Thread by @AliVelshi

1/7

I have a friend, @PeterDiamandis, who says that “the day before something is truly a breakthrough, it's a crazy idea.” And crazy ideas are very risky to attempt. But here's one crazy idea that may be worth attempting now: Universal Basic Income. #velshi #UBI

2/7

#UBI is a big idea & there are many versions of it, but it goes something like this: every citizen, regardless of employment status, gets a modest income from the state, no strings attached. It allows them to live ABOVE the poverty line w/o the bureaucracy of means-testing.

3/7

#UBI not only serves those who fall through the cracks, but also the caregivers, gig workers, contract workers, part-timers, freelancers, home workers & people who care for their children receiving no healthcare or childcare benefits through their employers #velshi

4/7

More than 3/4 of American workers live paycheck to paycheck. More than half earn shockingly low wages. 40 million Americans are food insecure. Not to mention that our already highly automated society is about to get more automated. #velshi #ubi

5/7

In 29 states, truck driving is the most common job, yet we are in overdrive to eliminate those jobs with self-driving vehicles. Even iPhone maker Foxconn is replacing its workers with robots. More people enter the workforce every year, but more jobs, ultimately, won't.

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Universal Basic Income has its critics & its detractors: mostly those who say it will cost too much, promote unemployment or worse, laziness & that it's unsustainable. But consider it this way: if #UBI could happen at NO additional cost to you, would you support the idea?

7/7

While America is on pause, we have a moment to think about rebuilding our damaged house, and to think about things like Universal Basic Income. Let's make it a home where the American Dream is truly attainable for all. #velshi #ubi