Why UBI Basics

Here's my quick overview of Universal Basic Income (UBI). 

UBI is a monthly amount of income provided to every citizen of a country, without work requirements or other stipulations. This list highlights some of my thought process as I came to support UBI.

1. Most people generally agree that we should have some sort of social safety net to help those who fall on hard times. Rather than a safety net, I prefer to think of UBI as a secure financial base that provides economic opportunity to everyone.
2. Our existing welfare system is often means tested and frequently traps people in poverty.
3. UBI supports mothers and motherhood.
4. America is a land of great riches and opportunity. Everyone should get to participate.
5. The New Scarcity - Capitalism doesn't have to start at $0.
6. The Input Argument for UBI
7. What the Free Market Really Means
8. We need to change our understanding of ownership.

Number 2 - The existing welfare state is bad

Our welfare state is supposed to provide a financial safety net to the poor, but instead it has become a poverty trap. If you are poor and fill out all the correct paperwork, the government might give you some help with food stamps, health care, housing assistance, or even cash. The problem is that most of these programs are eliminated if you manage to get a reasonable job and earn a only a small amount more money. Others are eliminated if you don't work enough. In contrast, UBI is a secure economic base that everyone can stand on to build their life. 

Number 3 - UBI supports mothers and motherhood

Mothers and the work of motherhood are essential to society and yet our current economic system doesn't reflect that value. Women could use UBI money to pay for living expenses while staying at home and raising their children. Or they could use the money to pay for child care and work outside the home. We need to promote the value and dignity of mothers.

Number 4 - Everyone participates

UBI will give everyone an opportunity in our economy. As an American, you get a share of the great wealth of our country. In the blog post, "Input Argument for UBI" I talk about how human existence requires input in the form of human labor and natural resources. But in America, nearly all natural resources are already owned. So if you are not born into wealth, you have very little access to those resources. People in poverty lack opportunities to combine their labor with natural resources. UBI will create new opportunities for millions of Americans.

Number 8 - Ownership

[This section is under construction]