I never thought about the UBI in those terms but I think the article makes a convincing case. I am always unnerved by the very common perception that those who benefit from government services somehow give up some of their liberties. Such policies include drug testing welfare recipients, and regressive taxes on sugar and cigarettes. A UBI would certainly change the scope of meddling by politicians.

I also think it's naive to assume that all the other government welfare agencies would step aside quietly. The patch-work of programs wasn't an accident and a UBI will likely by another patch in an ever-growing bureaucracy.