DavwynMar 21, 2024
Scott Santens
An honest #BasicIncome meme
Mar 19, 2024 at 3:32pmWeb
Show threadKim Spence-Jones 🇬🇧😷Mar 19, 2024
@scottsantens
Alt text:
Six panels depicting a conversation between “Government” and “UBI advocates”
Gov: UBI hasn’t been successful in lifting people out of poverty
UBI: Be honest
Gov: UBI might lift people out of poverty but still needs testing
UBI: Be honest
Gov: UBI has been tested 160 times globally and has worked every time
UBI: Thank you
#AltText
Show threadpaulMar 20, 2024
@KimSJ @scottsantens
Show threadPJ "Vote Green" CoffeyMar 20, 2024

@KimSJ

Well _I_ like UBI and _I_ know I can edit posts on here. Thank you for your work!

@scottsantens

Show threadDie Mad 🇨🇦Mar 20, 2024
@KimSJ @scottsantens
The benefits of UBI are undeniable. Great analysis of long term benefits even after termination of the program. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200624-canadas-forgotten-universal-basic-income-experiment
Canada’s forgotten universal basic income experiment

Amid wide unemployment during Covid-19, basic income schemes have gained fresh relevance. A successful Canadian scheme that's over four decades old could provide a road map for others.

BBC
Show threadSasyecatMar 19, 2024
@scottsantens but, but my tax dollars I keep refusing to pay might go to a lazy person, or a single mom, or a non Christian, or a person not the same color as me. #ConservativeStinkThink
Show threadNathan A. StineMar 19, 2024
@sasyecat @scottsantens I agree with the sentiment of this comment, but I think if you laid out a fair assessment of a UBI (that it works every time to reduce poverty), my bet is that about 30-35% of the US population would be for it. This country is extremely against "money going to people who don't deserve it." A majority is happy to spend $100 to make sure someone doesn't get $50 undeservedly.
Show thread🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 🐧 🥦Mar 19, 2024

@scottsantens

I'm an American. The richest people in our country killed universal healthcare in part, so they could pay fewer taxes. They now have a tax break they lobbied for that is almost as large as the budget deficits.

The very rich don't want to pay taxes and the have the power to get their way.

So when I read about UBI I ask myself who is going to pay for it. The rich will not.

Show threadSoozcatMar 19, 2024
@Methylcobalamin @scottsantens I'm certain the rich are the reason why UBI hasn't been implemented. They would get money -- thus the "universal" in universal basic income -- but it wouldn't be as much as they paid in taxes toward it. And that's the sticking point. Wealthy people are used to taking far more money out of the system than they put into it, and they will bridle at any notion that this is unfair.
Show threadthe_wigglerMar 19, 2024
@Methylcobalamin @scottsantens This is arguably why we have a government. It's dysfunction is probably a sign we need a new one imo.
Show thread🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 🐧 🥦Mar 19, 2024

@the_wiggler @scottsantens

The very rich will just corrupt members of that new government too.

Show threadthe_wigglerMar 20, 2024

@Methylcobalamin @scottsantens then we'll keep doing it?

It's also not like our version of democracy is particularly resistant. There are strategies that could be put in place to slow the inevitable corruption. Its just difficult to do at this point.

Show threadeternaltyroMar 19, 2024
@scottsantens An important point to note is that UBI has to be a right. Not a privilege. Meaning everybody, even rich people need to get it. Absolutely no means testing. Coupled with just taxation, it will be a great benefit to society.
Show threadWilhelmMar 19, 2024
@scottsantens if certain politicians admitted UBI works, then they would have to admit their policies were designed to keep people poor.
Show threadMarkAssPandiMar 19, 2024
@scottsantens While I believe in UBI as well, is there some source for those 160 times?
Show threadpeterMar 19, 2024
@scottsantens ok but what if I think how billions of people spend their lives should be decided by a few people who got lucky with when they cashed out during the dot com bubble/how long their ancestors got away with owning slaves etc.
Show threadKevin C 🎬Mar 19, 2024
@scottsantens
There is no bad money
Only bad people. 🙏
Show threadsandywb14Mar 19, 2024
@scottsantens 💯
Show threadSylvain 🐧🌍🔥Mar 20, 2024
@scottsantens Is there any paper or source that you would generally point folks to, to read about the detailed results of these experiments?
Show threadLeBonkMar 21, 2024
@scottsantens
"The argument isn't supposed to end"
Show threadCairo Braga [toot]Mar 21, 2024
@scottsantens can you add alt text/description, please? I would love to boost this, it's really good!