8 Reasons Why Universal Basic Income Is Not The Answer

Free Money ALWAYS Has Strings Attached...Sometimes Enough To Hang You!

One of my staple sayings is, “If it’s free, it’s for me!”

I love free money! If I hit the lotto and never had to work for the rest of my life, it would probably be the greatest day of my life!!

Then, why am I against Universal Basic Income in most scenarios?

8 Reality Checks As To Why Universal Basic Income (UBI) Could Be Detrimental for Americans

Per the Oxford Dictionary, the definition for Universal Basic Income (UBI) is financial support provided by a government in the form of standard, recurring payments to individuals without the need for pre-qualification. UBI has gained traction as a potential solution to economic inequality and AI-induced job displacement. However, all that glitters is not gold….

1. Vindictive Power Elites

If individuals protest or voice dissent against prevailing government policies, they could face cuts or suspensions of their UBI out of spite; leading to a loss of financial security tied to their perceived non-compliance from those who ultimately finance their fate! People can be vindictive when they have power over their adversaries and government officials on either side of the political divide are no different! Ex: What if a UBI-funded street protestor on the left, offends a sitting governor on the right? What if a right-leaning influencer on UBI goes viral with an attack on an incumbent mayor who favors leftist policies? 

Facial recognition technology, social media monitoring, and cell phone location tracking are already available for government officials to hunt down alleged offenders.

I can see a peeved person in political power using their influence to “inconvenience” their UBI-funded opponents with red tape or accidentally rendering them ineligible for future funding. Cynical as charged in this case!

2. Government Control, Loss of Autonomy, and Strings Attached

With UBI, there is a risk that the government could impose conditions on financial support, putting the poor in a position to trade freedom for finances! There’s always a "catch" when something free is dispensed. Often, there’s a hidden cost, unforeseen inconvenience, or ulterior motive in enticing “something for nothing” scenarios. Who knows what the government will want…but we know they will want SOMETHING for their free money! The remaining taxpayers will demand it!

Does anyone really think there WON’T be any unexpected strings attached for their "free" UBI payments? Please! Even your grandma will still stopping baking your favorite cookies if you don’t give her a wet, sloppy kiss of gratitude!

3. Insufficient Financial Support

While UBI promises a steady income, the amount provided may still not be enough to cover basic living expenses. Many Americans already struggle with housing, healthcare, and food costs. A minimal UBI may not bridge the gap, still leaving recipients in precarious financial situations. Then what?

4. Loss of Another Social Milieu

Work provides us another social environment to meet new people. After one finishes college, work is the next most common environment where many people meet potential romantic partners and friends. If work goes the way of the dodo bird, so does another outlet of social connection and cohesion. I guess those Meetup groups will surge in popularity after UBI is established!

There’s a definite societal trend in the West where people are reporting they are feeling more isolated than ever, as almost 50% of Americans report feeling lonely and isolated.

Worse, extreme loneliness has been linked to a host of health maladies such as cardiovascular illness, increased substance abuse, depression, and even dementia. 

5. Loss of Identity and Purpose for Some

Work provides not just income, but also a sense of purpose and identity for many secular people. Without the structure and meaning that can come from a fulfilling career, many secular people may struggle to find meaning in their daily lives, even if most of their financial needs for basic necessities are met.

Can one just smoke weed, get laid, and gorge on food - all day, every day, for the rest of their lives - and still feel content?

6. Inflationary Pressures

Injecting large sums of money into the economy through UBI could lead to inflation. As demand for goods and services increases due to more disposable income entering the economy, prices may rise. This upward price spiral diminishes the purchasing power of UBI itself, thereby ironically negating its intended benefits.

If everybody is a millionaire, then being a millionaire loses it’s cache — and also its accompanying purchasing power!

7. Potential for Dependency

While UBI aims to provide financial stability for unlucky jobseekers and the working poor, it might inadvertently foster dependency on government support.

This could demotivate people from seeking employment or pursuing education, leading to a cycle of reliance that undermines personal responsibility and ambition.

Do your dependents control you…or do you have leverage over your dependents through the power of the purse or wallet? Same goes for the government who pays all your bills.

8. Undermining Existing Social Safety Nets

A shift to UBI could result in cuts to other essential social programs, such as healthcare, education, and housing assistance due to a shrinking tax base.

This could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who rely on these services, ultimately leaving them worse off than before. Even a well-meaning social spending program is not a bottomless resource or a cure-all.

When a tax base in an area shrinks, cuts to municipal services, such as public transportation, healthcare, and education feel the brunt of a budget deficit - and affect the most vulnerable. Ironically, this is the same population UBI seeks to help!

Conclusion - You Lose Autonomy…and More…When You Rely Exclusively on the Government

While the idea of Universal Basic Income may sound appealing in theory, its practical implications raise significant concerns for American society.

From insufficient support and potential government control to the risks of dependency and inflation, there are numerous reasons to approach UBI with caution.

Perhaps, UBI can work to cover the “bills gap” for the working poor or the long-term unemployed, but I can’t see it rolled out writ large for 350 million Americans — without modern life being totally upended for the worse!

My dad always said, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Either someone else foots the bill…or you do…via the law of unintended consequences!