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True, but that results in other problems - lack of accountabbility and control. Perfect example is the VA. I think the ultimate solution is to simplify access

True, but that results in other problems - lack of accountabbility and control. Perfect example is the VA. I think the ultimate solution is to simplify access to, and limit govnerment control of, all entitlement programs. The ultimate expression of that would be UBI - I'd even be in favor of a means-tested phase-out of the UBI. After that's done, all we gotta do is fix the tax code...

azinman2 9y ago
How is that a solution for, say, telecom? Or space travel? (Not touching the other GOP hot topics here...)
adamsea 9y ago
According to Merriam-Webster, 'entitlement' can mean: 1: a : the state or condition of being entitled : right b : a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract 2 : belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges 3 : a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group; also : funds supporting or distributed by such a program https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitlement https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitlement
AnthonyMouse 9y ago
> I'd even be in favor of a means-tested phase-out of the UBI. This is a bad idea. A phase-out is indistinguishable from a tax in the same amount, but it harder to reason about and consequently tends to be implemented incoherently. Suppose you have $10,000 basic income with a 20% phase-out rate and a progressive income tax with a 15% tax rate up to $50,000 and 25% thereafter. Then what you really have is a $10,000 UBI and an income tax of 35% up to $50,000 and 25% thereafter. Probably not what you wanted, right? Much better to have a $10,000 UBI with no phase out and a flat 30% tax rate. Which has the added benefit of vastly simplifying the tax system -- no need for multiple rates and all the complexity and opportunities for tax avoidance that go with them.
- djrogers 9y ago
  Your phase-out and progressive taxation numbers don't work out for any logical application of the concept. A means-tested pahse-out of a UBI in a progressive tax scheme would reduce the UBI for earners only in the highest tax bracket, thus further increasing their tax rate. I would prefer a flat tax, with the UBI acting as the progressive mechanism while also being phased-out for high earners. Your assumptions in your response are really bizzarre...

azinman2 9y ago

How is that a solution for, say, telecom? Or space travel? (Not touching the other GOP hot topics here...)

adamsea 9y ago

According to Merriam-Webster, 'entitlement' can mean: 1: a : the state or condition of being entitled : right b : a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract 2 : belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges 3 : a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group; also : funds supporting or distributed by such a program https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitlement https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitlement

AnthonyMouse 9y ago

> I'd even be in favor of a means-tested phase-out of the UBI. This is a bad idea. A phase-out is indistinguishable from a tax in the same amount, but it harder to reason about and consequently tends to be implemented incoherently. Suppose you have $10,000 basic income with a 20% phase-out rate and a progressive income tax with a 15% tax rate up to $50,000 and 25% thereafter. Then what you really have is a $10,000 UBI and an income tax of 35% up to $50,000 and 25% thereafter. Probably not what you wanted, right? Much better to have a $10,000 UBI with no phase out and a flat 30% tax rate. Which has the added benefit of vastly simplifying the tax system -- no need for multiple rates and all the complexity and opportunities for tax avoidance that go with them.

djrogers 9y ago
Your phase-out and progressive taxation numbers don't work out for any logical application of the concept. A means-tested pahse-out of a UBI in a progressive tax scheme would reduce the UBI for earners only in the highest tax bracket, thus further increasing their tax rate. I would prefer a flat tax, with the UBI acting as the progressive mechanism while also being phased-out for high earners. Your assumptions in your response are really bizzarre...