Some people get very upset at the idea of a basic income: “but but some people wouldn't work”. So what? Most people not employed would find useful things to do. Some would indeed become couch potatoes but they're probably not the ones you want in the workplace anyway.

While we have to put up with teh contrivance that is "money", can we not instead look to replace most benefits with a notion that "the government is your employer - you want your giro? here's a litter picking stick*"

ST, I've read a few Ben Elton books that comedically consider future horrors born of the millenial generation.. And I note that House of Cards (in so far as i've watched) has the "government employer" concept.. Star Trek has the most useful future and perhaps one you describe; empowered by technology that provides for every material need, money is done away with and people get on with a determined effort to advance the civilisation. It's a bit too much of a leap for most though, i think, because money as a regulator is such an ingrained concept


* or whatever for-the-public-good occupation suits your incapacity

Posted By: fostertom

Posted By: cjardcan we not instead look to replace most benefits with a notion that "the government is your employer - you want your giro? here's a litter picking stick

I can't tell whether that's a suggestion, or satirical?

Thats the situation here - the unemployed have some time on unemployment then move to social support where the continued payments are dependent upon the recipient turning up for the community based work.

The system works, the police report lower crime because the unemployed have their time filled and are not on the streets and the community areas are better maintained and other projects get done that otherwise would not happen. I also know cases where people have refused the work, preferring to do without the state support rather than do the work. Great - saves society money and why pay someone who is not prepared to do anything for society supporting them.

And another thing they do here is that child allowance is linked to school attendance. Too much nonattendance and child allowance is cut. Truancy (defined as the child bunking of school) and non attendance (defined as parents not bothering to send their kids to school) has been significantly cut.