This pandemic has been rich fodder for ideas on UBI. I've been a proponent because I think a nation as developed as the US should have a minimum threshold of subsistence that isn't predicated on a welfare system. And the idea of single-payer HC is a no-brainer. I've used the NHS and Romania's system, and while all systems are flawed, neither would tolerate denying services or putting someone into bankruptcy because they were sick.

The big question is whether we've the stomach for reversing the trend since the 1950's of lining the pockets of Execs and shareholders at the expense of the workers. Many workers in the middle swath of the country have less real income today than they would have 30 years ago, accounting for inflation.

With both US healthcare and the welfare safety net, we are using the least efficient mechanisms at the highest cost and achieving a mediocre or substandard output. All of society benefits when there is a means for every person to live, thrive, and become more successful. Studies show people remain motivated even with something like UBI in place, not all but most. But when is everyone going to be responsible and do the right thing.

Living the past few years outside the US has reshaped my concept of normal. We are so willing to acquire or have debt ladled upon us. We accept it as part of the exchange, as even a sign we're making progress, when really it is often the opposite.

Sorry for the brain dump/ word dump but I think these are two concepts we must entertain for the US to continue to be a stable, healthy country.