vital of Advanced Stage TFE)
The following is the original 2005 essay on TFE which appeared on the kheper website. It is somewhat "simplistic", and non-taxation also plays a part. The p2p foundation presentation above gives a far more accurate and authorative account of the subject matter, and should be treated as the main source for this developing paradigm.
Transfinancial Economics by Robert Searle
Introduction. The summary found here gives one a basic overview of Transfinancial Economics, or TFE which then leads on to a more detailed essay, or "paper". It should just take a few minutes to read for those pressed for time. However, it should be noted that it comes after a short summary of Positive Human Politics, or PHP. Like TFE it is a research, and development project but no detailed essay, or "paper" follows it. Essentially, PHP is the basic political background of our main subject matter. One can skip it if desired, and go straight to the summary on TFE.
Also, a short list of references are placed right at the end of this presentation. Alot more may be added at some future date.
Positive Human Politics, or PHP/ The Basic Summary preceeding Transfinancial Economics Overview. Positive Human Politics, or PHP can be seen as the Modern Universal "Paradigm". Like TFE it is neither right-wing, or left-wing in approach but simply creates a basic transformative humanitarian framework. In it realistic, civilized,and progressive solutions, or options are presented. It seeks for the popularisation of such notions to largely replace negative thinking, and general apathy on all things political.
Most of the major ideas for PHP already exist under different terms, and tend to vary only in "minor" detail as far as theory, and practice are concerned (eg. gaian democracies, co-intelligence, holistic politics, et al).A book entitled The Age of Consent by the journalist George Monbiot is a good example of advanced thinking involving among other things the concept of a genuinely accountable World Parliament. The futurist Jacque Fresco offers in his writings, and talks a more "utopian" view of what could be. He draws his inspiration from technocracy,transhumanism, and the like.
There are many examples of Positive Human Politics. They notably include the following:-
a) The continued relevance, and importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the basic ethical foundation for change. This would lead to the greater development of possible enforceable International Laws along with their "correct" interpretation.
b) Empower positive citzenship.
c)The possible option of direct participatory democracy using computer voting by an educated informed public.
d) Greater evolution away from adversarial politics to something more positive, and progressive.
e)Reducing the information overload notably of social, economic, and political knowledge using the least number of words to describe issues for, and against a topic in a way which is seen to be genuinely open, holistic,and accountable. This would have notable implications for direct democracy.
f)Binary Economics, and other similiar proposals for fairer wealth distribution.
g)The importance of the proper, and safe development of new sustainable technologies.
h) Full-scale nuclear disarmanent if at all possible, or at least the simultaneous development of non-lethal weapons in which death, and destruction no longer occur in "pointless" wars.
i) The European Union can also be seen as a form of positive, progressive evolution, but still requires more reforms to make it more open, and legally accountable. The idea of a Super-State may seem fine in principle but such a political union may well be superflous. Growing cooperation between independent sovereign states is arguably the best, and "safest" way forward.
Such proposals are good examples of PHP. Yet, we have no intention of expanding this subject. Much of it anyway is pretty obvious to all "right-thinking people".Unlike TFE there is as yet no lengthy essay on PHP giving further details. Now, we examine the former.
Transfinancial Economics/ The Basic Summary. Transfinancial Economics, or TFE itself is also known as Non-Taxation Monetary Reform. It believes that new unearned money could be created for democratic governments both local, and national without raising taxes. Many NGOs, or independent non-governmental organizations could also be funded in a similiar manner either in full, or in part. Thus, in most cases, fundraising, and donations should be largely unnecessary.This can also lead to greater decentralisation of power from central government if desired.
Anyway,the creation of new unearned money itself without taxes, or fundraising would not lead to uncontrolled inflation, and devaluation of currency.This would be directly controlled by advanced computer technology. However, anonymous cash transactions would still be possible.
There is more than enough money to change the world. The problem notably for NGOs is legal access to it.
In TFE there is no redistribution of financial wealth, but NGOs concerned with fairer wealth distribution, and morally progressive concepts such as Binary Economics would be financially empowered as never before. Thus, their influence on public opinion would be far greater.
For some people TFE can be seen as a "transitional" system that would ideally lead from the greed of competative capitalism to fairer economic systems both large, and small which would cooperate with each other. Unfortunately, this process would probably take many, many decades to occur.Though "scientific" evidence indicates that mutual cooperation for selfish ends is the real natural driving force in society there will "always" be the few who are "greedy," and "competative" enough to succeed as top businessmen, and command huge sums of "earned" money, and resources.
On the other hand, real genuine socialism which confessedly has a more just, and fairer understanding of capital may gradually manifest itself fully. There may even come a time when everything may become free on demand without exchange of money at all.
TFE realizes though that the present competative capitalist system is too well entrenched in society for it to be removed. As such it does not waste time opposing it but uses its new understanding of money to allow it to flourish as never before.
As already indicated, and bears repetition there is also the new financial empowerment of NGOs concerned with social, economic, and political reform. They would be able as never before to speed up the pace of positive change.
Apart from the creation of new unearned money interest free loans could also be created responsibly. In TFE we are also dealing with a high, or higher growth economy. With the introduction of a tax, and interest free world research, and deployment of various simple, and complex sustainable technologies would be speeded up as never before to ensure that total resource scarcity cannot happen.To a very limited extent, this is already occuring in the rich Western countries.
The possible social, economic, and political implications of TFE are massive. The creation of new unearned money can solve many problems including:-
i)The financing of pensions.
ii) Greater financial empowerment of NGOs concerned with corporate responsibility in connection notably with the environmental destruction, and the rights of workers. These would be challenged as never before on an equal playing field.
However,a more positive, and totally revolutionary approach (called Ethical Business Conversion, or EBC)is the notion that they can become reformed with powerful monetary inducements (or legalized "bribes")to behave more ethically, and in a way which respects sustainability, and environmentalism. At the same time, they would create even greater profits (heavily subsidized ofcourse)than before! TFE would be in their own interest if they are able to understand its massive global significance.
More importantly, positive engagement with corporations, and indeed, banks (which under license could have their interest, and other charges created for them by an independent financial authority without charging the customer) would make the changeover to a tax, and interest free economy alot easier to materialize than launching a moral crusade against them. More importantly, humanity may not have long to go unless there is new, and revolutionary understanding of capital which is the power that controls the use, and abuse of limited resources. Cleverly reforming who, or what has this power is the key to the future.
iii) Huge high risk projects which may have great social,economic, and political value (eg. an environmental programme perhaps vital for the planet) would be possible with the creation of new unearned money.
This could for example imply the greater financial empowerment of corporations to create sustainable futuristic cities intended to be underground, undersea, and/or even floating on the sea to help ease greater population growth.
iv) The creation of more business grants, plus interest free loans allowing for continous material prosperity. This would also have obvious positive implications for various investments such as stocks, and shares as markets would be more stable.
v) If desired, more public services could be provided, and would be better financed.
vii) With the advance of automation the future will become increasingly jobless. Yet, if necessary it would be possible to have special businesses, and/or NGOs which could be created out of new unearned money. They would supply more advanced types of paid work which may be more akin to "leisure-type" pursuits than what we have now.
The above are key examples of what TFE could, and would achieve. Success would also ofcourse crucially depend on realistic creative planning, and relevant resources.
Introduction to Transfinancial Economics. The Main Essay/"Paper". This is a brief "non-technical" introduction to a "new" futuristic monetary reform. It is called Transfinancial Economics (TFE), or Non-Taxation Monetary Reform. It revolves around the concept that new non-repayable unearned money can be responsibly created without raising taxes, or even fundraising in many cases. This is a "revolution" in our understanding of money, and the world. In the right hands, this concept could be one of the greatest breakthroughs of the 21st century, and beyond.
It must be made abundantly clear from the start that TFE has nothing to do with the so-called New World Order, or certain "over the top" conspiracy theories, or anti-semitism. What we are dealing with here is the positive progressive evolution towards genuine open democracy. This is indicated in the summary on Positive Human Politics,or PHP discussed earlier on.
Legal Access to Financial Power,and Possible Decentralisation. There are four main organisations that could responsibly order the creation of new money. They are as follows:-
i) National Democratic Government: This organisation instead of raising direct taxes on income, and indirect taxation on goods, and services could order the production of new funds in a measured way via special Treasury Banks which are genuine independent public authorities. Thus, programmes like the health service, the military, the police, social security, the law courts, and other expenditures would be properly financed. Reform of such concerns would also be stepped up as never before. Cost-effectiveness, and cost-cutting which can cause various social, economic, and political problems would become a thing of the past.
However, all this does not mean more government waste, or abuse of money. On the contrary, more powerful legislation would be introduced to curb this. Moreover, it must be remembered, and understood that such future democratic governments would not have a massive lump sum of tax money to draw upon. This would only encourage overspending but with TFE it is simply created in a measured way, and only after scrutiny from a Treasury Bank which would have genuine legal powers.
Also,import duties,and taxes on tobacco, alcohol, et al would still exist but would be re-defined as special charges, or civil fines.
ii) Local Government: This organisation could responsibly order the creation of new money from a Treasury Bank without the need to raise county taxes. Hence, various community progammes would be properly funded, and reformed where necessary.
iii) NGOs, or Non-Governmental Organisations: Many of them would would no longer have to largely rely upon the public, or wealthy donors. Instead, they could receive new funds via a foundation,or trust (as is the case today)which would order the creation of new money from a Grant Generating Bank. These financial institutions would be independent of governments, and transnational companies, or TNCs.
The resulting money originating from the Grant Generating Bank would be given by the trusts, and foundations in full, or in part to various NGOs. Charities concerned with the Third World, heart disease, cancer, AIDs, and other humanitarian causes would more than likely be fully funded. Yet, other NGOs would only be in part financed by new money. The implications of all this for democracy, and humanity are stupendous.
With more financial empowerment of NGOs greater decentralisation of power from central government can be achieved if desired. This point is especially relevant at the present time as politics, and politicians have clearly lost all credibility, and new alternatives are needed.
The above represents the Human Financial System of Transfinancial Economics, or TFE. On the other hand, the Economic Financial System is where money is actually earned by people working as employees, or employers of a business. Both Systems interact with one another.
It is important to understand that from an objective viewpoint unearned new money is just as valuable as that which has been earned many times over. In TFE we are trying to create a more advanced financial system which tries to put humanity first, rather than just money when it comes to important social, economic, and political problems.
Ofcourse, finance itself is useless without effective planning, and relevant resources. This is true of goverments, NGOs, and indeed, everything else in life. But, at the end of the day no matter how advanced our social, economic, and political ideas, and reforms may be ultimately it has to be financed by somebody, or something. This is the simple, and inescapable truth.
In TFE money is regarded as a power which controls the use, and abuse of limited resources. By reforming it we can help change the world. The aim is to maximise the good it can achieve for humanity.
It must be pointed out that when we talk about creating "new money" we are ofcourse referring to electronic transmissions of it. Cash makes up a virtually non-existent portion of the entire money supply.
It is important to understand that there is such a thing as a free lunch. Government departments receive "free" money as grants which they have not been earned. Similiarly, a Will in which a beneficiary gets a large amount of money (though originally earned ofcourse) is something "unearned". Thus, it is an example of a free lunch.
Some people have pointed out that if money as new unearned electronic transmissions can be created without earning it the value of it as something vitally important, and "rare" is reduced. This is a nonsense. The question is this. Is money, more important than the genuine needs of humanity? For instance, if millions of children are starving, and there is little earned money to buy food to save lives... would it be morally right to allow them to die, or would it be more noble to have a system in which new unearned finance could be created? This could fully deal with such a situation as opposed to the limited approach of using aid, or charity funds (ie. earned money)which may not be enough to do the "job" properly? This, ofcourse is one of a number of examples that could be cited. Money, or humanity? We have just given the former a higher value, and purpose in the world.
Inflation, and Advanced Computer Technology Inflation can be defined as the persistent rise in prices. As money outstrips the production of goods, and services their retail cost to customers goes up. At the same time, this can lead to the devaluation of currency. Thus, someone on a fixed wage may find that their cash buys less than before. In mainstream economics this basic concept of how price rises occurs is referred to as Monetarism, and there are a number of theories on how excess money actually enters the financial system.
In the past notably, there have been attempts to control inflation directly via policies on prices, and wages. These had mixed results, and were only temporary measures. At present, indirect methods to control inflation are used by raising, and lowering interest rates discussed later on.
Anyway, in TFE possible super-computers could be used to keep an eye on serious persistent price rises. It is a direct attempt at controlling inflation itself, and far more advanced, and effective than the old approach just mentioned. Essentially, the market in part continues to determine price, and wage changes. Such financial interactions are recorded on super-computers (or perhaps some form of upgraded computers). However, if there is a serious persistent rise in inflation of prices, and/or wages they are automatically fined, or capped. This appears on a bank statement.
The above has nothing to do with a centrally planned economy as understood in the old communist world. We are dealing here with a competative capitalist system in which Super-Flexible Pricing is allowable, and possible. This is where one is given a higher range of retail prices for a product, or service which has to be registered under law (compulsory like Income Tax).Admitedly, a certain amount of price distortion could occur but with Super-Flexible Pricing this would be largely minimised, or eradicated with certain modifications.
At first the introduction of direct electronic controls to tackle inflation would be unpopular. It would require strong democratic governments to implement it. Yet, businesses will learn to accept it, and would find it by far more beneficial than taxation on their profits. Indeed, they would experience rapid commercial expansion. To further enhance the situation, all business loans would be interest free too..
Anonymous cash transactions would still be possible. As is the case in our modern economy this makes up a near non-existent portion of the entire money supply, and thus, it would have little, or no affect on inflation. Products, and services (including certain wages) which have no obvious monetary value would be exempt from price registration. Again,these too would have little, or no affect on inflation as they would only make up a small portion of the entire productive economy. However, most products, and services have to be registered by law.
Advanced computers when properly programmed can ensure the value of peoples money when certain products, and services are purchased. To understand how this works a simple example should be enough. Lets say Mr. T buys product X which happens to be 10% above inflation then this very same percentage is created as new money, and is actually added to his bank account automatically. In TFE this is referred to as Inflation Interest. A version using cash could be possible too.
Some people have wondered what would happen if there was an excess money supply that would outstrip the production of goods, and services. The answer is simple. Such "wealth" would easily be saved for the time being in deposit accounts indexed-linked to inflation. With rapid economic growth more, and more products, and services become available, and the "dormant" funds due to excess money supply would now be able to buy them. In other words, they would become part of the productive capacity of the country.
Some people have suggested that the weakness of TFE is its reliance on advanced computer technology. Yet, we forget that our present banking system relies on it all the time. Out of necessity security is continually improved, and no hacker has yet brought down the entire network permanently. If that had been the case we would have all known about it!
Other critics have pointed out the problem of privacy. Yet, is it really such a problem.....especially when we realize that in our present world it hardly exists at all? In this respect, TFE is not necessarily going to make things any worse, or better as far as legal, and "illegal" access to personal information, or privacy is concerned.
Anyway, there are many other aspects concerned with electronic controls over inflation which cannot be discussed here, and at the end of the day they would have to be hammered out by experts in economics, and information technology.
The Problem of Redistribution. In TFE there is no redistribution of financial wealth. Rather there is a greater distribution of new money. The problem of redistribution at the present time is that the money involved is earned, and based on the productive capacity of the country. TFE goes beyond this to make sure that most social, economic,and political programmes, and projects carried out by democratic governments, and NGOs are properly funded as never before.
Let us take an example of what we are actually saying. The Tobin Tax on currency speculation is intended to raise funds for the Third World, and if it were implemented the resulting monies would probably not be enough. On the other hand, TFE would be able to maximise funding initially created by the Grant Generating Banks.To do this by taxation, or by fundraising is unnecessary, and backward. The best, and most effective means of achieving these aims is to have new money created responsibly.
The financial genius, George Soros has suggested that the Special Drawing Rights (or SDRs) of the International Monetary Fund could be created as grants rather than loans. These would help the Third World, and the idea is strikingly similiar to the concept of the creation of new unearned money in TFE.
Ofcourse, people make the valid point that there is more than enough money to change the world many times over. The problem lies with legal access to it whenever there is a genuine need for it. This is the key point to grasp.
The Major Anti-Tax Arguments. There are a number of excellent reasons for the abolition of direct, and indirect taxation. They are as follows.
1. It is now a gross absurdity to raise money through taxation when it can be easily created in a measured way by the relevant authorities without fear of hyperinflation.
2. Everyone is entitled to all the money they earn, and as such it is morally wrong to have some of it deducted for tax purposes when it is no longer necessary.
3. It is highly unethical to fund any waste, and abuse of government spending.
(This incidently includes the National Debt which is created by governments borrowing from private commercial banks. This is mainly paid for by the taxpayer.With TFE though this could be paid off, or destroyed as the elected authorities would have legal powers to do so via a Treasury Bank.)
4. Increasingly, the super-wealthy are finding legal loopholes to avoid tax, and as such they are not paying their fair share into the system. As a result all this means that the less well off are having to make up for the shortfall which is wrong. The situation is further made worse when bank accounts can be easily switched from one country to another thus making the life for the tax inspectors hell.
5. It is we, the people who create the real wealth of the country in the form of products, and services. Why then should we continue to be ripped off by a tax system when we can now at long last be rewarded by a democratic government with a policy of Non-Taxation? Why should we continually have to pay for everything?
6. Many wars,and revolutions have been directly, or indirectly caused by taxation. Its abolition would be popular, and a potential vote winner....as most people are more interested in their financial status than in politics, and politicians. TFE would thus be highly attractive to the masses.
Interest Free Monetary Reform. At the present time radical monetary reform is concerned with the power of banks. These private commercial companies create virtually all of the money of the world as loans, or credit. Strictly speaking, governments issue the rest as coins, and paper. The banks though produce it "out of thin air" by simply adding figures of a higher monetary value onto paper, and/or computers. There is also meant to be a limit on how much they can create, and this is based on "money" kept in reserve. This whole set-up is called fractional reserve banking. The banks ofcourse make huge super-normal profits on their loans for commercial, governmental, and private use (eg. mortgages).
Some critics of fractional reserve banking have stated that it is a fraud in that it counterfeits the national currency. More seriously, it produces non-existent "funny money" which is unwittingly accepted by all, and sundry. As with TFE they are able to create new unearned money on daily basis but as something which is repayable.
Since virtually all of the money in the world is produced by banks it is believed that changes in the interest rates of their loans may well be the real cause of inflation. When the economy is not doing well the interest rate on borrowing notably for businesses is reduced to encourage a high take up. This in turn means expansion of commercial enterprises, and increased employment leading to a general material prosperity. As more, and more money is allowed to circulate it has to be somehow reduced to avoid serious degrees of inflation. This is done by raising interest rates on loans so that they discourage commercial take up. This results in less business expansion, decreased employment, and a certain amount of economic depresson. The whole cycle is then repeated.
Anyhow, the aim of monetary reform itself here is to have loans created without interest. This could put a complete end to the business cycle of "boom", or "bust" just described. Interest free loans would be highly beneficial for the economy, society, and politics.It would also mean that the banking system itself would no longer be a massive commercial enterprise. Instead, an independent public authority would issue interest-free credit.
The big problem here ofcourse is that the banks are very powerful indeed. They would take immediate legal action against any country if they felt that their huge global monopoly was being seriously threatened. One way then to successfully undermine their great power is to use Simultaneous Policy. This is the modernization of an old concept. In it people can at election time vote for those candidates, and/or a party who are willing to accept their policy proposal. The aim here ideally is to get most countries to try, and implement it simultaneously. Such an approach could be used against banks who would have little, or no choice but to comply to their own demise. This could make way for independent public authorities which would lead to an interest free, and indeed, a tax free economy.
More controversially, there is another approach suggested by TFE. Banks could still make super-normal profits but without charging their customers. How? The answer lies with the concept of Auto-Profit companies. They receive new unearned money as profit. The calculation of the latter is directly based on business records of clients. Yet, many interest free monetary reformers would be horrified by such a proposition, but at least it could make the transition from a interest based economy to an interest free one alot easier. Indeed, the author is coming to the conclusion that this is the best way forward along with the need for positive engagement with banks, and corporations as explained later..
This brings us to another point. Non-Taxation Monetary Reform (ie. TFE) is far more important than Interest-Free Monetary Reform as its social, economic, and political benefits are totally outstanding. The latter should be united with the former if it is to be truly successful, or have any real impact on the public. As such Interest-Free Monetary Reform is seen as being of secondary importance compared with Non-Taxation Monetary Reform. Thus, both proposals make up Transfinancial Economics, or TFE.
Sustainable Economics, and Resource Scarcity. In the present era we live in a high growth economy. Green Sustainable Economics believes that this has lead to over-production, and over-consumption. It suggests that people should simplify their lives, and reduce their wants so that little, or no more natural resources are used up. In other words, it ideally sees the zero, or stationary growth economy as "the way forward." In such a world people would live in small self-organising, and self-sufficient communities consisting of family businesses, and cooperatives. A LETS (Local Exchange Trading Scheme)could also be included, and this is simply a made up alternative to money, or community currency which would be acceptable to those in the area, and possibly beyond. Food would largely be grown locally. Here, ofcourse, we are not discussing socialism, and redistribution of wealth but rather a fairer distribution of it.
All this sounds fine in principle but it would take many decades before it became a national, and indeed, an international reality. By then most, or perhaps all natural resources would have been used up. The ideas presented in the last paragraph are understandable reaction to governments, and big business. It is an attempt to be free of them, and instead take on the laudable mantle of self-sufficiency, and a more simple, and slower pace of life.
Unfortunately, it does not change the big problems of the world which are far more important. TFE is in the main concerned with this, and nothing else. Big changes require big ideas that must seriously address, and challenge the status quo no matter how difficult it may be.
The reality is that in the present high growth economy much of the earths wealth is being massively depleted at an unprecedented rate. Non-renewable oil, and coal are classic examples of this. But, all is not lost. New ideas, and green technologies are emerging which could help our planets plight.
In TFE it is believed that sustainability is indeed possible in a high, or rather higher growth economy. With the huge influx of new unearned money, and interest free loans, NGOs, and businesses will be able to speed up as never before the research, and deployment of various "safe" complex (eg. nanotechnology), and "simpler" clean, cheap, renewable technologies (eg. wind power, solar energy, biomass,wave power,thermal energy, et al) to "save the planet." Moreover, such funding can come independently of governments, and transnational corporations, or TNCs. In a like manner, future democratic governments, and even certain NGOs along with businesses would be able to undertake any gargantuan environmental (or non-environmental) project that might be vital for the survival of the human race.
A huge problem in all this is ofcourse the worlds reliance on oil, or black gold. With TFE the switch from this non-renewable resource to renewable ones could be accelerated. This would involve the gradual break up of the oil industry in which TNCs could be bought up by huge financial inducements in which shareholders could be paid off with large amounts in compensation. The top people though in the oil corporation concerned could still be paid massive profits using new unearned money but on condition that they involve themselves in the rapid mass production of sustainable technologies. Ofcourse, new profits could be heavily subsidized making the whole venture worthwhile, and viable in extremis. In other words, a legal "bribe." Such Ethical Business Conversion,or EBC could be funded with newly created money by the Grant Generating Banks, special business NGOs, and/or democractic governments.
Ofcourse, one of the major problems of todays world is global warming due to emission of greenhouse gases. Special green, or eco-taxes which try to reduce this are a limited approach compared with what TFE could achieve. However, they may prove to be vital, and realistic step in the right direction. In TFE ofcourse such taxes would be seen as civil "fines".
Apart from the above claims space research itself could be stepped up to find any clean alternative energy resources on other planets that may be invaluable for our world, and environment. This would involve massive injections of capital to be worthwhile, and successful. Ultimately, other planets would be colonized.
The Third World, and the Transnational Corporations. Year in, and year out millions of people mainly children die in Africa. This is a wholly unacceptable situation. To help relieve poverty a number of NGOs notably exist, but if they had legal access to continous funds they would be able to do so much more in the way of better health, free education, and setting up self-employment projects. At the same time many lives would be saved from useless, and pointless death. With TFE this would be possible without public donations, or indeed, government aid. The ultimate aim of such Third World NGOs is to help the poor help help themselves.
A key factor to the terrible poverty in Africa, and elsewhere in the Third World are the unfair trading laws, and the gargantuan power of the Transnational Corporations, or TNCs. The status quo does not fully allow the poor to export goods to rich countries due to restrictions. Thus, they are unable to earn their way out of poverty. The TNCs themselves on the other hand benefit from this situation as it gives them a huge monopoly over the production of goods, and services in the Third World. This earns them billions in exports to rich countries as they can get everything on the cheap (notably labour). At the same time, they have caused a large amount of environmental destruction which is is totally unacceptable.
Ideally,what is needed are genuine international trading laws which favour the poor as well as the rich. This could happen via Simultaneous Policy already mentioned.Yet, even if this were to come about it may still be difficult to enforce such legal measures. In TFE, there are two key approaches to this problem...
NGOs concerned with such matters of corporate responsibility (or lack of it!) would be able to successful challenge, and perhaps even reform the TNCs with various business tactics (eg.buying up shares). The reason being ofcourse is that they would be financially empowered as never before so that they could deal with them on a level playing field unlike now. This would be a big step forward for global justice.
Another more positive, and constructive approach is Ethical Business Conversion, or EBC discussed in connection with the oil industry. In it Grant Generating Banks,NGOs, and/or democratic governments would have huge financial power to create new unearned money. This could be used to improve, and replace non-evironmentally friendly technologies, and factories run by TNCs if they are agreeable to it. Ideally,they could possibly pay in part for the cost of the changeover. Again, TNCs could have their profits heavily subsidized. Such a monetary measure makes "turning green" truly viable in the commerical world.
Poor workers too could have their wages subsized though ideally the TNCs should pay the fair price. Their health, and safety would be monitored by powerful NGOs even though this should be job of government agencies (with genuine legal powers) in the Third World.
Another problem with the Third World notably in Africa is getting aid to the right people. Much of it has gone instead into the pockets of corrupt officials, and dictators. However, with financially empowered NGOs concerned with such issues would be able to fully fund new, and existing ways of avoiding this as far as is possible.
The arms-trade which has sold many weapons to the Third World where wars have been known to erupt could be curtailed by future democratic governments. With EBC this would be possible, and could lead to greater profits when such a huge business is "converted" into something more "ethical" (eg. the possible creation of special super non-lethal weapons to help maintain world peace mentioned in the TFE summary earlier on).
As can be seen here the Third World is a complex issue with no easy solutions. But with TFE so much more could be done which is positive, and progressive, and indeed, more in keeping with global justice.
Greater Equitable Income. Though not as appalling as the Third World a certain amount of poverty exists in the rich nations of the globe. With TFE there is always the finance available to genuine democratic governments, and NGOs to alleviate it. At the same time, there are a number of ideas which exist on paper, and in reality to deal with this. These include the basic re-occuring theme of people owning a fair share of the profits of a company (as well as possibly receiving a working wage). The Co-operative Society, and Binary Economics could be seen as instances of this kind of thinking. Because of their high ethical nature their creation would probably be aided with interest free loans, and indeed, new unearned money where capital may be difficult to come by.
In a genuine cooperative where money as profit, or wages is shared equally there is a possible problem. It could well result with having no capital to fund greater expansion. In TFE, it may be eligible for new unearned money as a business grant.
Anyway, apart from this there is a more radical approach to poverty alleviation. It is the Universal Basic Income, or UBI. This is intended for everyone as a human right irrespective of their means. With TFE such a policy would be easily implemented. Another similiar idea which exists in the developed world to varying degrees is income support for those who are under-employed. Here, TFE could top up the amount of money people were getting in this manner if necessary, and also give them a far greater range of courses, along with new jobs, or business oportunities.
Furthermore, pensions in the future could be funded properly with new money. Thus, those who have worked all their life for the economic betterment of the community would benefit.
A more astonishing aspect of TFE is that special businesses, and and/or NGOs could be created in the future. With increasingly automation jobs would become very difficult to find until a stage is reached where most of the population is jobless. In Binary Economics a large number of people could live off the profits generated.
However, in TFE new forms of "work" could also appear where, and when necessary which may be more akin to "leisure-type" activities. This would all be paid for by new unearned money rather like the Auto-Profit concept described earlier on with banks. This ofcourse would be a revolutionary step forward, as it would mean that in the future people would still have more than enough money to buy products, and services. Ultimately, this medium of exchange would be abolished, and everything would be free on demand.
Possible Positive Engagement with Banks, and Transnational Corporations (TNCs). Whether we like it, or not and as already indicated it is unlikely that TFE will become a reality in record time if we take a full moral stance against banks, and transnational corporations, or TNCs. They have become too powerful, and too entrenched in the present economic system.It is suggested here that we should ideally support the following two points:-
i)Banks as private commericial enterprises should still exist, and have their profits (including service charges) paid for by an independent public authority.
ii) TNCs could be legally "bribed" into converting their technologies into complex sustainable ones, and mass produce products, and services. This would hugely benefit the environment, and sustainability. In other words, Ethical Business Conversion, or EBC as already discussed.
Critics notably of the left-wing persuasion would argue that this is "selling out" to the super-capitalists, and super-capitalism. Yet, what is the alternative? If the global economy continues to grow without full measures for sustainability then clearly the human race is heading towards extinction.
Moreover, a more moral crusade against banks, and corporations is probably not going to inspire enough public support to bring about real change. Most of the populace in the rich countries have lost faith in politics, and politicians, and hence, feel genuinely disempowered.
Furthermore, to finance such a campaign would require much in the way of funding. Yet, if we work with banks, and corporations this should not be a problem when many of them realize that TFE is in their own interest. They could then influence rich governments to introduce it on an agreed time-scale.
It should though be stressed that Grant Generating Banks should as mentioned earlier be independent public authorities. Private commercial ones would still exist ofcourse.
To start the whole process rolling a proper professional website would need to be set up, and links to it should be sent to the powers that be in the rich "democratic" world. It should notably contain the following:-
1) An introduction to TFE, including a "simple" powerpoint presentation of it so that it is quickly, and easily understood.
2) News about the TFE campaign.
3) Commissioned papers by respected academics on the feasibility of the electronic controls over inflation. This could involve econometrics. However, all such data, and statistics are always suspect but it would give the campaigning TFE website greater credibility.
4) Letters of support from certain respected academics.
5)An interactive download which would present how electronic controls could work in the real business world.
6) Links to various respected websites on NGOs, university departments, and companies concerned with sustainability, new energy, finance, et al.
7) A Call to fully fund trials "in the field" by governments, and corporations for electronic systems over inflation. Improvements may well be necessary.
Ultimately, such engagement will require negotiations between rich democractic governments, and TNCs plus other interested parties (eg. the banks)for TFE to become a reality.
Legal safeguards should be put in place to prevent "too much" commercial expansion. This could be aided by special business "NGOs" which could use "compulsory purchase" orders to limit the power of certain TNCs. Yet, the latter would be allowed to expand greatly but in a way which takes full account of sustainability, and global justice.
Moreover, the Third World would benefit along with the TNCs. The reason being is that the former would receive genuine business help. If this leads to greater economic (but sustainable) growth the TNCs would have a new emerging market to sell their products, and services(which could be heavily subsidized by new unearned money to make it very profitable).
There are other aspects to all this but they are still subject to research, and development.
Non-Taxation Past, and Present. Transfinancial Economics, or TFE is a new paradigm in so far as it is a modernization of an old concept. Self-supporting communities have always existed with little, or no taxation.
Social Credit which was founded back in the early 20th Century by Clifford Douglas believed in new money, or rather what it termed debt-free money. It claims that if sufficient amounts of it were created there would be no serious inflation. The key point to understand about Social Credit is that its debt-free money does not appear to replace taxation and is thus limited. Furthermore, interest on loans would still exist.
A book with the misleading title of Public Finance Without Taxation by Ronald Burgess exists. It deals with Henry Georges economic reform. This involves the notion that a rent, or rather more accurately, a property tax on land could be levied to fund governmental programmes. In other words, it does involve a form of taxation which contradicts the title of the aforementioned book!
Interestingly, an advanced socialist system has been suggested in which everything is run by co-operatives. Since all the wealth would be fairly redistributed there would be no need for any taxation. However, in genuine utopian socialism there is no money. Instead all necessary activities are done out of service to the community.
Abba Lerner the founder of Functional Finance appears to have believed that savings could lead to a situation of lower taxes, or indeed, zero taxation. John Gelles came up with the same ideas independently, and is a prolific emailer on monetary reform, and related topics.
John DeSantis, in Baltimore USA had a vision of economic reform in which taxes would not exist. His ideas appear on a website, but as he himself admits they require improvement. Shauna Mckay has similiar notions with her ideal of the Perfect System. Xat.community org. is a LETS group, and believes in Non-Taxation, and has even made the claim that alternative currencies would ultimately replace legal tender!Also, an engineer called Theodore Thoren used mathematics to claim that zero taxation was possible.
Ofcourse, in times of emergency, and revolution governments have been forced to partly, or even fully finance their expenses via the printing of new unearned money. Examples include the American War of Indepedence, the French Revolution, the American Civil War, and the Russian Revolution.
Finally, to end our section on TFE there is a claim circulating on the internet that Benjamin Franklin spoke of Colonial Scrip which was a successful monetary currency that was actually free from taxation, and acted as the national medium of exchange. It could also be borrowed without interest. This financial arrangement occured just before the American War of Independence yet research has yet to confirm these claims.
Transfinancial Economics, or TFE does not pretend to be the ultimate panacea for all things social, economic, and political but it does offer a powerful new approach which could help to solve many problems. As such it needs to be taken seriously.
Some Key References. An exhaustive listing is not presented here.
Adams, Charles, For Good, and Evil; The Impact of Taxes on the Course of Civilization. Madison Books, 1999.
Bunzl, John. The Simultaneous Policy; An Insiders Guide to Save Humanity, and the Planet. New European Publications, 2OO1.
Hertz, Norena, The Silent Takeover; Global Capitalism, and the Death of Democracy. Heinemann, 2001.
Rowbotham, Michael, The Grip of Death; A Study of Modern Money, Debt Slavery, and Destructive Economics. Jon Carpenter,1998.
Sabine, B.E., A Short History of Taxation. Lexis Publishing n.d.
Stanlake & Grant, Introductory Economics, Longman, 1995
Zarlenga, The Lost Science of Money; The Mythology of Money..the Story of Power. American Monetary Institute, 2002.
PS. Robert Searle is the originator of this "work in progress" project. His email address is robertsearle46@googlemail.com . Admitedly, my bio below is to some extent "unconventional," but it is hoped it will not detract from any interest in the above.
