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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
23. He is indeed an interesting choice
Mon Oct 7, 2019, 12:11 PM
Oct 2019

and my only choice. I will vote for the nominee, but Yang is the one I will do what I can to support. The rest not so much.

As you your question. Let me link to the campaign page, these are not in any particular order.

THE FREEDOM DIVIDEND
Andrew would implement the Freedom Dividend, a universal basic income of $1,000/month, $12,000 a year, for every American adult over the age of 18. This is independent of one’s work status or any other factor. This would enable all Americans to pay their bills, educate themselves, start businesses, be more creative, stay healthy, relocate for work, spend time with their children, take care of loved ones, and have a real stake in the future.

Other than regular increases to keep up the cost of living, any change to the Freedom Dividend would require a constitutional amendment.

It will be illegal to lend or borrow against one’s Dividend.

A Universal Basic Income at this level would permanently grow the economy by 12.56 to 13.10 percent—or about $2.5 trillion by 2025—and it would increase the labor force by 4.5 to 4.7 million people. Putting money into people’s hands and keeping it there would be a perpetual boost and support to job growth and the economy.

It would be easier than you might think. Andrew proposes funding the Freedom Dividend by consolidating some welfare programs and implementing a Value Added Tax of 10 percent. Current welfare and social program beneficiaries would be given a choice between their current benefits or $1,000 cash unconditionally – most would prefer cash with no restriction.

A Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax on the production of goods or services a business produces. It is a fair tax and it makes it much harder for large corporations, who are experts at hiding profits and income, to avoid paying their fair share. A VAT is nothing new. 160 out of 193 countries in the world already have a Value Added Tax or something similar, including all of Europe which has an average VAT of 20 percent.

The means to pay for the basic income will come from four sources:

1. Current spending: We currently spend between $500 and $600 billion a year on welfare programs, food stamps, disability and the like. This reduces the cost of the Freedom Dividend because people already receiving benefits would have a choice between keeping their current benefits and the $1,000, and would not receive both.

Additionally, we currently spend over 1 trillion dollars on health care, incarceration, homelessness services and the like. We would save $100 – 200+ billion as people would be able to take better care of themselves and avoid the emergency room, jail, and the street and would generally be more functional. The Freedom Dividend would pay for itself by helping people avoid our institutions, which is when our costs shoot up. Some studies have shown that $1 to a poor parent will result in as much as $7 in cost-savings and economic growth.

2. A VAT: Our economy is now incredibly vast at $19 trillion, up $4 trillion in the last 10 years alone. A VAT at half the European level would generate $800 billion in new revenue A VAT will become more and more important as technology improves because you cannot collect income tax from robots or software.

3. New revenue: Putting money into the hands of American consumers would grow the economy. The Roosevelt Institute projected that the economy will grow by approximately $2.5 trillion and create 4.6 million new jobs. This would generate approximately $800 – 900 billion in new revenue from economic growth.

4. Taxes on top earners and pollution: By removing the Social Security cap, implementing a financial transactions tax, and ending the favorable tax treatment for capital gains/carried interest, we can decrease financial speculation while also funding the Freedom Dividend. We can add to that a carbon fee that will be partially dedicated to funding the Freedom Dividend, making up the remaining balance required to cover the cost of this program.https://www.yang2020.com/policies/the-freedom-dividend/


INCREASE ASSISTANCE FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Being a parent is the toughest job on the planet, even with a partner and strong extended family to rely on. It’s even tougher for the 13.6 million single parents out there, most of them mothers. The numbers are set to rise sharply – today, 40% of the children born in the United States are born to unmarried mothers, up from 15% in 1980.

We should be doing more to help them and the approx. 21 million children being raised in single-parent households.

Outside of programs such as the Freedom Dividend to raise them out of poverty and support their ability to provide food and housing for their family, the best thing we can do for these parents is to help them find and build a support network.
https://www.yang2020.com/policies/single-parent-assistance/

FREE MARRIAGE COUNSELING FOR ALL
Children raised in two-parent households have better outcomes across almost every dimension. Studies also show that being in a happy marriage contributes to longevity and life satisfaction. However, there is currently very little support out there for people who are looking for assistance in managing their marital relationship.

Because of the huge societal good that comes from keeping married couples who want to stay together in their relationships, marriage counseling for interested couples should be free or heavily subsidized by the government. https://www.yang2020.com/policies/free-marriage-counseling/

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FOR ALL
Education in America starts too late. It has been shown that there are massive benefits to offering pre-kindergarten options to children throughout their lives, especially for those from low-income families. It also increases sociability, and it relieves the financial burden of finding daycare for families who struggle to afford it. https://www.yang2020.com/policies/early-childhood-education/

MEDICARE FOR ALL
Access to quality healthcare is one of the most important factors in overall well being, and yet America is one of the few industrialized nations not to provide healthcare for all of its citizens. Instead, we have a private healthcare system that leaves millions uninsured and bankrupts even some of those who do have health insurance. At the same time, our cost of care is higher than in almost any other industrialized country while providing worse outcomes. The Affordable Care Act was a step in the right direction, providing funds to states to innovate while expanding Medicaid substantially. However, it didn’t address the fundamental issues plaguing our healthcare system:

Access to medicine isn’t guaranteed to all citizens
The incentives for healthcare providers don’t align with providing quality, efficient care
This must change.

Through a Medicare for All system, we can ensure that all Americans receive the healthcare they deserve. Not only will this raise the quality of life for all Americans, but, by increasing access to preventive care, it will also bring overall healthcare costs down.

With a shift to a Medicare for All system, costs can also be controlled directly by setting prices provided for medical services. The best approach is highlighted by the top-ranked Cleveland Clinic. There, doctors are paid a flat salary instead of by a price-for-service model. This shift has led to a hospital where costs are visible and under control. Redundant tests are at a minimum, and physician turnover is much lower than at comparable hospitals.

Doctors also report being more involved with their patients. Since they’re salaried, there’s no need to churn through patient after patient. Instead, they can spend the proper amount of time to ensure that each patient receives their undivided attention and empathy.

Outside of a shift to a Medicare for All system, we can look to the Southcentral Foundation for another important shift necessary in the way we treat patients: holistic approaches. At this treatment center for native Alaskans, mental and physical problems are both investigated, and, unsurprisingly, the two are often linked. By referring patients to psychologists during routine physicals, doctors are able to treat, for example, both the symptoms of obesity and the underlying mental health issue that often is related to the issue. The referral also leads people with issues they may otherwise try to bury – sexual abuse, addictions, or domestic violence issues – to bring them up with a doctor so that they can be addressed.

By providing holistic healthcare to all our citizens, we’ll drastically increase the average quality of life, extend life expectancy, and treat issues that often go untreated. We’ll also be able to bring costs under control and outcomes up, as most other industrialized nations have.

Finally, being tied to an employer so that you don’t lose your healthcare prevents economic mobility. It’s important that people feel free to seek out new opportunities, and our current employer-provided healthcare system prevents that. https://www.yang2020.com/policies/medicare-for-all/

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
Possibly Sherman A1 Oct 2019 #1
Your first choice is an interesting candidate 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #10
He is indeed an interesting choice Sherman A1 Oct 2019 #23
This message was self-deleted by its author pinkstarburst Oct 2019 #49
It sounds like you missed item 4 in the post you were replying to, on how it is paid for. thesquanderer Oct 2019 #70
This message was self-deleted by its author pinkstarburst Oct 2019 #76
A UBI Sherman A1 Oct 2019 #80
All Citizens 18 and above would receive the Freedom Dividend. Sherman A1 Oct 2019 #79
She is for people that understand what really needs to be fixed. Wall Street being scared of her brewens Oct 2019 #2
I don't want the economy destroyed...I have a 401 K and a bank...my hubs works for Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #7
If stopping all the high frequency trading and insider trading scams will "destroy the economy", brewens Oct 2019 #8
If we are not careful...Wall street moves to China...China is working on it. Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #13
Evolution works much better than revolution. LanternWaste Oct 2019 #21
Warren has never called for a revolution 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #54
In fact her plan will create more jobs 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #20
Startups pay for shit and many fail in the first year...it will destabilize the economy. Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #69
What are the reasons she is not the best 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #118
She is not flexbile about this... and will cause great damage to the economy with some of her Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #141
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #148
Do you feel your own personal situation is more important than breaking up? Doodley Oct 2019 #27
It is not my own personal situation...I do not believe it is a good idea for the economy to Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #68
Wall Street is not a manufacturer 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #119
It could go to China actually...China is working on it right now. China will most likely Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #140
Amen. The Mouth Oct 2019 #149
Without support from African American voters, Warren will not be the nominee Gothmog Oct 2019 #3
This! Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #6
Blacks are 12% of the population, Women are 50%, young women voters numbers are rising Baclava Oct 2019 #14
African American women voters are key to victory in 2020 Gothmog Oct 2019 #39
This.... history tells us NO dem has won the GE without the support of AA voters Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #84
I don't understand why KAMALA HARRIS 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #121
Just anecdotal, but the president of my local NAACP branch turned on her when she attacked Biden. femmedem Oct 2019 #134
But what percent of Democrats? treestar Oct 2019 #77
and if she wins NH and Iowa qazplm135 Oct 2019 #35
Poll: Biden holds 24-point lead over Democratic field among black voters Gothmog Oct 2019 #42
and where was Hillary at with AA voters in October 2007? 57 percent qazplm135 Oct 2019 #46
Warren is not President Obama Gothmog Oct 2019 #48
Neither was Hillary qazplm135 Oct 2019 #55
That was early on when it looked like Hillary would coast to the nomination Polybius Oct 2019 #127
yes qazplm135 Oct 2019 #156
By April, there were actually AA members of Congress that pulled their endorsement of Hillary Polybius Oct 2019 #159
2008 Iowa caucuses made the difference for AA's, it seems. SleeplessinSoCal Oct 2019 #168
Nobody Cha Oct 2019 #163
including qazplm135 Oct 2019 #170
Which Nobody Ever said he was. Cha Oct 2019 #171
great qazplm135 Oct 2019 #172
This article might help give you some answers to your question Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #87
ummm I only had one question qazplm135 Oct 2019 #89
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #174
Why Black Voters Prefer Establishment Candidates Over Liberal Alternatives Gothmog Oct 2019 #101
establishment types usually win the nomination qazplm135 Oct 2019 #104
Warren is not an establishment type Gothmog Oct 2019 #105
she already went from zero to 12 percent in SC qazplm135 Oct 2019 #106
Warren is at 3% in South Carolina Gothmog Oct 2019 #175
Black voters are always a debating point here. BlueWI Oct 2019 #177
Since EW holds a 2 pt lead in NH and IA there will be no big gains for her there Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #86
holding a lead isn't winning qazplm135 Oct 2019 #88
Didn't say it was Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #90
just like Obama's was... qazplm135 Oct 2019 #92
It still doesn't change the fact that EW does not have the support of the AA voters!! Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #96
lol it's like a circle qazplm135 Oct 2019 #103
You have NO clue what she was "doing in Oct 2007". Cha Oct 2019 #128
I supported Obama from the beginning...bu I wouldn't have if I thought he wasn't the best candidate Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #155
the twenty or so Biden fans on here qazplm135 Oct 2019 #157
At this point I really don't care about the horse race 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #51
I'd like to see this polling done. Funtatlaguy Oct 2019 #53
Why do you believe that BlueMTexpat Oct 2019 #95
Thanks for the reality check, Goth.. Retweeted! Cha Oct 2019 #113
Yes, this is a great advantage for Biden 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #120
If EW kills it in the next few debates AND starts to appear electable, ecstatic Oct 2019 #123
No, she is East Coast-not attractive to the Rust belt - particularly WI and does not have the Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #4
Texas will be a battleground state unless the party nominates Warren or sanders Gothmog Oct 2019 #44
I agree...Arizona, Georgia and Colorado Senate seats also. Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #66
In Texas we are defending two flipped seats and seeking to flip 6 more Gothmog Oct 2019 #117
I know. We could lose the House and forcing red district Democrats to vote for impeachment is Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #142
Realize Biden has 100% voter recognition, while 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #67
EW has very good name recognition ... that is no longer an arguement Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #93
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #136
Sadly thanks to Trump she is not unknown...and I do not believe she will win the states we need. Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #167
Indeed! Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #91
Is she is or is she ain't ? eppur_se_muova Oct 2019 #5
tRump trying to bring Biden down with lies Bayard Oct 2019 #9
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #137
She's our best campaigner BeyondGeography Oct 2019 #11
IMO Not our best candidate, though she is a great candidate UncleNoel Oct 2019 #12
Head-to-Head polls suggest no - no she's not. Drunken Irishman Oct 2019 #15
I support Biden Turin_C3PO Oct 2019 #26
idk - after 2016, I am not sold on anything. Drunken Irishman Oct 2019 #36
My belief is also based on my gut feeling. Turin_C3PO Oct 2019 #41
I knew Hillary was going to lose 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #72
How could you have posted this revmclaren Oct 2019 #112
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #131
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #132
The OP seems to have Cha Oct 2019 #162
Yup... revmclaren Oct 2019 #165
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #161
Oh... a voice of sanity...thank you!! Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #97
Joe Biden bests Trump by 9 points Gothmog Oct 2019 #111
Is Elizabeth Warren our strongest and best candidate? DCofVA Oct 2019 #16
Thank you 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #73
It's your opinion Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #99
You're naive if you don't think Trump won't make up shit about Warren DrToast Oct 2019 #17
Sure, Trump will try to make up stuff about Warren 2_heal_my_country Oct 2019 #78
The Biden/Ukraine attacks aren't sticking either DrToast Oct 2019 #82
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #139
Biden does considerably better with independents compared to Warren DrToast Oct 2019 #143
What is going to harm Warren in the general is a big positive for her in the primary. TidalWave46 Oct 2019 #18
excellent post not_the_one Oct 2019 #19
... FirstLight Oct 2019 #22
Nope. I can see Mitt Romney launching a viable third party run.. Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #24
Moderate Democrats will vote for the nominee. Turin_C3PO Oct 2019 #25
I don't agree. Romney may present very well Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #28
I believe Turin_C3PO Oct 2019 #33
Romney would lay claim to the original ObamaCare and run as a moderate. nt Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #37
You sound hopeful BeyondGeography Oct 2019 #107
I'll be back to tell you, I told you so... Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #108
Don't worry, I'll write an OP in praise of your uncanny foresight BeyondGeography Oct 2019 #109
Great. You'll owe me one. I updated my post. See the article Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #110
Warren does not have the broad support that Biden does. Doodley Oct 2019 #29
And when all her plans are examined for what they would cost the taxpayers... Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #30
Indeed not, and she keeps that very close..not informing perspective voters how it will be Thekaspervote Oct 2019 #100
Agreed Doodley Oct 2019 #154
RCP polling averages qazplm135 Oct 2019 #32
Just like with Bernie, she hasn't been vetted. The media is all agog because Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #34
welp got news for ya qazplm135 Oct 2019 #38
I'm not talking about as nominee. I'm talking about the general... Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #40
no it's not qazplm135 Oct 2019 #43
You know what, I'm a 65 year old black woman who has been voting Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #52
I don't care who you are qazplm135 Oct 2019 #56
Obviously, you don't care. You are a very disrespectful individual. Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #58
I give respect qazplm135 Oct 2019 #60
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #144
It's in Turin_C3PO Oct 2019 #45
I've been with DU for over 15 years, and know the TOS, which I did not break... Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #47
and you STILL haven't said qazplm135 Oct 2019 #59
You did tell me to STFU and get in line. Don't try to clean it up now... Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #61
lol no, I didn't, here let me quote it for you again... qazplm135 Oct 2019 #62
Go play with someone else who might be entertained by your antics. Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #63
I have no care about entertainment qazplm135 Oct 2019 #64
Fear-mongering about these ambitious, investment-intensive plans is already afoot in RW circles. emmaverybo Oct 2019 #71
I don't know about right wing circles, but Amy Klobuchar. states... Kahuna7 Oct 2019 #74
I have outstanding student debt so that freebie would really help me. But I am against it. Get emmaverybo Oct 2019 #83
this fascination with picking the "strongest and best" qazplm135 Oct 2019 #31
Trump will lie about Warren as well. Then he will lie about the next front runner. emulatorloo Oct 2019 #50
"This will reduce Biden to relying on the anti-Trump vote and the Democratic base." lapfog_1 Oct 2019 #57
Not likely, as her message doesn't resonate with centrists beachbumbob Oct 2019 #65
No, she isn't. Not according to the polls. highplainsdem Oct 2019 #75
I prefer Biden's stance on nuclear power tirebiter Oct 2019 #81
Warren: Nuke Power Completely Phased Out By 2035 DrFunkenstein Oct 2019 #133
I believe Warren is the best candidate to address the massive economic problems in this country. LonePirate Oct 2019 #85
You articulated very well the BlueMTexpat Oct 2019 #94
For a short time in my life marlakay Oct 2019 #122
Glad that you too are BlueMTexpat Oct 2019 #125
Yes. She has my vote. Nazipuncher Oct 2019 #98
Biden continues to perform better than Warren in head-to-head match-ups against Trump Gothmog Oct 2019 #102
Retweeted! This is what I'm talking about! Cha Oct 2019 #114
You still haven't answered my question on how you could have posted revmclaren Oct 2019 #115
Warren is the best candidate imho I_UndergroundPanther Oct 2019 #116
She's hands down our best candidate for president jcgoldie Oct 2019 #124
Super Delegates anyone? Talk amongst yourselves. YOHABLO Oct 2019 #126
She's the best candidate, but not the strongest head-to-head against Trump Polybius Oct 2019 #129
I can't believe you said this...do you understand that no matter how great she is...if Trump wins, Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #145
I think the only difference between me and the other is that I admit it Polybius Oct 2019 #150
The GOP cheat like hell...we only win when we have strong numbers...but thanks. It blows my Demsrule86 Oct 2019 #153
If I thought that she would lose I wouldn't vote for her in the primary Polybius Oct 2019 #158
Yes Layzeebeaver Oct 2019 #130
Imagine Warren Debating Trump DrFunkenstein Oct 2019 #135
Possibly MoMof6 Oct 2019 #138
Does She Have a Problem? DrFunkenstein Oct 2019 #151
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2019 #146
Probably not, but she is one of the top. Joe941 Oct 2019 #147
This message was self-deleted by its author Mosby Oct 2019 #152
I wouldn't pay attention to the race at all if we nominated her Awsi Dooger Oct 2019 #160
You sound like the BlueMTexpat Oct 2019 #164
These are not the only major candidates to consider! MBS Oct 2019 #166
I think she is great, but.... Happy Hoosier Oct 2019 #169
I think she's strongest physically and mentally (in the top 3). NCLefty Oct 2019 #173
Without support from African American voters, I doubt that Warren will be the nominee Gothmog Oct 2019 #176
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