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The problem with "basic income" is that by definition it's not merit-tested -- it is a guaranteed base income regardless of the recipient's activities and effor
by lutusp 12y ago
The problem with "basic income" is that by definition it's not merit-tested -- it is a guaranteed base income regardless of the recipient's activities and efforts. You need to understand that this is politically a very controversial idea, and not just with conservatives.
- streptomycin 12y agoWhy is that aspect very controversial? It's not like Warren Buffett would suddenly not be paying tons of taxes. $1k/month is dwarfed by the taxes he pays.
- dragonwriter 12y ago> Why is that aspect very controversial? Because people are often afraid enough of the "wrong people" getting things they don't deserve that they are willing to accept the right people not getting things they do deserve to prevent it. ("deserve" here being relative to the value system of the person whose opinion is at issue, to be clear.)
- scotty79 12y agoIt's controversial because when something is merit-tested you can hire lot's of people to test merits, those people are your new votes because you gave them jobs. Also those are jobs with opportunities because merits are malleable so with a small gratification to your local civil servant that makes him very happy you can make it even if you shouldn't be eligible. Basic income will be very politically unpopular not because of some conservative rules but because if you enact it suddenly million civil servants that evaluated "merits" will you their jobs and will not vote for you again ever.