I'll give "JB" credit--someone I don't even like--he changed my mind...he used to warn all the time about universal healthcare & #UBI, etc. I'd say, "No, these are good things..." He'd say, "Do you really want the govt. controlling your healthcare & cementing you into a wage?"

Follow

@LizActivate

The easy response to this is that I do really want the government to guarantee a *minimum* standard of healthcare and a *minimum* wage. So, let's look at UBI. If some form of UBI is implemented, then the simplest option is just to say that everyone in the country gets $X per month.

No questions, no quibbles. You exist, you get $X per month.

Now, there's plenty of argument to be had for what the value of X should be. But let's just say that it's enough to barely cover food costs for the month, and rent if you don't mind splitting a one-room apartment between three people. No more than that. You can live off it, but you don't want to.

Does this cement you into a wage? No. Because you get the $X whether you work or not. Someone wants you to work for them, they're going to need to pay you something extra, *on top* of that $X. (And yes, a huge chunk - but not all - of that extra will be paid into tax, to pay for everyone's $X per month).

Sign in to participate in the conversation
Qoto Mastodon

QOTO: Question Others to Teach Ourselves
An inclusive, Academic Freedom, instance
All cultures welcome.
Hate speech and harassment strictly forbidden.