All true. I single out America because we are hurting the world the most (according to most global opinion since 2001), and because we have the most severe ant

All true. I single out America because we are hurting the world the most (according to most global opinion since 2001), and because we have the most severe anti-intellectual streak (for like the last hundred years at least). Still, even in Europe, the idea of separating potential "cream" from mere worker drones ought to make the hair rise on the back of your neck. Again - basic income is very cool. Supporting talent is very cool. But let's not pretend that there wouldn't be huge resentment from something like the OP's proposal, everywhere and not just the US.