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So as we are generally a technically minded set of people on here, with one eye always on the future, what do people think? Is UBI inevitable? Is it desirable? Personally I think probably both. It is at least worth trying. It is a step towards reducing inequality, and will provide an element of empowerment to the disenfranchised, and so perhaps alleviate some social tensions. It will also drastically simplify existing complex and expensive welfare programmes. UBI needn't be hugely expensive either, an overhaul of the taxation system to make it more genuinely progressive could free up huge quantities of money.
It's a fundamental element of 'technocracy' with an energy-denominated monetary system. Looks now like they will call it 'carbon credits.' With 5G the system on-line (and a global calamity of some nature) 'technocracy' can be switched on.
Don't get your hopes of for a taxation system which touches 'the rich'. This is the group which is pushing the system. Technocracy with it's UBI will be feudalism and there won't be as many 'lords' as there were back in the day. Probably only one.