Agree that it is the more interesting referendum. Tyler Cowen wrote about these sorts of proposals a week ago and I really think he hits the nail on the head.

Agree that it is the more interesting referendum. Tyler Cowen wrote about these sorts of proposals a week ago and I really think he hits the nail on the head. Like many, I'm attracted on an intellectual level to the idea of replacing the thicket of social services and redistribution programs with a single basic income. The problem is I simply can't imagine a world where a real-world government could commit credibly to that sort of policy long term. There's just way too much to be gained by saying, "well the GBI is great, but I think this group does need something a _little_ more than everyone else. And then instead of replacing the thicket, it just becomes part of it, and at that point has very little to recommend it as policy. I also agree it would be interesting to see a country other than mine try it out so we could see the effects play out. Cowen: http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2013/11/what-are-some-of-the-biggest-problems-with-a-guaranteed-annual-income.html http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2013/11/wha...