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WhiteTiger · 08-19-2012, 10:41 PM

Props to anyone who recognizes the title.

This came up in another forum I go to. Folks were bemoaning the state of affairs in Northern America in that there are people who can't afford food. Or have to make decisions between food, bills and rent. That sort of thing.

Then someone suggested that what needs to happen is that there needs to be what amounts to a Basic Living Stipend. In essence, "the government" would ensure that every man, woman and child was given enough money, with no strings attached, to ensure that they could afford food, shelter and "at least bare bones" living expenses. (And for the purposes of this exercise, let's pretend that the government actually COULD do this, finding the money one way or another...)

I countered by asking who would pay for such largess? I feel that if a government suddenly said "Ok, we are going to give you enough money to ensure that you have food, a roof over your head, and some basic living expenses (to be determined at a later date) no matter what." that what would happen is a large number of people would quit their jobs.

After all, why do we get up in the morning, put on clothes and head off for 4 to 12 hours a day, 4 to 6 days a week in the first place? Because we all know that if we don't, in time, we'll end up with nothing. But if that worry was taken away? I'm convinced a lot of folks would just quit their jobs as soon as they were sure they would get the BLS.

There'd be a lot of reasons, like "Oh, I'm going to go back to school" or "I am going to look into/apply for that dream job now." and that sort of thing. But honestly, who is going to say "Well, I really like pumping gas, so even since I don't have to now, I'm going to keep on pumping that gas."

Now, this system doesn't really 'punish' those who DO want to work and do better. You want to work? There's a lot of work out there to be found. But someone has to pay for this. The taxman cometh, as it were. This has to be paid for somehow.

So...would you quit your job? Or keep working?

Mods, could you create an anon poll for me on this? I'm somewhat curious. Thanks!

08-19-2012, 10:41 PM	#1
WhiteTiger Franchise Player Join Date: Nov 2010 Exp:	Basic Living Stipend Props to anyone who recognizes the title. This came up in another forum I go to. Folks were bemoaning the state of affairs in Northern America in that there are people who can't afford food. Or have to make decisions between food, bills and rent. That sort of thing. Then someone suggested that what needs to happen is that there needs to be what amounts to a Basic Living Stipend. In essence, "the government" would ensure that every man, woman and child was given enough money, with no strings attached, to ensure that they could afford food, shelter and "at least bare bones" living expenses. (And for the purposes of this exercise, let's pretend that the government actually COULD do this, finding the money one way or another...) I countered by asking who would pay for such largess? I feel that if a government suddenly said "Ok, we are going to give you enough money to ensure that you have food, a roof over your head, and some basic living expenses (to be determined at a later date) no matter what." that what would happen is a large number of people would quit their jobs. After all, why do we get up in the morning, put on clothes and head off for 4 to 12 hours a day, 4 to 6 days a week in the first place? Because we all know that if we don't, in time, we'll end up with nothing. But if that worry was taken away? I'm convinced a lot of folks would just quit their jobs as soon as they were sure they would get the BLS. There'd be a lot of reasons, like "Oh, I'm going to go back to school" or "I am going to look into/apply for that dream job now." and that sort of thing. But honestly, who is going to say "Well, I really like pumping gas, so even since I don't have to now, I'm going to keep on pumping that gas." Now, this system doesn't really 'punish' those who DO want to work and do better. You want to work? There's a lot of work out there to be found. But someone has to pay for this. The taxman cometh, as it were. This has to be paid for somehow. So...would you quit your job? Or keep working? Mods, could you create an anon poll for me on this? I'm somewhat curious. Thanks!