What Does it Mean to be a Conservative Democrat?

[RainDog]

36. A basic minimum goes to everyone

Last edited Sat Mar 8, 2014, 04:59 AM - Edit history (1)

It's not means tested. If you have a job that pays very well, you could choose to invest that money, or give it to charity, or whatever - but the purpose of it is to insure everyone meets a basic standard of living. And, of course, if you make a lot of money at a job, you may end up just paying it back via taxes because you don't need it.

The reason it's good for workers is that it becomes a sort of civil union that allows some negotiating power for the sorts of jobs that are sometimes necessary but not often rewarding in ways other than a paycheck. If someone is a musician, tho, that income would allow them to practice their art - because, believe me, a lot of good and even great musicians are not rock stars or pop stars, etc. - but their work is worthwhile, beyond the marketplace at the moment.

If someone needs to take time out of the workplace to help care for relatives, this sort of income makes that possible for those who are also the most likely to be the ones doing the caring for relatives anyway - women in the middle and lower classes.

If someone has a disorder or other medical issue themselves, such a system would mean they are not impoverished because of this.

That's the impetus for me.

I think most people regard work as something important and useful to their lives. I don't think most people want to take advantage of a system (tho sure, everyone wants to find the loopholes for taxes, etc.) I wouldn't tie a basic minimum to any sort of community work because it would apply to everyone. I could just see a banker, say, paying someone for his community service stint... on the other hand... hmm.

Some fiscal conservatives argue for this because it would eliminate many govt. agencies that deal with various social issues - it would streamline govt. But I don't think they are willing to really address what would be an adequate income.

Of course, maybe this could be a way to address wages in general and funds for the basic minimum could come from a penalty businesses paid if they didn't pay a living wage for jobs in the area where they are located. It would make sense, I would hope, to simply pay the wage up front.