A New Vision for Economic Freedom: The Case for Capitalist Yeoman
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Chapter 1: The Challenge of UBI
As advancements in artificial intelligence continue to rise, many jobs are at risk of disappearing, potentially exacerbating inequality. The owners of capital may capture nearly all economic benefits, leaving the majority behind.
To counter this looming crisis, Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been proposed as a solution. However, the first concern regarding UBI lies in its economic implications. Over the years, economic growth has stagnated, partly due to increased government intervention. Instead of redistributing the existing economic pie through UBI, we could focus on revitalizing growth by reducing regulations, taxes, and bureaucratic hurdles.
Some proponents suggest that UBI should replace the current welfare system rather than supplement it, but this approach would only address some growth limitations. Ultimately, most UBI advocates would support a UBI initiative, regardless of whether it involved cuts to existing spending, leading to further centralization of power while distracting citizens with superficial benefits.
Section 1.1: Political Implications of UBI
Another significant issue with UBI is its political ramifications. With the promise of ever-increasing payments, elections could devolve into bidding wars using taxpayer money. Candidates might compete with offers like, "I’ll provide $2,000 a month!" or "No, I’ll provide $3,000!" As UBI expands, so will taxes, which could stifle small and medium-sized businesses, ultimately resulting in a vast, unaccountable government aligned with a few corporate allies.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Psychological Effect
The psychological aspects of UBI also deserve attention. People tend to care more about local issues where they have a significant influence than broader, less personal matters. When individuals feel empowered in their immediate surroundings, they become more engaged and responsible. Conversely, if the majority feel powerless in a larger system, they may become apathetic and disengaged, while the elite could develop a sense of superiority and disdain for those they perceive as inferior.
Instead of distributing financial aid indiscriminately, we should encourage self-sufficiency and personal responsibility through homesteading.
Section 1.2: Embracing Homesteading
Rather than receiving money solely for being an American, individuals should earn their livelihoods. For instance, after 2-4 years of national service, people could receive land to cultivate, ideally around 1 to 2 acres per person for a sustainable homestead.
Imagine service members being granted "5 acres and a machine." With advancing technology, the potential for land use will only improve, allowing for innovative living solutions like underground, underwater, or even extraterrestrial farms. This self-sufficient farm should be integrated into a broader community model, with opportunities for supplemental income available in the private sector.
If AI disrupts many private sector jobs, there remains no justification for providing handouts. Public sector employment should thrive, ideally managed by local and state governments to promote diversity and decentralization in political power. While the initial focus may center on essential work, future roles could shift towards more engaging tasks such as survival skills, driving, or civic education.
Chapter 2: The Path Forward
In a world characterized by abundance, the narrative will shift from a simplistic view of "government bad" to a focus on leveraging local governance to cultivate our better selves. Individuals will have the chance to invest their supplemental earnings in luxury goods and stocks, ultimately achieving financial independence through investment income.
The future lies in fostering a community of capitalist yeomen! While a single, globally-managed agricultural system might appear more efficient, the importance of checks and balances in maintaining freedom cannot be overstated. We must prioritize long-term liberty over immediate satisfaction. Rather than adopting a globalist agenda of "owning nothing and being happy," our goal should be to restore America as a nation of proud owners.