[toomuchtodo]

It would cost whatever citizens collectively are willing to shave off of wealth and productivity with taxes. You wouldn’t set a monthly amount and then throw your hands up and say it’s unaffordable. You’d start with the max amount you could reasonably convince a majority of citizens (who vote) to support and work backwards.

I’m not an expert, by any means, but to say it’s impossible seems flippant and intellectually dishonest. A better way to approach it would be with caution and the understanding that a lot of research and effort is going to be required if it’s to be implemented soundly (or determined to be untenable).

[the-dude]

It is dishonest not to set a minimum amount : you said it yourself, it needs to cover the Basic stuff. So there is a minimum.

For the EU, this is in the ballpark € 1000 - € 1500 - € 2000 ( we already have people on 'benefits' in NL, so there is consensus about this 'living minimum' ).

If you would really care so much as you claim you do, you could have easily provided a basic budget for this grand plan.

But you can't.

[toomuchtodo]

I appreciate the snark, but there’s a reason policy is made in real life and not on “Hacker News.”

[the-dude]

Exactly. In real life you run the numbers and that is why we don't have UBI.

[toomuchtodo]

Because something has not yet been done, does not mean it cannot be done.