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Too much reliance on the market or too much reliance on government both unravel societal bonds, argues American Conservative associate editor Jonathan Coppage. In a Washinton Post article, Coppage said even if a Universal Basic Income (UBI) seems reasonable, he thinks it would contribute to the dramatic erosion of civil society.
The great compromise between capitalists and socialists is the creation of the welfare state, Coppage said. However, Coppage argues that the ability to receive an unconditional income will dismantle community ties because people no longer have to work to receive an income. Rather, individuals would be tied to the federal government.
Jonathan Coppage, “The terrible cost of universal basic income” Washington Post, Oct. 1.
If you live in Montreal or Toronto or further west you may not be so dependent upon Federal government. In North-eastern New Brunswick we are already tied to the Federal Government and have been ever since I can remember. There are few decent jobs and most are in government offices or with businesses dependent upon government-contracts.
Since even private businesses are dependant upon the goodwill of Federal Government, getting one of these jobs has long depended upon whether you will be recommended by some invisible entity who has the say as to who gets the government contracts that helps provide the salaries for these contract jobs. It is well understood that subtle suggestions about suitable applicants are really not mere suggestions.
The arms-length rule is a very convenient tool that is only applied when it is convenient to those who pull the strings.
If you happen not to belong to some particular political party or to some particular church favoured by a candidate or one of his favoured community organizations then you are out of luck. Heaven help you if you dare ever criticize the power brokers.