Imagine a world where regardless of the weather, every season yielded a bountiful harvest; people were happy and all shared equally in the fruits of labor.
Except this is likely a utopian vision that will likely never come to pass. Yet that has not stopped governments, economists and scientists from devising all manners of policy and legislation to push humanity closer towards that goal.
One such instrument that has been mentioned often – the Universal Basic Income (UBI), has been gaining steam recently in the wake of the massive inequalities exacerbated by COVID-19.
UBI is a simple concept and in theory sounds great. Free cash every month, for everyone, unconditionally. Even Silicon Valley titans and the Wall Street elite have voiced their support.
Growing up on SNAP and government assistance, believe me when I say I am familiar with the welfare state. For those who know of my unlikely success story in professional MMA, I was able to – through a combination of grit, hard work and good fortune – avail myself from this system.
Having longed for and finally being able to escape the clutches of poverty that had gripped my family for a long time, I am less than thrilled about yet another social safety net like UBI.
I shared my initial thoughts on social media, which included a study of contrasts. Two lions, one caged and the other free to be in the wild. I meant to insinuate that despite the caged lion having the simple creature comforts provided for, it appeared less than carefree.
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Let’s just say my post garnered a few strong reactions. Some accused me of turning my back on a system that had helped me now that I was financially better off. Others misconstrued my remarks of “be careful what you push for” as “hating” on the poor. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Breaking the cycle will always be a source of pride but it does not blind me to the struggles of the poor. Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” As a Christian, I too recognize the plight of the poor and have a desire to help those in need.
I understand UBI has its merits, especially where it concerns the poor, sick or the disabled. These people genuinely require assistance, and I would certainly support the idea of welfare and even deem it deserving in these instances.
In my message “be careful what you push for”, I believe we should be wary of the leeches in society. These are individuals who are perfectly capable of earning a living but choose not to, instead wholly exploiting these social safety nets to sustain themselves.
Know of a friend or family member who simply refuses to get a job because he/she has six months of unemployment benefits left to collect?
How about those teetering just above the poverty line, knowing full well gainful employment would put them above the threshold for government assistance? Like it or not, many are trapped and enslaved by the very system built to help them.
The super wealthy frame UBI as a means of restoring income equality, which is laughable. Offering just enough to keep citizens compliant sounds less like a path towards equality and more like a road to dystopia.
When we are busy eating the scraps off their table, I wonder how many will notice these powerful corporations in league with the government to keep us feeding off their hand?
There are alternatives to improving economic mobility. Subsidized employment or even raising the minimum wage could benefit future generations without handicapping our present.
Outside of the poor or needy, fighting for one’s own survival is not just an act of personal responsibility. It is a freedom we ought to cherish, and one that has no price.
Once we are trained to depend on a free handout, how much more control will we cede to the government?
That is not a future I would ever entertain.