[stop-imf] The list returns

[robert weissman]

Dear Friends,

After a long hiatus, stop-imf is going to restart as an active listserv.

Thanks to the amazing development of the last several years of
middle-income countries paying off their IMF debt, and declining new
loans, the Fund is faced with its own cash-flow problems. (Interest from
the middle-income loans paid for most of the IMF's expenses.)

The IMF is therefore now seeking authorization to sell some the gold
stock it holds -- not to help poor countries, but to pay for the Fund's
own administrative operations.

Gold sales requires approval from the US Congress, creating a major
opportunity for people in the United States to work to leverage change
at the Fund.

At the same time, the IMF is beginning to play a bigger role in debates
about the shape of the global finance system -- and not so clearly
defending the recessionary policies of old.

So, it's an interesting time.

I don't expect list traffic to be any busier than the old days, and it
will probably be quieter. Still, if you want to be removed from the
list, just send me a note.

Best,

Robert Weissman