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Is a universal basic income feasible or desirable?

27 Comments

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It is inevitable.

As even the biggest of billionaire oligarchs have stated as they are getting a UBI in the form of QE already.

https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1318929147348090882

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So what do you think will happen when there is no more or very little employment needed?

More people will become homeless at this current rate.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Does anyone have any ideas what will happen when there is no more work?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

There simply should be an insurance system for that, because everyone can come into a situation where any other types of insurances or help from municipalities and volunteers don’t fit or are insufficient. What do you put on your plate, if let’s say ‘normally’ or slightly sick, no cancer, unemployment insurance long used or not applied, till pension years or decades left, the food bank closed or ran out of products because you’re not the only one in line, and the city welfare office is closed two days till Monday morning? You’ve surely done all your best in younger years and paid for all those years a lot of taxes and into all those social insurances, but just in the worst moment, when you only need a very little meal and drink, you just get nothing than a big kick into your , you know where. And the rest call you the loser, until they land there on the ground too some months or years later.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

These are ongoing manipulations using "climate change" "covid 19" "war with Russia" fill in the blank, to justify high taxes, inflation, high housing & energy costs designed to ruin stable economies in stable nations and ruin the people in these nations.

Remember, these issues were created by this same group of people, who now suggest this universal wage.

A way to dispose of countries and governments, personal wealth or property.

Social credit, you "misbehave" by stepping outside of their rules, and you are cut off.

Surveillance, lack of privacy, lack of freedom.

This isn't from a Ninja Turtles cartoon, but it sure seems like it.

Wake up.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

bass4funk

It will be the only way after 2050.

It will never happen.

So what do you think will happen when there is no more or very little employment needed?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It will be the only way after 2050.

It will never happen.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I've read an analysis on the potential downsides of this. Basically, it says that universal basic income will discourage people from working and just be dependent on it for the entirety of their lives, further worsening the socio-economic situation, along with the concern of where will the government get the money for it. I say, give it a try and let's see if it will turn out good or bad.

"I've learned that this would be economic suicide with dire societal consequences....Lets give it a whirl!"

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

David Brent....

Don't give people hard cash. Many will just spend it on ciggies or booze. Give it in the form of food vouchers or vouchers for gasoline.

If you stop their booze some will drink gasoline.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Is a universal basic income feasible or desirable?

Well when the corporations finally come out of their hiding spot and and start running countries instead of their paid political stooges as it is now, it will be inevitable. The new popular sport might be Rollerball (1975).

2 ( +3 / -1 )

A few years ago I would have said it would be a good idea but after watching the aftermath of Covid payments in many countries I realized the laziness of people I beyond what I thought.

In Canada they had trouble getting people off the Covid relief monthly payments, why work if you can sit at home and make the same money.

Heck they can't even get federal workers to return to the office despite not being able to do their jobs properly or fully from home.

Universal basic income will help a few but I expect more will just use it to do the minimum work possible.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Feasible as long as it replaces the means-based social security in place that often gives money to those who scam the system and which also doesn't benefit those who should qualify.

It's desirable too since the money given to the poor has a much bigger economic impact than being saved.

UBI cuts the needless bureaucracy and is the most effective, efficient way to distribute wealth. It just shouldn't change so easily or drastically with the change of each administration.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Many will just spend it on ciggies or booze. 

You sound like the guy in the video below's auntie (at about 4.50). As he says, these are highly taxable goods. The country's getting it back. These people are reinvesting. (Warning: strong language, but very educational)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrfjDfL0fxQ

4 ( +5 / -1 )

No. No upsides, Will make the lazy majority just lazier and overpay them.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

No.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Don't give people hard cash. Many will just spend it on ciggies or booze. Give it in the form of food vouchers or vouchers for gasoline.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Ridiculous idea but that doesn't mean it won't be tried.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Easier said that done.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Better said than done...

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

It will be the only way after 2050.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

It's probably feasible, and could promote population growth if that is desired.

In reality it's just a form of social benefit, not that much different than others. It's just in what form is the basic necessity fulfilled. I don't believe pressure is the best form of productivity motivator, but some level of pressure should be there.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Aspiring authoritarian governments love UBI because it would make the entire populace dependent on them. Step out of line, express a "wrong" opinion, disobey any edict, get involved in rival political factions... say goodbye to your income.

4 ( +11 / -7 )

I think this is one of those things that works well in theory, but is a disaster in practice.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

I've read an analysis on the potential downsides of this. Basically, it says that universal basic income will discourage people from working and just be dependent on it for the entirety of their lives, further worsening the socio-economic situation, along with the concern of where will the government get the money for it. I say, give it a try and let's see if it will turn out good or bad.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

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