The Urgency of UBI Discussions and the Unsustainability of Current Models in the United States
It is becoming increasingly clear that the United States is at a critical juncture in its governing landscape, with a significant push needed for comprehensive discussions around the implementation of Universal Basic Income (UBI). This essential debate is essentially being ignored by many political figures, who seem preoccupied with immediate issues rather than long-term societal stability and progress.
A Common Order of Priorities for Nation States
When examining the actions of various nation states, a common order emerges regarding the allocation of resources and essential services. These priorities typically consist of:
Military Roads and airports Police Judicial system Public monuments and parks Education Large public works such as power stations and water purification systems Social security system Public transport via ticket price subsidies Healthcare Universal basic income (UBI)While none of these services or investments are actually 'free', they are widely acknowledged as public goods that generate net societal profits. It is worth noting that in many democratic nations, these priorities are met through tax revenues, which contribute to a general societal benefit rather than individual profit.
Priority for the USA
Given this established order, it's reasonable to conclude that the USA, as a whole, would prioritize widespread cheap public transport and universal healthcare before moving on to implement a UBI. This shift, however, would be profoundly difficult, primarily due to the intricate and diverse interests involved in a large-scale federation like the USA.
UBI Pilots in the USA
In the past, various UBI pilots have been conducted in small, localized areas, including certain parts of the United States. These pilots have often been driven by a desire to simplify existing social security systems or to distribute the benefits of significant financial windfalls equitably to the community, such as those stemming from oil or other natural resources.
The Argument for UBI
The fundamental argument for considering UBI is based on the emerging reality of modern technological societies. As automation and AI advance, they create significant amounts of so-called 'automated wealth'. This wealth is often akin to a natural resource such as air, rain, or oil, and it necessitates a fair and socially stable way of sharing these benefits.
In current models, the creation of wealth is often attributed to individual or corporate endeavors without a clear mechanism for distributing the resultant profits. Moreover, as the benefits of technological advancements become more widespread, it becomes increasingly challenging for traditional wealth-generation investments to remain grounded. Under these circumstances, UBI emerges as a more attractive alternative, offering a universal way to share this additional wealth.
Concluding Reflections
As nations around the world begin to grapple with the realities of UBI, the United States finds itself at a critical point in this discussion. The current model of social services, while essential in its own right, is becoming untenable in the face of rapid technological change. It is time for a serious and transparent conversation about how to harness the benefits of modern technology in a socially equitable manner.
The implementation of UBI presents an unprecedented opportunity to address long-standing issues of poverty, job displacement, and income inequality. It is crucial that this discussion moves beyond political rhetoric and begins to explore pragmatic solutions that can benefit all American citizens.
This article has explored the critical need for such discussions, highlighting the established priorities of nation states, the challenges of prioritization in a large federation, and the historical and theoretical arguments for UBI. It is hoped that these insights will inspire further exploration and debate on this vital topic.