The is absolutely the most horrible idea ever, and on so many levels morally and ethically wrong. First off, the $20,000 has to come from taxes; so this means

The is absolutely the most horrible idea ever, and on so many levels morally and ethically wrong. First off, the $20,000 has to come from taxes; so this means higher taxes for people who are productive and produce in society. Probably would require atleast more than 51% taxes; what is the purpose of working if the government is just going to steal from you more than you make? Second, what is the incentive to better yourself, train for better skills, and get an educate when you are guaranteed a basic income -- there are no incentives. Third, politicians love the dependent mentality this creates: voters will never ever vote against the welfare state and so this lets the politicians to do all sorts of draconian legislation, because they can always threaten to reduce welfare if the citizens don't go along with the state -- and the citizens will always vote for more welfare. Fourth, this creates a bureaucratic state that can pick and choose winners and losers: instead of your quality of life being based on if you are a hard worker, your time and money investment and your risks/rewards, your quality of life is based on a central planning state sponsored bureaucracy. This can be politically motivated. Fifth, this keeps the poor poorer and the rich richer by eliminating the incentive to better oneself.