No one is saying the UBI would be a be-all-end-all, it would likely require many tweaks along the way!
But (IMHO), so form of wealth re-distribution will be necessary, as the automation is quickly removing jobs from the market. Creative ways to tax the rich will be needed, since they always find ways to avoid them!
If you don't see this, you are lucky (so far) in your career, and/or are benefiting from the plight of many of the out-of-work people.
I urge you to watch the links, and read the document on Andrew Yang's page, it is eye opening, and has answered many of the questions/critics I too had over this.
I've seen the automation, and wondered what would happen when the jobs disappeared...
The answers are in the video's and on Andrew Yang's page, but since you don't seem to want to read/watch them...
1. Yes, the VAT would be passed on to the consumer, but only to the point the market can bare.
2. The UBI WOULD replace some of the social programs (welfare, food stamps, disability) since, to be effective, it would be at or above the current rate those programs offer, and it would be no-strings attached, so the recipients could earn on top of it; current programs make a disincentive to earning, since it usually claws back the benefit. This means, many of the recipients of the other social programs would be able to better their situation.
3. When people don't have to worry about basic needs, they are less stressed, they less inclined to resort to crime, they take better care of themselves and their children. This compounds over generations as well. (so less health care and incarceration costs)
4. Money in the hands of low income people goes into the economy at a greater rate than money in the hands of the wealthy-that's just exactly what we have now-rich hoard their money...
5. No one in power may WANT to institute any taxes to fund a UBI, but fact is, they will likely be forced to in order to keep the economy a float. Sadly, the people in power are usually propped up by the wealthy, and they like politicians, rarely look (or care) into the future. As long as they get theirs, they are happy to mortgage the future.
I think some of the wealthy are starting to realize the situation is getting dire, which is why some are advocating for the increase in taxes for the rich. If no one has money to spend, they won't get theirs for the products and services they are providing...and the poorer the masses get, the more likely they will revolt!
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