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In principal I like the idea of a basic income as well, but I too wonder about what services/assistance it will replace. For example SNAPS/food stamps would see

In principal I like the idea of a basic income as well, but I too wonder about what services/assistance it will replace. For example SNAPS/food stamps would seem to be a prime candidate. But I wonder (and this is an honest question) are we, as a society, really (practically, politically, and philosophically) going to take a hard line with someone that lost their check at the local casino - and tell them "tough luck, sounds like a hungry few weeks ahead"?

bittercynic 11y ago
How about someone who borrows money and needs their entire check to repay lenders, leaving nothing to live on?
krupan 11y ago
What we choose as a society doesn't have to be carried out by government. In a basic income system you are still free to start a charity that focuses on helping people with gambling addiction. In fact, it will be easier now because you will have your own basic income to lean on as you get the charity started.
- rbcgerard 11y ago
  Agreed that private parties can choose to do what they like - but my question is whether the gov't position on a go forward basis would be "you got your check - we have no further obligation"I think that position would be hard to carry out politically + the risk of moral hazard should that in fact not be the case.
  - krupan 11y ago
    I'm not a Basic Income expert, but radically simplifying government welfare seems to be a major selling point whenever I read about it. I too always wonder what exactly that means. How much would actually get cut? Will there still be trade tariffs? Farm subsidies? Student loans? etc., etc.
jtolmar 11y ago
I think the actual goal should be to have government programs that provide an acceptable standard of living without money. Basic income is both a necessary patch for problems too individual to solve this way, and the single most straightforward way to get started, but it's not a panacea that removes the need for all other programs.

bittercynic 11y ago

How about someone who borrows money and needs their entire check to repay lenders, leaving nothing to live on?

krupan 11y ago

What we choose as a society doesn't have to be carried out by government. In a basic income system you are still free to start a charity that focuses on helping people with gambling addiction. In fact, it will be easier now because you will have your own basic income to lean on as you get the charity started.

rbcgerard 11y ago
Agreed that private parties can choose to do what they like - but my question is whether the gov't position on a go forward basis would be "you got your check - we have no further obligation"I think that position would be hard to carry out politically + the risk of moral hazard should that in fact not be the case.
- krupan 11y ago
  I'm not a Basic Income expert, but radically simplifying government welfare seems to be a major selling point whenever I read about it. I too always wonder what exactly that means. How much would actually get cut? Will there still be trade tariffs? Farm subsidies? Student loans? etc., etc.

jtolmar 11y ago

I think the actual goal should be to have government programs that provide an acceptable standard of living without money. Basic income is both a necessary patch for problems too individual to solve this way, and the single most straightforward way to get started, but it's not a panacea that removes the need for all other programs.