by Tyler Prochazka | Oct 11, 2015 | News
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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.
by Tyler Prochazka | Oct 10, 2015 | News
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One of the criticisms of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) is that it would harm innovation because creators would be taxed to pay for the income of others. However, Roy Bahat, the head of Bloomberg Beta, argues in a Washington Post article that a UBI may actually have the opposite effect.
A significant barrier to innovation is that it is difficult to find time to create new things when focused on making a living. The UBI could take away the stress associated with starting a new business, Bahat said.
According to Bahat, the increased taxation from a UBI program may not discourage innovation because the primary goal of creators is not to solely make money. Instead, the UBI will allow people to avoid jobs that stifle their innovation.
Roy Bahat, “To support innovation, subsidize creators” Washington Post, Oct. 2.
by Tyler Prochazka | Oct 7, 2015 | News
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In order to address the negative aspects of capitalism, governments have created institutions such as the welfare state. Even with these programs, Matt Bruenig, a researcher of poverty at the Demos think tank, said in a Washington Post article that a Universal Basic Income (UBI) may be the best approach to “secure freedom and prosperity for all.”
According to Bruenig, most wealth being controlled by a small segment of the population has made the majority in the United States forced to submit to their employers’ demands. While labor protection helps alleviate some concerns, Bruenig still believes that the only way to fully eliminate this type of coercion is through a UBI, giving employees the ability to say no.
Those who are most vulnerable are often the ones that fall into poverty. Supplementing the current welfare state with a UBI would help ensure that no one gets left behind, Bruenig said.
Matt Bruenig, “Tired of capitalism? There could be a better way.” Washington Post, Sept. 30, 2015.
by Tyler Prochazka | Oct 6, 2015 | News
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Many Americans still believe that poverty represents an individual’s moral failure, and so they often oppose “handouts” to the poor. Matt Zwolinski, an associate professor of philosophy at the University of San Diego, argues in a Washington Post article that a Universal Basic Income (UBI) is more consistent with preserving the poor’s dignity than America’s current approach with strings attached.
Zwolinski said that individuals know their needs better than the government does. Thus, providing them the freedom to choose how to spend their money through a basic income will increase the effectiveness of the social safety net.
Recent empirical evidence from Brazil, Uganda and Mexico show cash grants improve the lives of the poor, the article points out.
Matt Zwolinski, “Our welfare system insults the poor. Basic income could do better” Washington Post, Sept. 28, 2015.
by Tyler Prochazka | Oct 5, 2015 | News
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The Washington Post kicked off a week of coverage regarding the Universal Basic Income (UBI) with an article by Chrstine Emba offering the history and background of the UBI concept.
Emba describes the UBI as a universal and unconditional cash grant that is given to every citizen without work requirements and without restrictions based on income or how the money is used. Throughout American history, many prominent figures, such as libertarian economist F.A. Hayek and President Richard Nixon both pushed for a basic income.
Possible benefits and shortcomings of the UBI are provided by the article. For instance, the basic income may allow some workers to leave bad jobs. On the other hand, the basic income may create a negative work incentive.
While Switzerland will vote on whether to create a basic income, it is unclear if the political and technical dynamics in the United States would allow for a basic income approach, the article concludes.
Christine Emba, “Universal basic income: A primer” Washington Post, Sept. 28, 2015.
