Technology

Bernie Sanders: I think that as a nation we should be deeply troubled by the fact that we have more people living in poverty today than ever before and that millions of seniors are finding it difficult to survive on about $1,200 a month from Social Security. I think we need to take a very hard look at why real income has gone down for millions of Americans despite a huge increase in productivity. In my view, every American is entitled to at least a minimum standard of living. There are different ways to get to that goal, but that’s the goal that we should strive to reach.

https://www.scottsantens.com/on-the-record-bernie-sanders-on-universal-basic-income-ubi/

Just to repeat it for the obtuse: UBI doesn't mean "permanently sit around on your ass doing nothing" either, because that's a horrible existence (as proven in the generational welfare state...) UBI is about a safety net, negotiating power, and ending the nanny state rectal probes over every penny they "hand out."

Given a choice, the vast majority of people will seek out social validation - and in today's world that's most commonly found through work - occasionally volunteering - but more often the real feelings of self-worth come from knowing that the people you hang out with all day aren't just tolerating you, they actually want you there, appreciate you as a person or for what you do or more often both. And that's what the paycheck does: reaffirm your personal value.

On the other side of things, with (sufficient) UBI they really can end minimum wage and many other "employment guarantees" that de-value that validation of knowing you get to keep your job because your job wants you, not because they're forced to take you.

Who here enjoys working in a situation where your employer / coworkers don't want you around?

Who here enjoys interacting with people who are only doing their job because they have no other choice?

Who here thinks the world would be a better place for everyone if we reduced and eventually eliminated those situations?

Even if you drop out of society & move to the forest, you'll still have to "work" to survive.

By yourself, you'll have fire to maintain, food to gather & hunt, shelter to procure or build.

With others, it's up to those who do to support those who are. There's a great responsibility to society, but this doesn't have to mean "work".

It's all "work", though. At least for now. Mowed lawns or grocery shopping, we've adapted to a society that takes advantage of the majority for the comforts of the few. Humans have simply "evolved" into being allowed to be dictated by the top of the food chain: capitalism & bureaucracy. Industrialized fear controlled rolling beasts. Microwave users.

thank you :-)

i feel like this message is finally getting through. many people say "work is good" because they think it "purifies character" or sth, which is a very christian/boomer thing to say.

Bernie is a template, we need a young aggressive what's the word, ambitious leader that knows how to build and run a political machine.

As to the Ubi, get the fuck out of here, what world do you think we're living in that that would be possible and remain viable even if it was implemented.