PLANET - WALK GUIDELINES

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WALK GUIDELINES

From: PRODOS, Global Coordinator, Melbourne

Maryallene Klingensmith a member of the Seattle team has raised the following question:

-- "I am active in the Seattle walk, though I am not the co-ordinator, and I would like to get an opinion on an issue we are struggling with in Seattle.

"I believe we should welcome individual [a certain category of supporters of captialism] to the walk, as many of them are good people who truly support capitalism and freedom. HOWEVER, I am leery of the [name of political party] heirarchy, since the party has a fragmented ideology and is known to support views such as [xxxxxx], which are inimical to capitalism. For instance, I think it could be a mistake to advertise in [name of politcal party] publications.

[How should this issue be dealt with]?"
--

1. WalkForCapitalism does not get involved in endorsing *any* organisations or political parties.

2. Organisations and parties are free to support the campaign but it is a one-way street. i.e. They may promote WalkForCapitalism
but this is not reciprocated - We do not promote them.

3. No organisation or party may claim or make it appear that they are endorsed by WalkForCapitalism or that any part of
the campaign is being run by them or is under their umbrella or auspices. Their message must be along the lines of:
"Our group supports WalkForCapitalism"

4. Those joining the campaign do so as individuals. i.e. because they personally support WalkForCapitalism. For instance, the PLANET sign-up page simply asks http://PRODOS.COM/bulletin/planet.html "Do you support capitalism and free trade - yes or no?"

Their affiliations are not questioned.

It is assumed that all who join WalkForCapitalism overall accept our position statement: http://www.walkforcapitalism.org/bernsteindeclaration

5. Individuals should not be excluded because of their membership to other organisations as such. However, the coordinator may exercise his or her discretion in this area. If there is a particular question about a particular organisation this will be dealt with off-list by corresponding or phoning me: prodos@prodos.com - Ph: + 613 9428 1234 (in Melbourne) or free net phone: http://PRODOS.COM/phone

Generally speaking, anyone who supports our principles should be made as welcome as possible. The focus should be on common ground.

Please note: this does NOT mean that there are not important issues to be dealt with between different supporters of capitalism. What it does mean is that this is not the place to debate those issues. Those issues can (and should be) debated elsewhere - in an appropriate forum.

Put another way, as an "ad hoc" campaign, we are saying (to each other) we agree on THIS action and THESE ideas, but that doesn't mean we agree on ALL OTHER matters. Those "other" matters may include deeper philosophical or political or personal issues.

For instance: I'm sure that The Founding Fathers didn't agree on all matters at all levels. At one level they vigorously debated many issues amongst themselves. But at another level they joined forces and ratified the Declaration of Independence.

For instance: I am an Objectivist and I have a good friend who is a Christian. You can imagine the sorts of debates we have (and enjoy having.) However we both agree on things like: Each of us owns our life. The mind cannot function under coercion. Initiation of force is destructive and evil. Justice demands that the Producers and Creators be upheld and appreciated. The State should not
get involved in religion. The State and the Economy should be kept separate. That Honesty is a virtue. Etc.

Maryallene also asked whether or not it was proper to advertise in a magazine run by a political party (which she named)

There isn't necessarily anything wrong with such an advertisment. Especially if it is paid for by a WalkForCapitalism member who is already a member of that party and uses his or her own money.

Also, if someone has contributed money to a city's campaign and has specified how it can or can't be used, and that money has been accepted by the city campaign - obviously the contributor's wishes must be respected.

If a contributor has not specified any prohibited uses but the coordinator and/or her team feel that the contributor might well object to the planned use of the money, a reasonable effort should be made to double-check with that contributor.

However, the question of whether or not it's proper to advertise in the magazine of a particular party may not even arise. What I mean is that such a magazine should really be offering FREE space - in the form of a report or interview or a "What's On" listing.

I hope the above has been helpful.

:-)

"Let's Walk!"

From: PRODOS

All coordinators and PLANET members are welcome to phone me
anytime using the FREE internet phone @ http://PRODOS.COM/phone
which allows a free 20 minute phone call to me from anywhere in the world.

To use it, you need to have a microphone on your computer.

Also:

- Windows 95/98/NT installed on a Pentium 100MHz or higher
- 8 MB RAM
- Internet Explorer 4.0+/Java VM 5.0/Netscape 4.5+
- 28.8 Modem with Internet Connection
- sound card

Give it a try if you like.

(Another good example of how we are exploited and oppressed by
Capitalism and technology, right?)

[From: Rosemary Gately, Saratoga Springs Coordinator]

I have been thinking of celebratory things to do on D2 and was trying to
figure ways to involve the children that undoubtedly will be coming with
their parents.

A few things I thought of were to have tables set up. At one there might be
flags to color, at another the children could make pinwheels, at another
perhaps make flags with safety pins and beads, etc.

I designed a U.S. flag that could be printed out for children to color and
carry with them.

I have posted a link on the Saratoga Springs web page to the flag to color
and also links to sites I've located that have instructions for making
pinwheels and flags made with beads and safety pins.

[PRODOS: My goodness! This woman is incredible! Rosemary, you're
an absolute darling. Great work!]

From: PRODOS, Global Coordinator, Melbourne

Many cities are organising major celebrations for "D2" including concerts, picnics, parades, games, and so on.

Wonderful!

But this note is to clarify "WalkForCapitalism - Basic Version"

"WalkForCapitalism - Basic Version" is the *minimum* action required to be registered as a successful event. Some variations are possible if approved by me (and of course I will do my best to cooperate with you.)

If your event includes the following it will be registered as a successful event.

1. The actual "Walk"
2. The "Capitalism Awards"
3. "Capitalism Day"

1. The Walk
A minimum of 3 people going from "significant point A" to "significant point B", making use of the Double Blue Ribbons (explained @ http://WalkForCapitalism.ORG/guidelines ) which are a symbol of gratitude and appreciation.

Approved handout material includes The Bernstein Declaration and The Money Speech from Atlas Shrugged. (The money speech can only be reprinted with written permission from The PRODOS Institute - which has received permission from the Estate of Ayn Rand to reprint it under specified conditions.)

Use of other authorised flyers and posters.

Each city is welcome to design and produce their own but should run them by me *before* production and distribution.

Thanks.

2. The Annual International Capitalism Award
Nominate a person or the people in your city who have done most to defend &/or promote the principles of capitalism - and/or who, by their example most gloriously embody the spirit of capitalism in practice.

Choose a winner/recipient for that award. The recipient will receive an Award Certificate issued from PRODOS Institute in Melbourne and signed by me and by the coordinator of that city.

Nominations and winners can come from any field: Business, Art, Education, Politics, Science, etc.

The coordinator or any "Awards Committee" members are not eligible for the Award.

3. Capitalism Day
Celebrate the Principles & Possibilities of Capitalism

This can simply be a party where some formal toast is made in praise of Capitalism. It might include a reading from some pro capitalism literature eg. The Bernstein Declaration is well suited to this. Or an excerpt of the Money Speech from Atlas Shrugged.

Or it can take the form of a dinner with friends and supporters. Or a ballroom dance. Or whatever. It can be combined with the announcement of the Capitalism Award.

Capitalism Day is the first Sunday of December each year. Which, for 2001, is .... D2!

As I've mentioned, variations can be negotiated with me (and in several cities, that's already happened.) I've got a long list of acceptable variations I can offer you - if you ask.

I believe that "WalkForCapitalism- Basic Version" is achievable, worthwhile, and enjoyable.

Important Note:
Your first goal should be to accomplish Basic Version.

Once you're sure you've got that under your belt, by all means, do more (and tell us all about it!)

But please do NOT start worrying about whether you're going to be able to stage some kind of massive rally that will sweep the city and change the world overnight. That misses the whole point. It's the anti capitalists who think that mob-size makes a difference. It doesn't.

(Read "Important note 1, 2, & 3" @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProjectLeadersActionNetwork/message/221 )

This campaign, and what I will present to you for consideration after D2 has happened, are starting points. Strong starting points. As I wrote in my letter "PRODOS invites EUROPE to WalkForCapitalism" http://www.walkforcapitalism.org/prodosinviteseuropetowalk.html (written, by the way, well before the World Trade Center Attack)

> On D2 - December 02 - we strike the FIRST of
> a series of death blows to the nihilists and
> statists (of both the socialist and fascist
> variety) around the world. We will take away
> their "Divine Right to Rule". And we will
> pound them into the ground.
>
> D2 is D-day for the Destroyers.

And that's a promise. But it's only the beginning, since the emphasis of this campaign is on the POSITIVES.

Your ideas and questions are welcome.

To write to me directly: prodos@prodos.com or prodos@walkforcapitalism.org

[From: Mikhail Ramendik, Moscow Coordinator]

[Prodos wrote:]
P> 1. The Walk A minimum of 3 people going from "significant point A"
P> to "significant point B", making use of the Double Blue Ribbons
P> (explained @ http://WalkForCapitalism.ORG/guidelines ) which are a
P> symbol of gratitude and appreciation.

Do Point A and Point B have to be different points? Would something registered as a stationary rally, but including a brief walk around a point, qualify?

A big walk in a busy city center is problematic both to register and to organize. And besides, we would be impairing traffic (automobile or pedestrian), leading the outside observers to exactly the wrong conclusions.

[Prodos: General note to all Coordinators: For acceptable variations on the Basic Version it's best to correspond with me directly - prodos@prodos.com . I will write to Mikhail off-list about his specific questions. But, to clarify my approach. It includes: Asking the coordinator more questions about the variation he's seeking. Seeing if there is a way to in fact apply the Basic Version. Gauge the degree of difficulty he or she may be encountering. See if the variation will be in keeping with the spirit of the campaign.

Here is a sample of my thinking ...

The actual "Walk" is a symbolic and public act. Among other things it symbolises the willingness to go from ideas to action. It is a display of that willingness. It is also a physical display of courage. It is a willingness to be held up to public scrutiny. When you conduct a public Walk, you are no longer anonymous. In the battle of ideas, it is those with the greatest resolve who ultimately win. Even if their ideas are awful, if they put them forward forcefully/assertively often enough, those ideas will win.

At its most extreme, a rally symbolises the willingness and readiness to *physically* fight for one's ideas. In this way it is not unlike War Games. It's a rehearsal and a display of might, resolve, and courage.

It puts the enemy on notice and it lends courage to your allies. They will have confidence in you because of what they see you do. It will trigger their courage.

A Walk or rally also tests the liberty that is available in a city or country. And it signals to the public and to the authorities that the rhetoric of liberty is now being put to the test.

A Walk says "I will act on my beliefs. I hold myself up to public scrutiny. I am ready to be challenged. I am ready to stand up for what I believe."

When I was running a theatre venue in Melbourne a couple of years ago there was an architect who I'd often meet in a nearby cafe. He'd alway ask about what was coming up at the venue. I'd always tell him and he'd always say "Oh! I must come to one of your shows!"

Over a period of 3 years he never attended a single show. Even when I gave him free tickets! He was never willing to act on his words. If I ever needed an architect I now knew who NEVER to use. He didn't Walk his Talk. To me the guy was a joke. That's probably an unfair judgement. Nevertheless that is what his inaction evoked in me: contempt. Anything he said to me - whether it was about what he did on the weekend or what was his favourite movie - would be coloured, tainted, overridden by my sense that this man is a zero, of no significance, of no value to me. Impotent. Harsh words? Maybe.

Similarly we see many "think tanks" and others who are supposedly meant to be defending free trade and libery. But when put to the test they do not rise to the occasion. They are like a perpetual window shopper who never parts with his money. How can such a person ever be taken seriously?

To Walk is to command respect.

A Walk or rally also provides the public with a living example - an embodiment - of the kind of person who supports an idea.

For instance the anti capitalists SAY they are going to stage a "peaceful" protest, but lo behold! There they are picketing buildings, stabbing police horses, shouting people down, and displaying to the world what they're REALLY about: Legitimising violence and coercion.

The Walk FOR Capitalism provides the public with an opportunity to see the faces and bodies of pro capitalism supporters. Here is what we look like! Here is how we behave! Now we are tying these ribbons near the McDonalds shop or this Art Gallery, saying a word of appreciation and gratitude, applauding the creators and producers. Watch us. See our actions. See our character. We are real. We exist. We are present. We are in your city. We earn your respect and attention. Take us seriously.

So there's a sample of how I think things through. Thank you for your attention.]

[From: David Wilens, Miami Coordinator]

That guy in Boca Raton was the first to say it, but it did cross my mind too: security for D2. Do you have any ideas for how we can go about that?

[Prodos: I know the message David is referring to. It was actually not sent to PLANET.

However all the coordinators who had their real email address, rather than the @WalkForCapitalism.ORG default address, listed
on the WalkForCapitalism.ORG page were spammed by someone who had subscribed to PLANET.

I suspended that subscriber from the list.

Below is:
1. The spammer's original message
2. My reply to the spammer
3. My reply to David Wilens question
--

1. THE SPAMMER'S ORIGINAL MESSAGE

----- Original Message -----
From: "XXXX XXXX" <XXXXXX@XXXXX.com>
To: "'Prodos'" <prodos@prodos.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2001 3:34 AM
Subject: D2 Security

>
> I am an engineer working for a company that develops and
> sells electronic security systems.
> Our company is in Boca Raton, Florida; about a mile from AMI.
>
> 10 years ago I got to thinking about what our systems could and could not
> protect. Based on that thinking I wrote and published an e-book
> about germ warfare. At that time, it was a bit "far out".
> Today, based on what has taken place in the US and in Boca
> Raton I am not so sure.
>
> I am very worried about this D2 venture! I don't see how it is possible
> to have ANY degree of security.
>
> Anyway, attached is a copy of my e-book "germwar1.exe".
> See it its still far out.
>
> xxxxx xxxxxx
> <<xxxxxx.exe>>
>--

2. MY REPLY TO THE SPAMMER

From: PRODOS, WalkForCapitalism, Global Coordinator
To: [Spammer]

Dear [Spammer],

Have you been spamming the D2 list?

Your email has been found in several places.

And you have sent an attachment. Surely you know that anyone with any internet savvy does NOT open attachments from unknown senders. Since security is your business, I'm surprised that you would do this.

Furthermore, your message amounts to scare-mongering.

You write:
> I am very worried about this D2 venture! I don't see how
> it is possible to have ANY degree of security

This is an absurd and unsupported statement.

I have suspended you from PLANET, the WalkForCapitalism list.

You may re-apply to join by going to http://PRODOS.COM/bulletin/planet.html

However, please make sure you provide LOTS of information about yourself, including your contact phone number and that of your company's. Also the URL of your company and enough information and reasons to convince me that your messages and the manner in which you have sent them were some sort of error.

Regards,

PRODOS

From: Prodos, Melbourne, Australia

Q: "Is it too late to organise a Walk?"

Reply:

No, it's not too late!

Please read "WalkForCapitalism - Basic Version" @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProjectLeadersActionNetwork/message/228

Consider that Dhaka, Bangladesh has just come on board. [Welcome to Nizam Ahmad and his team! :-) ]They can do it. So can you.

In fact I'm about to put Stratford, Canada "on the map" (Welcome to Paddy McQuade and his team and thank you to John Shaw for his continued, wonderful assistance) I'm also waiting for confirmation from several more cities. If you have more questions or issues you'd like clarification on PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE write to me - prodos@prodos.com

Thanks.

:-)

"Let's Walk!"

From: Prodos, Melbourne, Australia

Q: "May I use the American flag for my event?"

But of course! And not just in the USA.

Any city, anywhere in the world is most welcome to include the American flag. In fact all pro American symbols and merchandise are welcome. This is entirely at the discretion of the local coordinator.

From: Prodos, WalkForCapitalism/Capitalism Day coordinator

I have added David Wilens' essay: "Celebrate Capitalism by Celebrating its Prerequisite: Reason" to the list of approved WalkForCapitalism literature.

It's currently online in html form @ http://www.walkforcapitalism.org/literature/davidwilenscelebratecapitalismreason.htm

You're welcome to include this as handout material for D2 if you wish.

Thanks Dave. Nice work mate.

[From Matthew Ferrara, Boston Coordinator]

Hello everyone:

As the newly elected coordinator for the Boston area, I need some advice: Does anyone know the "normal" procedure for securing a permit for a walk/gathering in their cities? I'd like some advice before I burn up time calling city halls, etc.

[Advice from Brussels: I phoned the city hall where they told me to send them a letter with as much informations as possible on the walk i.e. walkpath, expected number of participants, ... They would then send a copy of it to the police.]

Do we need to arrange for police, too, to manage any crowds (especially unruly anticapitalists) or traffic?

I'd like to hear how other have done it - or if it's in the archive somewhere, just tell me and I'll go about searching the past messages....

Thanks,

From: Prodos

Q: "I don't know if I can ..."

Reply:

Are you registered for a D2 event but are worried about whether you can do it?

Perhaps you feel that there is too much to do and too little time to do it?

Perhaps you've been reading some of the progress reports from Coordinators organising major D2 events and feel
"Oh dear me! How can I ever do something like that?"

Perhaps you had planned certain things but are finding that it's proving harder than expected?

Perhaps you were expecting certain people to help you but they're not coming through for you?

All of the above - and more - are common experiences. They've happened, are happening, and will continue to happen. If they're *not* happening *that's* when you should start worrying, because you may be living in a different dimension :-)

When these things happen to us we feel disappointed. Don't let that disappointment shift your focus or colour your perceptions.

Suggestions:

1. Write me a "Dear Prodos" letter. Get it off your chest!

eg. "Dear Prodos, I'm feeling a bit down about all this at the moment. Everything seems to be going wrong. Nothing seems to be working out. People have let me down, I'm tired, I'm cranky, I just had an argument with my best friend, etc."

You can either send me your "Dear Prodos" letter or not.

Sometimes the mere act of writing such a "letter to a friend" is enough to clear your head and heart. It breaks the "disappointment cycle" and gives you a fresh start.

The point is: Get it off your chest

For those familiar with the "Six Thinking Hats" method which I teach: Put on your Red Hat.

The Red Hat is about emotions and feelings. Under the Red Hat you simply report your actual feelings - even if it's to yourself - but excluding any justifications.

For example: I was in a cafe and handed out some WalkForCapitalism flyers yesterday. I then sat down for a coffee and some lunch. Next thing you know I see a folded paper airplane go past me - made from one of my flyers! Did my temperature rise fast!

I put on my metaphorical Red Hat and noted my feelings without justification or explanation:

Here's a sample:
"What do I feel? Under the Red Hat I can report that I feel insulted and outraged. I'll bet that guy is a complete twit. He's a lot bigger than me but I'd still love to punch his face in. His mates might have a go at me but who gives a s---. I'm working my butt off here and these clowns think they're being funny. Probably trying to impress their dumb b---- girlfriends. Don't they realise that it's their f^%$)(+! world we're trying save. I wish it would all go to hell. etc."

I didn't TRY to feel all this. I simply did my best to identify what actually was going on within me. After a few seconds I simply went and picked up the paper airplane. Put it in my bag and returned to my lunch and making my notes.

Later, I had a laugh about it and if I meet them again I'll probably ask them how their flying lessons were going.

Also, since then, I've asked myself "Why did I feel like that?" This allows me to check my premises and ideas and whether they are rational or not, whether I need to learn more about myself, whether I need to clarify my ideas further, what did my emotinal response tell me about myself, etc. But that comes later. The first thing to do is to acknowledge and report your feelings - at least to yourself. Writing it down is good.

2. Re-read "WalkForCapitalism - Basic Version" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProjectLeadersActionNetwork/message/228

We can even negotiate acceptable variations of Basic Version.

Your number one goal is not to impress anyone. It's to qualify for a registered event. By doing this you will put your city "on the map"

3. Ask for help and ideas. Write to PLANET. Write to me - prodos@prodos.com If you're having difficulties I'll BET you haven't fully exploited the available resource - you probably haven't made sufficient use of PLANET and Prodos. Am I right?

Let me quote from my standard "Invitation to be a coordinator in your city" letter:

"One of the most important jobs of the coordinators is to: Ask for help - give others the chance to participate. (For some of us, like me, that's not as easy as it sounds!)"

4. Ask for encouragement - either directly or indirectly. Hey, I do it all the time! Many rugged individualists like me do ;-) Just like you're happy to give encouragement to others, we're also happy to give it to YOU! That's reasonable, isn't it?

5. Slash and burn. Dump your original plan. Make a new plan based on where you are today. I do it all the time. There are countless plans and subplans which I've dumped, rescheduled, modified, etc. Who cares? Always plan to change your plans - even at the last minute. I thought I could and would do X. I tried, it didn't work out. Okay, I'm moving on to Y. Drats! That's not working out either. Okay, I'll try Z. What if Z doesn't work out? Hmmm. How many letters are there in the alphabet? :-)

In other words: Don't cling. Modify!

6. And speaking of letters of the alphabet ... If you're having major, seemingly impossible practical difficulties organisng your Walk: write to me and I'll tell you about "PLAN B."

But to find out about PLAN B, you'll need to explain where you're at, what's been happening or not happening, all that sort of stuff. PLAN B is not available merely for the asking.

(By the way, if you've written to me and I haven't written back yet, it's possible your email has been lost during one of *several* computer crashes I've had. Please re-send your message. Thanks.)

:-)

"Capitalism Day is Coming!"

From: Prodos

Q: "What links are permitted or prohibited on my campaign website?"

Reply:

WalkForCapitalism does not endorse any organisation, party, or association. They may support us but may not claim or do anything that makes it seem that WalkForCapitalism supports them.

Of course that doesn't mean that WalkForCapitalism is *against* them either. On the contrary, practically every single participant and Coordinator is also involved in some other excellent organisation(s)!

Those who know me, know that I'm involved in quite a few myself. But I would be breaching the ad hoc nature of the campaign if I started linking or endorsing them in my role as either Melbourne Coordinator or Global Coordinator.

WalkForCapitalism does not have a reciprocal links policy.

The only authorised links are to: http://WalkForCapitalism.ORG (and its subsidiary pages)

http://prodos.COM (PRODOS Internet radio show)

http://prodos.ORG (the PRODOS Institute page)

http://AmericanIdeals.ORG (a moderated PRODOS discussion list)

Thank you for your cooperation.

:-)

"Capitalism Day is Coming!"

If you are having any problems at all with your campaign, anything that's bothering you, anything you're not sure about, anything you don't feel happy about - whatever it is, please write to me directly so that we can sort it out. prodos@prodos.com

But seriously, whatever it is, send me a note about it. I'm absolutely confident that we can solve it. Don't say to yourself "Aw, this is too trivial" or "Oh my goodness, there's no way to solve this problem!"

If it's something that's bothering you, let me know! Need a pep talk? No worries, I'll get you revved up!

Feeling overwhelmed? I'll phone you and we'll share some jokes and I'll show you how to simplify your campaign and make it fun.

Problems with permits? Still unsure about your Capitalism Award winner? Whatever it is, write to me! prodos@prodos.com

I've already corresponded privately with most coordinators on this matter but I thought it might be helpful to put it online for easy reference. Here we go ...

2. This is absolutely *not* a criticism of those organisations or parties, since nearly all participants (including me!) are also involved in other excellent organisations - most of which are *strong* supporters of the campaign. On a personal level I appreciate such a support - but as far as the campaign is concerned, there is no reciprocation. WalkForCapitalism has a one-way-street policy.

3. Anyone who accepts our position statement @ http://WalkForCapitalism.ORG/bernsteindeclaration should be made welcome, and, generally speaking, their membership to other organisations should not even be a factor. Do you accept our position statement? Yes! Welcome. Do you accept our position statement? No! Bye bye.

4. No organisation may claim that they are endorsed, nor do anything which suggests or appears as if they are endorsed, by WalkForCapitalism or the PRODOS Institute.

The problem with including an organisation's name on a placard is that it lends itself to misinterpretation. I appreciate that this may not be intentional - however, in my experience, that's what happens.

Similarly, the use of terms such as "libertarian," "christian," "objectivist," etc. are inappropriate. Again, this is not in any way a criticism. How could it be? Afterall I am myself aligned with one of these three philosophies!

In setting up an ad hoc campaign such as this there are only two choices: either allow *everyone* to display their organisation or allow *no-one*.

For this campaign I decided to allow no-one. No campaign websites may link to anyone else, no street placards may list anyone else. We stick to the ideas and principles. We focus on "Capitalism."

Of course, this, unfortunately, means that many fine organisations are unable to be displayed or promoted. This is regrettable. However, on the positive side, it allows the campaign to remain "ad hoc" and confined to the narrowly defined common ground - no more and no less.

Displaying an organisation's name will reduce the degree of participation possible, because the various pro capitalism groups will focus on their differences, rather than on our common ground and we don't want that, do we?

We want to be inclusive and positive - but ...? But without making it appear that there is no disagreement at other levels. There is indeed disagreement. Which is a good thing! :-)

Regrettably, therefore, Coordinators should politely decline the use of all ideological or political organisation and party names on placards and handouts. There's no need to be shy about this. My experience throughout this campaign has shown that if the issue is explained clearly and logically, cooperation follows.

Coordinators should not get into arguments or debates about this with participants. Simply refer the matter to me and I'll do my best to resolve it in the most cooperative, amicable way possible.

I feel this approach will give us the best chance of cooperating in those areas where it is most useful to do so, without appearing to agree in areas that we don't.

I'm just going through my folder of those who have requested copies of the Money Speech as an authorised WalkForCapitalism handout. It is now available.

If you wish to have authorised copies please write to me immediately. I will send you back a form to fill in and explain how to obtain your copies.

The Kansas [name of ideological group] can't have KU [name of ideological group] on their placards,

[Prodos: Thanks for that question. I meant to write something on this topic and just plain forgot. The policy on this may surprise you, but here it is: Non-ideological/political groups and purely commercial sponsors are okay - but need to be cleared with me.

The ban mainly applies to ideological *supporters* of Capitalism! Strange? In a way, it is. But if an organisation is *already* of an "ad hoc" nature then it doesn't pose a problem. If "Impeccable Ribbon Company" or "Shiny Painted Things Enterprises" or "Sprinting Printing" wants a mention, it's probably not a problem. Some merchandising companies can be a problem, if they are directly linked to ideological groups. Please check with me before including the name of neutral sponsors - prodos@prodos.com

I remind you once again that the ban on ideological/political endorsements is in *no way* a criticism of any particular philosophy, religion, party or group. It is simply in order to maintain the ad hoc nature of the campaign - a common ground campaign, without any implication that there is agreement at all levels. Thanks for your cooperation.]

> > Our plan to ask permission of the proprietors to tie ribbons on their > property has backfired. I haven't had all the answers yet, but all the > answers I've got have been "no". The store managers etc. ask their > central offices and they either don't want to know or refuse.

> I myself wohld have done what you suggested, just tied the ribbons > on the day and if someone complained I would have taken them off > agian. But my staunchest supporters did not agree and I had to > comply otherwise I was in danger of loosing them.

> Anyway, I will now concentrate my efforts on a few *local*, *family > owned* shops so as to get at least two significant points ("A" and "B"). >

I can offer you an alternative in addition to what you're planning. You can still use the double blue ribbons at the spots originally planned. But instead of tying the ribbons there and leaving them, you simply hold them across the area/icon/whatever, say your brief message, have an applause, take a photo, then move to the next spot. The ribbons are not therefore tied or left. Another variation is to tie them and then after the thankyou message, applause, and photo, untie them and use them on the next stop.

>If you are one of the coordinators I've talked with and >have found my suggestions helpful. Perhaps you'd like >to send a note to PLANET and tell everyone.

Don't feel you are alone and in over your head. Prodos really IS there to help us! He has responded, both through email and by phone, to my requests for assistance--many of the examples he gave were problems he has helped me deal with. He has coached me in looking at issues from a different perspective, provided constructive and workable solutions and helped me to keep focused on what is really important about what we are doing, rather than on the things that only appear to be monumental obstacles. Don't pass up this opportunity to learn some great life lessons.

To receive an authorised PDF file of the Meaning of Money Speech in order to print out copies, would you please write back completing the following:

I, [full name], of [home address and phone number] agree, as Coordinator for the PRODOS Institute's WalkForCapitalism campaign, [city, country] to reproduce up to [quantity] copies of the Meaning of Money speech by Ayn Rand, copyright held by the Estate of Ayn Rand, for use as free-of-charge handout material up to and including December 2, 2001, using a format approved by the PRODOS Institute.