Re: FW - Some hard questions about a Basic Income - 1

[Thomas Lunde]

Eva Durant wrote:

 

I think everybody accepts, that a system with a load of
overworked workers and lots of unemployed/underemployed
is madness. The common argument is not philosophical
but this "who would pay for GAI, I don't want to" thing,
at which point you have to contemplate the
communication turning into the idea about
a different economic system. It is a very
important detail...

Eva

Dear Eva:

 

You have hit the nail on the head with "who would pay for GAI, I don't want to" thing. One answer might be that since everyone - rich and poor would get it - nobody pays, we are all giving ourselves survival.  Another answer might be the cancellation of all existing welfare and pension programs might provide the funds with tax rates taking back the Basic Income from those above a certain income.  Another might be a total revision of the tax system to a flat tax.  I think there are several good answers to your question and I'm not even very bright.  However, the who and the how - though incredibly important still don't provide the answer I'm seeking which is "why should we change?.  The reason you gave has some merit - a load of
overworked workers and lots of unemployed/underemployed is madness.  In other words our present system is dysfunctional.  However, for those still making it, it is a dysfunction in their favor.  How could you talk to the man on the street in such a way that you present him with an overwhelming reason to change?

 

Respectfully,

 

Thomas Lunde