by Guest Contributor | Oct 16, 2013 | News
[Craig Axford]
Basic Income European Citizens' Initiative
Every morning at around 8 a.m., basic income guarantee campaigners in Europe receive an update from the European Commission on the number of signatures gathered in each country in support of the European Citizens’ Initiative for an Unconditional Basic Income. As of this writing with about 206 days to go, just over 17.2% of the required signatures have been gathered. Use the link provided to follow the European campaign’s progress.
Basic Income 2013 EU Signature Counter, European Initiative for an Unconditional Basic Income
by Yannick Vanderborght | Oct 16, 2013 | News
On Tuesday 15 October 2013, Philippe Van Parijs (Louvain University) took part in a popular TV show on Belgium French-speaking TV channel RTBf. He had no more than 3 minutes to argue in favour of basic income, and reply to various questions about its feasibility. In his introduction to the debate, the front person refered to the Swiss initiative on basic income.
The video (in French) can bee seen here. Go to 13:54 to view the discussion with Van Parijs.
by Karl Widerquist | Oct 15, 2013 | News
In this 3-minute, 46-second interview, host Aaron Schacter asks Karl Widerquist about Switzerland’s petition drive that has successfully mandated a national referendum on basic income. Schachter uses the opportunity to discuss basic income more generally and asks Widerquist whether the idea sounds “kooky.” Karl Widerquist is an Associate Professor at SFS-Q, Georgetown University and co-chair of the Basic Income Earth Network.
Aaron Schachter, “$2750 a month for every adult, guaranteed? Switzerland’s considering it,” PRI’s The World, Producer: Emily Files, October 14, 2013.
Five cent coins are pictured in the air in front of the Federal Palace in Bern, Switzerland, during an event organized by the committee proposing a minimum monthly household income of 2,500 Swiss francs for every adult citizen living in Switzerland. - Credit: Denis Balibouse/Reuters
by Yannick Vanderborght | Oct 14, 2013 | Opinion
We did it! Did you hear about it? Did you see the picture of the 8 million 5-cent coins on the ground in front of Swiss parliament ? Did you read one of the hundreds of articles about it ?
Here we are, Swiss basic income activists with the whole world watching and listening. It gives me the shivers. It makes me shiver that a bunch of crazy people can suddenly attract the entire worlds eye. It makes me shiver that faith is so powerful. That’s right, when you believe in something, you have the power to make it real. We human beings, are powerful if we don’t let our doubts be the master of the game.
We did it! Did you hear about it? Did you see the picture of the 8 million 5-cent coins on the ground in front of Swiss parliament ? Did you read one of the hundreds of articles about it ?
Here we are, Swiss basic income activists with the whole world watching and listening. It gives me the shivers. It makes me shiver that a bunch of crazy people can suddenly attract the entire worlds eye. It makes me shiver that faith is so powerful. That’s right, when you believe in something, you have the power to make it real. We human beings, are powerful if we don’t let our doubts be the master of the game.
Some kind of a revolution… Earth shattering. In two or three years time, Swiss citizens will vote on basic income. They will be the first citizens in the whole world to be asked this powerful question; do you want a basic income? Do you want everyone to have their needs met without condition?
Can you imagine that for almost a year and a half, we, a bunch of average people (not political parties) were on the streets collecting signatures? Whether it was cold, hot, snowy, there we were, with our petition in hand, listening to people, watching their eyes glowing with wonder and surprise, or even full of doubts. We were there, all volunteers, simply for the sake of freedom, the happiness to share, the faith in humanity, convinced that our society needs to change, convinced that it is possible if each of us does their part. We were there, because the idea of basic income is not about money, it is about life, about what is really important for you, for me, as human beings. When I ask someone if they want basic income, what I really ask them is; how do you really want to live your life, what is important to you, what gives meaning to your life? What would you do if you could choose? Such powerful questions, that we cant often ask!
What now? We know it, we will vote on basic income. We have made the first step. Now we begin a new chapter. And this is not the story of Switzerland anymore. This is the story of YOU and ME, us ALL, humanity. We all share the same planet, the same blood runs throughout our veins. Making our voice heard, ensuring that everyone can live as a free human beings, able to choose one’s life ; don’t we all want these things? So, what must we do? We have to stand up! However we can, stand up, and spread the word, believe that WE are powerful. We must understand that every drop fills the ocean.
We, Swiss activists supporting this idea, are conscious that we are watched by the whole world, especially after the media coverage of October 4th! We now know that we can make a difference, not only in Switzerland, but also in the whole world by showing what is possible! We are paving the way towards basic income. We are conscious that a monumental challenge is in front of us! And all of the work involved… so that 50% of the Swiss people vote for basic income.
We need you people! Help us make this difference! We need you to support us to make it possible.
This article originally appeared in: Basic Income Earth Network – Switzerland
