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During a GoodGym event, I met Daniel Mermelstein, who intrigued me with his advocacy for Universal Basic Income (UBI). Dan lives in North London’s Finchley area and has been actively campaigning for UBI. He believes in spreading awareness about financial security for all. “The idea of basic income is really all about financial security,” Dan stated. He emphasized that true UBI has five key characteristics: it must be cash-based, regular, individual-focused, unconditional, and universal.
Defining Universal Basic Income
Dan explained that UBI is designed to provide everyone with a floor of financial security, ensuring no one falls below a certain economic threshold. It’s meant to be a platform from which people can lead better lives.
The Motivations Behind Dan’s Advocacy
Dan’s interest in UBI began with his fascination with money and systems like cryptocurrencies. He realized how radical yet practical the concept of giving people money without conditions could be. Comparing it to existing systems like state pensions and child benefits, which are already somewhat universal, he saw the potential for UBI to transform societal structures. “This idea of just giving people money as a right felt radical but also very logical,” Dan noted.
Historical Roots of Universal Basic Income
Interestingly, UBI is not a new idea. Dan shared insights from Thomas Paine’s 18th-century essay ‘Agrarian Justice,’ which argued that land should belong to all humanity and proposed paying everyone from collected rent. This concept laid the foundation for modern basic income movements. Over centuries, figures from both left and right political spectrums have supported UBI for various reasons—from addressing economic inefficiencies to correcting injustices. This broad support underscores the idea that basic income is neither left nor right but forward-thinking.
Funding Universal Basic Income
One common question is how to fund UBI. While some propose taxes on robots or carbon emissions, others suggest adjustments within the existing tax system. Dan emphasized that making the case for UBI is crucial before delving into funding specifics. He pointed out that during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, governments found ways to support citizens financially—showing that political will can drive funding solutions when there’s a clear vision.
Impact of UBI on Employment and Social Welfare
A major concern about UBI is its impact on work incentives. Trials have shown that most people do not stop working when they receive a basic income; instead, they use it to improve their quality of life—spending more time with family or pursuing education. For instance: – **Mothers** often spend more time raising their children. – **Students** may focus more on their studies. Dan argued that UBI helps people stand up against exploitative employers because they are not forced into poor working conditions out of fear of poverty.
Trials and Future Prospects
Discussing trials like those planned in East Finchley and Jarrow, Dan highlighted their importance despite limitations in scale and duration. These trials aim to measure qualitative outcomes such as health improvements and job prospects by providing selected participants with regular payments over two years. The goal is to gather data supporting the larger implementation of UBI. The excitement around these trials showcases a growing interest in exploring how UBI could reshape economic security for communities.
To explore Universal Basic Income and its transformative potential in depth, tune in to our latest podcast episode, which features campaigner Dan Mermelstein.
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