Basic Income Response Paper

In the article by Brishen Rogers, ‘Basic income in a Just Society’, he argues about having a more efficient response when it comes to the automated system. He advocates for policies that will guide us forward in the waves of automation that we are anticipating that will be there in future (Brishen n.p). In the article, as we approach a system that will largely depend on automated machines like roots and Apps means that many people will be out of their jobs, further increasing unemployment rates. As such, Rogers provides that we should, For the sake of the employment, revamp the public sector and come up with a new way of collective bargaining system. In my opinion, the basic income model is a good place to start with when considering restoring the dignity of the citizens. The model offers double the amount which will be standard for welfare and is most likely to yield positive results in terms of reducing the disparity in wealth gap.

Rogers believe that reports about death of work are an exaggeration. He says that there is a line between innovation and exploitation. It is true that there are those that are benefiting from the new technology as it allows them to use their skills and there are those that have a little advantage over it. Most of them will have less wages, less personal time and unpredictable schedules. And under the present laws such trends will go up. It is funny when Rogers point out that the economy of the 1930’s still inspires our law (Brishen n.p). However, he is correct because it is definitely not working with the new economy that largely relies on automated machines. To support his view, it is high time to consider that people are anticipating for a basic income because it is their only sense of hope with the current status. I believe that basic income will be the prominent social policy that will be workable in the 21^st century (Brishen n.p). If we look at other economies around the world, they are experimenting with basic income and supporters believe that it will help do away with issues such as poverty and also provide the people with social foundation in the unknown future.

According to the article, the increase in automation means that more industries are considering computers because it helps to cut down on costs and increase in sales (Brishen n.p). As such, the workers cannot plead with computer’s emotions by asking for more or less time, a raise and such. I believe that it is impossible to stop change, more so in technology. However, it is the duty of the labor force to cater for all those people who will not have an autonomy once the automated machines come in. it is important to consider what is next for the workforce that will be out of demand and give them alternatives for survival. It is agreeable with Rogers that a society is responsible in giving the people a social foundation for the anticipated future rather than dropping them at the time of need. A universal income is a necessity as AI take over most human jobs. Basic income is the way forward in social policy in the 21^st century.

According to reports families taking part in the social economy projects about employment, housing, and community action have illuminated their contribution to the elimination of poverty in their areas. Therefore, giving them a basic income will help them do more. It is not like this population comprises of people who stay and wait for the government to step in. nonetheless, they are hardworking individuals that are working for a system that deprives them of the opportunity to thrive. I am a pro-basic income and also the outlier in this. Although I am excited to see various experiments that will shed light on the evidence, I believe that spending money on high quality public amenities and services is far more, a workable approach. It should be the priority when it comes to the minimum wage society and will help in civic cohesion as well as individual agency.in addition, it is acceptable to a most voters and more likely to boost economic growth. So, what are we waiting for? My support goes for the implementation of basic income as the solution to a problem that we are yet to have. Maybe there will be mass employment and I will also be willing to change my mind if that happens. However, at the moment my prediction is that the future will be all about massive automation. Even though the policy response then was not efficient enough, the idea of a machine apocalypse demanding the state to make all of us pensioners is too much.

  In response to Dorian T. Warren, agrees that a universal PLUS Basic Income would be necessary in white America. According to her, advocating for U+Bal will provide for political will within black communities as well as across racial and ethnic divides in America(Dorian n.p). This is also agreeable as well because the model is not only acceptable but preferable to most people. There is so much hope in the model because it is similar to other basic-income models and also has pro-rated additional amount for African Americans. This will ease the tensions that come with racism and all that. Most of the problems that we have about racism stem from income divide and this model will help diminish that problem. All races stand to benefit, especially black people. See, it’s a win-win situation.

In another response by Juliana Bidadanure, believes that basic income would be a matter of residency, but not citizenship. She supports Rogers when he says that basic income of for citizens is unfair as well as troubling. Juliana believes that basic income is a tool that helps people out of economic deprivation and it is morally wrong to exclude a group of people who are not only marginalized but also deprived. Refusing basic income to such people only makes them vulnerable to exploitation. This means that workers will not be able to redeem themselves of menial jobs if their income is not substantial. Juliana believes that if basic income movement is inclusive of the voices of all races and groups such as immigrants it will help us move away from the fear of a division of America. As such, everyone, including the immigrants have a right to progress and a basic income for all will ensure that. In my opinion, Juliana has also considered another group that contributes significantly to the American economy and it is not wise to leave it out for any reason.

Works Cited

Brishen, Rogers. Basic Income in a Just Society. Boston Review. Retrieved From: 

http://bostonreview.net/forum/brishen-rogers-basic-income-just-society May 15, 2017.

Dorian T. Warren. Basic Income in a Just Society. Boston Review. Retrieved From: 

http://bostonreview.net/forum/basic-income-just-society/dorian-t-warren-reparations-and-basic-income May 15, 2017.

Juliana, Bidadanure. Basic Income in a Just Society. Boston Review. Retrieved From: 

http://bostonreview.net/forum/basic-income-just-society/juliana-bidadanure-basic-income-convergence May 15, 2017.