Universal basic income - what do socialists say?

Source: The Socialist, by Judy Beishon, Socialist Party executive committee

The idea of welfare benefits being replaced by a 'universal basic income' (UBI) has resurfaced in recent years - a welcome discussion because it raises the fundamental right of everyone to have an income that meets their basic needs. Exact proposals vary but they are all based on the idea of everyone in society receiving an unconditional, tax-free, regular payment, regardless of whether they are working or the composition of their household (see appendix below).

Discussion on UBI is centuries old, but today campaigners point to a new urgency due to the growing precarious nature of employment and the threat to jobs from automation. More and more workers face the insecurity of having no set minimum hours of work or are being paid 'by the task'. Many who do have full-time contracts are not paid enough for a decent standard of living.

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Appendix:

Supporters of a 'progressive' UBI say it would:

• Secure everyone's right to a basic standard of living

• Reward the huge amount of unpaid care and voluntary work

• End means testing and benefits sanctions

• Give women greater independence, as they would be paid as individuals rather than as part of a household

• Mean no financial disincentive to work, as UBI would not be withdrawn

• Be simpler than the present benefits system

• Give workers a safety net allowing them to more easily risk switching jobs

• Make it easier to make ends meet when taking strike action

• Enable reduced working hours, creating more jobs for others and allowing more time for innovation, leisure, political activity, etc

City council designates town Official Bigfoot Capital of Alabama

Source: al.com, by Kelly Kazek

It's back! Set your DVRs for the other shows!

It happened November 9, 2016.

Beware the Alabamafication of America!

"It can't happen here."

Warning! Satire! by Matt Mitchell

Ostrich: White Alabama Democrat added to endangered species list



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"In the early 1990s we would drive the back roads in places like Walker and Winston County and just count the Clinton/Gore campaign signs and bumper stickers. There weren't many, but they were there," recalled Ribble. "But last year we drove the same roads and found absolutely zero Hillary signs. Well, there was one, but it was being used for target practice."

Ribble and other wildlife officials believe the White Alabama Democrat still exists in rural areas, they have just been forced to blend in with the White Alabama Conservative that has overwhelmed their environment.

"I could stand the two different species side-by-side and most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference. To the untrained eye they appear completely identical," said Ribble. "That's why we're having to try new things to identify them, like playing a continuous loop of conservative political commentator Tomi Lahren from a set of loudspeakers. If forced to listen, the White Alabama Democrat's eye will start twitching uncontrollably within thirty seconds. It's remarkable."

Once officials believe they have located a White Alabama Democrat they move quickly to electronically tag the creature. Instead of inserting a microchip under the skin, each identified White Alabama Democrat is given a tracking device disguised as an NPR pledge drive coffee mug.

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Red versus Blue.

West Virginia - 1.6 percent
Montana - 2.1 percent
Mississippi - 2.4 percent
South Dakota - 3.2 percent
Maine - 3.4 percent
Alabama - 3.5 percent
Kentucky - 3.6 percent
Wyoming - 3.8 percent
North Dakota - 3.8 percent
Louisiana - 4 percent

California - 27.4 percent
New York - 22.9 percent
New Jersey - 22.1 percent
Florida - 20.2 percent
Nevada - 19.4 percent
Hawaii - 17.8 percent
Texas - 17 percent
Massachusetts - 16.2 percent
Maryland - 15 percent
Connecticut - 14.5 percent