[throwaway991199]

The answer is not basic income.

Look at this Graph for the US as an example.

http://www.cbpp.org/sites/default/files/styles/report_371px/...

Social Security 24% Health Care 25% Safety Net Programs 10% Benefits for Retirees 8%

Social programs according to this consist of 67% of the total budget.

Where is the money going to come from?

Also, you know what happened to France when they hiked up their Tax rates? They moved to London. Where did the Russians go? They moved to London. Where did the Greek millionaires/Billionaires go, probably London.

The rich in the US have already started making plans on where to go, there are a lot of places for them to live.

If you think Basic Income is going to be the solution. I'm very sorry to tell you. It's not!

[tonyedgecombe]

So a substantial portion of the US is already getting basic income, remove the progressive tax system and replace that with basic income and everybody gets it without spending any more.

[jedmeyers]

A lot of people don't feel that everyone should be getting an unconditional income.

[yks]

then a lot of people will try to run from the hungry mobs when time comes. or suppress them by force, redistributing their money to the force of course, so much for hard-earned income.

[tonyedgecombe]

True, and I think they are probably wrong.

[icebraining]

Also, you know what happened to France when they hiked up their Tax rates? They moved to London. Where did the Russians go? They moved to London. Where did the Greek millionaires/Billionaires go, probably London.

Expatriation tax (for existing wealth) plus sales tax (for new income). It doesn't matter where they live if the money is taxed at the source.

[Qantourisc]

If that is the case: beware of pitchforks in the long run.