undefined | Better HN

0 pointsJDiculous10y ago0 comments

If basic income only provides enough to just get by - living in a crappy apartment, barely being able to afford basic groceries, and living paycheck to paycheck, do you really think everyone is just going to stop working and do nothing all day?

People are still going to want money for buying gadgets, going out, a better living space, cars, clothes, vacations, impressing girls, buying toys for their kids, etc.

Also I'd bet that a significant percentage of trust-fund babies work, and their trust funds generally provide them much more than a UBI would.

0 comments

MicroBerto10y ago

> do you really think everyone is just going to stop working and do nothing all day?

YES. That's exactly the point. Look at the welfare class currently collecting disability in American states like WV. They aren't doing anything productive!!! Maybe more drugs, though... sounds great for society. Let's expand that.

Will Everyone drop out of the workforce? Of course not. But a substantial portion that will become an ever-increasing, ever-breeding strain on society? I'm absolutely positive of it.

JDiculousOP10y ago

Well part of the reason for that is because of the Welfare Cliff and the fact that there just aren't enough jobs. Most people on welfare do not want to be on welfare.

We're ok with those who are born rich not having to work. Why should it be different for poor people? And if society can function perfectly fine without these people working, why does it matter if they don't work?

marknutter10y ago

Look no further than Indian reservations that have casino stipends.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse