Re:Trends that will create demand for an Unconditional Basic...
by dllthomas on Thursday July 11, 2013 @07:58PM
(#6030070)
If by "go there" you mean revolution, I agree - we don't want to go there.
In terms of whether the US could legally establish a BI without constitutional amendment, I am inclined to agree that it's allowed.
I think there is some argument for avoiding a simple majoritarian decision for how the rate is determined; I am not certain whether it is a sufficient one, but I don't think there's reason it shouldn't be part of the discussion, and constitutional amendment is the most secure process to elevate something above majority rule in the US.
I disagree that it "often takes a revolution" to amend the US constitution - if there is enough popular support that amending by that means would be practical, amending without it should be - and indeed, only twice of the 17 times we've amended the constitution has it involved a revolution (once successful, once unsuccessful).
In terms of whether the US could legally establish a BI without constitutional amendment, I am inclined to agree that it's allowed.
I think there is some argument for avoiding a simple majoritarian decision for how the rate is determined; I am not certain whether it is a sufficient one, but I don't think there's reason it shouldn't be part of the discussion, and constitutional amendment is the most secure process to elevate something above majority rule in the US.
I disagree that it "often takes a revolution" to amend the US constitution - if there is enough popular support that amending by that means would be practical, amending without it should be - and indeed, only twice of the 17 times we've amended the constitution has it involved a revolution (once successful, once unsuccessful).