by Guest Contributor | Sep 6, 2015 | Opinion
By Karen Christine Patrick
One thing learned in the caregiver realm is the range and types of disabilities and illnesses that require somebody to help, or preclude people from what is considered “normal” activities. Assessments for the levels of disability are very extensive, and most certainly go through daily activities that can be done by the person or where they need some help.
The picture in the mind that comes with the word “disability” is somebody with something visible. One of the things that happened that often made me cringe when going out socially with my daughter in her wheelchair is that some well-meaning, curious person would ask, “What’s WRONG with her?” I would say, “Nothing is WRONG with her, but she was born with a condition (etc.) and maybe share a few things, but that is the motif in many people’s minds that they see someone using things like these heavy-duty wheelchairs, cane, walker, something like that and something is WRONG. Which could result in helpful behavior, well-meaning, getting help with doors, or people making some space in the front for us. And my daughter’s condition was visible. Once I got frustrated with one the agencies I had to deal with not realizing she was an actual person, not a theoretical one, and took her out for a day out of school to bring her to said office, make them have to make space in the office for her in her wheelchair as “Exhibit A” … I really hated having to do that but I was at my wit’s end with the “deciders” in that office and this did get results.
I myself became disabled, but mine came on gradually and fit into the category of “Invisible Disabilities” and I became aware of an organization for people who “don’t look sick” as one writer put it. People in this category of disability often experience it that it’s much harder to get help or services because there is nothing to “show for it” as what happened in my Exhibit A story. Certainly, people with mental illness, don’t necessarily have physical traits to show for it. If you encounter someone with a hearing disability, you may not realize it until you notice their hearing aids. Furthermore, you might not recognize the difficulties that they face and the increased costs they have to incur when changing the batteries (if you’re interested in better alternatives, check out https://www.earpros.com/uk/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-batteries here), as well as how they lead their lives on daily basis. For cancer patients, until they are going through the visible effects of treatment, many other disorders and diseases do not “show”. There are so many people who have disorders or conditions that have no visible signs, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore or minimize their suffering. So many people struggle with disorders and conditions that may not have any physical signs, but it still doesn’t mean that we can question them about it or disregard their illness. Some of these invisible disabilities, such as mental health issues, can really affect an individual’s life. In fact, some of them even have to visit PureHempFarms online to purchase some hemp to help them manage their mental illness, so it’s important that they receive the support that they need.
Where the Basic Income Guarantee comes in is to not put people in that agonizing position of having to “prove” they are sick enough for help. They can work through their disability issues or recovery issues with dignity, having a basic way to live and not have that worry added onto the stress of what is already going on with their health. Some people have intermittent visitations of their conditions, not knowing when they are going to have debilitating bouts. Again, not fully disabling all the time, but enough during the bad times to preclude working full-time.
There is much talk in the B.I.G. advocacy community of robotics replacing jobs and that a basic income is to be the logical response to technological unemployment. To this I heartily agree because most employers have looked to their workers as “human resources” which seems an impersonal term that implies that some how people are “units” that don’t break down. Our bodies are not robotic, they can break down. Our minds, especially in this precarious age, also can suffer injury just from the stress of uncertainty as we are in times that are a changin’.
We can affect a dignified change, we can acknowledge the humanity in our changes by choosing the Basic Income Guarantee to bridge the gap between living and work as we knew it.
For more about the Invisible Disabilities Association go to invisibledisabilities.org.
For more from Karen Christine Patrick, visit her blog.
by Guest Contributor | Aug 10, 2015 | Opinion
Busiso Moyo
[The Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are characterized by high levels of poverty and some of the highest levels of inequality globally, albeit endowed with high levels of mineral resources. – ed.]
By Busiso Moyo
Despite being endowed with many natural resources, Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), wherein 13 of the 14 SADC countries are located, ranks amongst the worst regions globally in terms of poverty and socio-economic inequalities. Evidently, for the region, the capitalist ‘trickle down’ effect of wealth to all citizens in the context of a neoliberal global political economy has proven to be a fallacy. As such, now more than ever, it has become imperative for African governments to prioritize social protection namely through the provision of a Basic Income Grant (BIG) for all residents furnished through universal Social Cash Transfers (SCTs).
A cursory look at SADC countries’ socio-economic circumstances clearly reveals the need for upping efforts towards social protection to ensure that the most vulnerable are safe from destitution. South Africa, the economic mecca of Africa, despite being a middle-income country, is the one of the most unequal countries in the world. People with access to wealth experience the country as a developed modern economy, while the poorest still struggle to access even the most basic services. On the other hand, since the late 90s, Zimbabwe’s economy slowed down and grounded to a halt by 2008 due to socio-political challenges that still bedevil the country to this day. Unemployment is estimated at 80% to date thus leaving the majority of people in abject poverty. Furthermore, 5.3 million people or 50% of the Zambian population falls under the poverty line coupled with the fact that 70% of Mozambicans are classified as ‘poor’. Consequently, poverty and socio-economic inequalities have left the majority of people within the SADC-region food-insecure and with many of the region’s children’s educational aspirations frazzled.
Amidst the above, South Africa has borne the brunt of regional poverty and inequalities as the net receiver of socio-political economic refugees from around Africa especially the SADC region, resulting in refugee management headaches for authorities and ills like recurrent xenophobic attacks on non-South Africans. Therefore, a SADC-wide BIG would not only serve as a buffer against poverty but would be utilized as a stabilizing force to stimulate local and regional growth in-turn curbing one-directional mass movement of people to countries like South Africa.
A universal SADC-wide unconditional social cash transfer to all citizens of no less than US$15 per month, would go a long way in curbing destitution. SCTs, as opposed to in-kind gifts, give beneficiaries the freedom to acquire what they need exactly. This freedom to choose in itself constitutes human security.
The fact that poverty is dire in SSA should not simply be left to the sphere of development practitioners with an interest in poverty-alleviation, but as an obstacle to the enjoyment of many human rights ought to be a concern of all change agents within society. For States and capital-interests within the region in particular, the role of SCTs as the best intervention strategy in the fight against poverty cannot be ignored any longer. Granted, some scholars have alluded to the fact that the notion of social cash transfers brings about dependency amongst beneficiaries and removes the impetus for seeking meaningful employment. So what? People deserve to benefit from the region’s natural resources in a non-prejudicial manner, especially in the pervasive absence of formal jobs. Nonetheless, for the half-convinced, its high-time we acknowledge that the poor are in fact good managers who already know how to do best for their families with the little they have. Many sustain the survivalist economy at the bottom of the pyramid with such wise daily financial decisions. For scholars such as Joseph Hanlon, the questioning of the frugality of the poor is tantamount to blaming the poor for their circumstances. Moreover, such feeble arguments show a lack of appreciation for the political history of SSA and its structural make up. Worse still this mindset portrays a blind endorsement of the neoliberal agenda. Remarkably, a study of European history shows that social protection came first, then economic growth. Indeed saving and/or the entrepreneurship-spirit cannot happen when the majority of people have to endure hunger-pains.
Empirical evidence of successes of SCT schemes globally abound. Brazil’s 2003 initiated Bolsa Familia SCT scheme, supporting about 12 million families, has to date decreased inequality by 17% and the poverty rate has fallen from 42.7% to 28.8%. For the South African experience, social safety nets such as the child grant have already shown that SCT schemes are capable of producing positive outcomes. Gharagozloo-Pakkala observes the following, ‘In South Africa, the child grant reduced the poverty gap by 47%; in Kenya unconditional cash transfers saw a 19% increase in primary school enrolment among ‘hard-to-reach’ children; in rural Ghana, for every one Cedi transferred, 1.50 Cedi of income can be generated in the economy”. Malawi’s Mchinji district’s SCT scheme also testifies to a positive turn of SCTs. SCTs are recorded to have “…influence[d] household productive capacity [and]…ownership of agricultural assets increased 16 per cent…”
Having shown the need for a BIG and it’s transformative power, it is necessary to conclude this piece by observing that in a region blessed with natural resources the issue of a BIG roll out to all – SADC residents, refugees, economic migrants, asylum seekers funded by proceeds from extractive industries and other actors, is not ‘alms’ giving or a charitable gesture, but is an act of economic and social justice, and most importantly an investment in the poor’s human capital!
SADC wide BIG
“Make the Change Happen!” – Support the call for a SADC BIG. Visit www.spii.org.za
Busiso Moyo is an Advocacy and Campaigns Officer with the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII).
by Guest Contributor | Jun 26, 2015 | Opinion
By Frans Kerver
Hurray!
We started crowdfunding the first Dutch Basic Income on April 12th, right after the airing of VPRO’s Tegenlicht documentary dedicated to Basic Income. Our aim was to collect €12,000 before June 1st. With the help of more than 500 supporters we did even better. We reached our goal on May 27th, and the consecutive media storm not only fueled more donations but also gave room to even more interesting discussions regarding the need for experiments in this area. Coverage from national newspapers like the Volkskrant (a full page 3), high profile online news sites like RTL-Z and radio-coverage (NPO Radio 1) helped us along nicely.
The Netherlands have finally awoken to the subject of the Unconditional Basic Income! To quote RTL Nieuws, we “struck a nerve in society”.
Off to a flying start
On June 1st, we closed the first campaign-phase and moved right along to the next phase: crowdfunding the second @OnsBasisinkomen Basic Income in the Netherlands. Fueled by the additional donations, that second phase is off to a flying start: more than €2,000 have already been pledged. As soon as the second €12,000 has been reached, we will perform a supervised raffle and select a beneficiary from the more than one thousand people that have applied via our website. Will we reach that second Basic Income in less time than it took to reach the first one? Time will tell.
Progress
So keep donating, follow our news, share it in your networks and invite others to donate through this link. If you have an idea to gather more money, please take the opportunity to set up your own fundraiser in support of @OnsBasisinkomen here. And of course, feel free to send a message to Frans if you want to check your ideas: snelnaar@vettevs.nl
Party
There needs to be a party, to celebrate this achievement, together with all of our community. A Party on a brilliant location, with plenty of room for everyone, young and old, complete families, and lonely souls. A place where we can meet in real life and exchange ideas. It is not going to be Tuinindestad (although you’re more than welcome to visit), but is going to be in a different location, close to the city of Groningen. More news will follow soon, another reason to stay up-to-date with us ;-)
Support from Vereniging Basisinkomen
Logically, we are in contact with BIEN’s affiliate network in the Netherlands, the Vereniging Basisinkomen. I became a member as well. An institution that has worked tirelessly for 25 years towards the same goal is an example of perseverance. It provides a common ground beneath all separate actions and prevents ideas from floating off in space without action. You can consider @OnsBasisinkomen to be the little engine that helped create an acceleration. That belief made me take on this challenge. It would only be natural to complement what has been achieved so far with an even swifter second Basic Income in The Netherlands. Do not hesitate, support @OnsBasisinkomen!
Thank you, On behalf of the campaign team,
Frans Kerver
by Guest Contributor | Feb 16, 2015 | News
Queensboro Bridge
The Fourteenth Annual North American Basic Income Guarantee Congress will kick off on Thursday, February 26 with a free and open public discussion on “New Possibilities for the Basic Income Movement.” Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
The event program is:
Welcome: Steven Shafarman, the USBIG Network
Frances Fox Piven, the City University of New York
Marshall Brain, entrepreneur and author ofHow Stuff Works
Alanna Hartzok, the Earth Rights institute, 2014 Democratic Nominee for Congress
Mary Bricker Jenkins, Willie Baptist,Sylvia Orduno, & Marian Kramer, representing the National Welfare Rights Union
Moderator: Mimi Abramowitz, Hunter College
Time: 6:30pm-9pm
Location: Long Island City Art Center/LICAM
44-02 23rd St., Studio 205
Long Island City, NY 11101
Directions: Take M, E, or 7 to Court Square (Queens, one stop from Midtown Manhattan) and walk along 23rd Street (under the elevated train overhead) until you reach the LIC Art Center, 44-02 23rd St., between 44th Ave and 44th Rd. Look for Caffeina Cafe at base of building. Then go to Studio 105.
According to the directions on Google Maps, the entire trip from Midtown, including the train ride and the walk, takes 8 minutes.
NABIG 2014
by Guest Contributor | Feb 7, 2015 | News
This opinion piece comes from several of BIEN’s life members, who have proposed an amendment to BIEN’s statutes to alter the definition of basic income in the statutes. This proposal will be on the agenda at the next BIEN General Assembly meeting in Seoul, Korea in 2016. The members who have proposed it invite discussion of it. The proposal in full follows below in both England and German:
Proposal for commitment and modified statutes of BIEN (English)
From the following life members of BIEN: Dr. Lieselotte Wohlgenannt (Austria), Margit Appel (Austria), Prof. Dr. Manfred Füllsack (Austria), Adriaan Planken (Netherlands), Katja Kipping (Germany) and Prof. Dr. Michael Opielka (Germany)
From the following national affiliates of BIEN: Network Grundeinkommen (Germany), Network Grundeinkommen und sozialer Zusammenhalt Austria – B.I.E.N. Austria and Vereniging Basisinkomen (Netherlands)
We propose, that BIEN should amend the definition of basic income in its statutes to add the following fourth characteristic,
– which secures a livelihood (material existence) and enables participation in the political community (country) for everyone,
to the existing three characteristic
– which is granted to all on an individual basis by law,
– without means test and
– without obligation to work or for services in return.
We make this proposal because BIEN should support an unconditional basic income at an amount that could help
– to eliminate poverty and social distress in the respective political community,
– to increase individual freedom and
– to permanently improve the development opportunities of each individual and the social and cultural situation in the community.
BIEN’s support for an unconditional basic income with the above-named four criteria does not exclude support for a partial basic income (not securing livelihood/material existence or not enabling participation), as long as it remains clear, that the final goal is the unconditional basic income with these four criteria and that the partial basic income is not coupled with social cutbacks.
The statutes of BIEN should be modified in section 1 with nothing removed and the following text (shown in italics) added:
“1. Purpose: BIEN’s aim is to serve as a link between individuals and groups committed to, or interested in, basic income to stimulate and disseminate research and to foster informed public discussion on this topic throughout the world. Basic income i.e. an income, which is high enough to secure material existence and enable participation in society and unconditionally granted to all on an individual basis, without means test or work requirement. BIEN’s commitment for an basic income with the above-named four criteria does not exclude debates and projects concerning a partial basic income (not securing material existence or not enabling social participation), as long as it remains clear, that the final goal is the basic income with these four criteria and that the partial basic income is not coupled with social cutbacks.”
Vorschlag zum Engagement und zu geänderten Statuten von BIEN (deutsch)
von folgenden Mitgliedern von BIEN: Dr. Lieselotte Wohlgenannt (Österreich), Margit Appel (Österreich), Prof. Dr. Manfred Füllsack (Österreich), Adriaan Planken (Niederlande), Katja Kipping (Deutschland) und Prof. Dr. Michael Opielka (Deutschland)
von folgenden BIEN angeschlossenen nationalen Grundeinkommensnetzwerken: Netzwerk Grundeinkommen (Deutschland), Netzwerk Grundeinkommen und sozialer Zusammenhalt – B.I.E.N. Österreich und Vereniging Basisinkomen (Niederlande)
Wir schlagen vor, dass BIEN die Definition des Grundeinkommens in seinen Statuten durch Hinzufügung des folgenden vierten Kriteriums
– das existenzsichernd ist und jedem Menschen gesellschaftliche Teilhabe im jeweiligen politischen Gemeinwesen (Land) ermöglicht –
ändern sollte, als Ergänzung zu den bestehenden drei Kriterien
– auf das ein individueller Rechtsanspruch besteht,
– das ohne Bedürftigkeitsprüfung und
– ohne Zwang zu Arbeit oder Gegenleistungen garantiert wird -.
Wir schlagen dies vor, weil BIEN ein bedingungsloses Grundeinkommen mit einer Höhe unterstützen sollte, das dazu beitragen kann,
– im jeweiligen politischen Gemeinwesen Armut und soziale Notlagen zu beseitigen,
– den individuellen Freiheitsspielraum zu vergrößern sowie
– die Entwicklungschancen jedes Einzelnen und die soziale und kulturelle Situation im Gemeinwesen nachhaltig zu verbessern.
Die Unterstützung eines bedingungslosen Grundeinkommens mit den oben genannten vier Kriterien durch BIEN schließt nicht die Unterstützung eines partiellen Grundeinkommens (nicht existenz- und teilhabesichernd) aus, solange klar bleibt, dass das Ziel das bedingungslose Grundeinkommen mit den vier Kriterien ist und das partielle Grundeinkommen nicht mit Sozialabbau verbunden ist.
Die Statuten von BIEN sollten im Abschnitt 1 um folgenden Text ergänzt (kursiv angezeigt) werden:
“1. Zweck
Das Ziel von BIEN ist, die Vernetzung von Personen und Gruppen, die engagiert für oder interessiert an einem Grundeinkommen sind, um die Forschung darüber zu stimulieren und zu verbreiten sowie die öffentliche Diskussion über dieses Thema weltweit zu fördern. Grundeinkommen, das ist ein Einkommen, das hoch genug ist, um die materielle Existenz zu sichern und Teilnahme an der Gesellschaft zu ermöglichen, welches allen Menschen bedingungslos auf individueller Basis gewährt wird, ohne eine Bedürftigkeitsprüfung oder Arbeitsverpflichtung. Die Unterstützung eines Grundeinkommens mit den oben genannten vier Kriterien durch BIEN schließt nicht die Unterstützung eines partiellen Grundeinkommens (nicht existenz- und teilhabesichernd) aus, solange klar bleibt, dass das Ziel das Grundeinkommen mit den vier Kriterien ist und das partielle Grundeinkommen nicht mit Sozialabbau verbunden ist.”
