The Universal basic income is a popular idea these days, and the truth is IF you could get rid of the entire welfare system and replace it with a UBI I'd probably get behind it. Not because I want a welfare state but simply because it would take power away from the state by dramatically reducing the size and control the government had over people's lives.

Stockton is testing the UBI on a few dozen of its citizens, but it's not going to get the result it wants because it's not running a true test.

Stockton plans to give a few dozen of its citizens $500, no strings attached. How is that a basic income? Nobody can live on $500 a month, in fact, 500 bucks aren't going to make any real difference in anyone's lives.

If you want a real test give them $2,000 and see what happens. Se how many people quit their minimum wage job and start living off the state.

See how many young people decided not to get that entry level job where they learn the skills that will serve them throughout their working lives.

See how many people lose their sense of self-worth as resign themselves to an unfulfilling life.

The UBI is not a good idea. Like most government programs it will not have the desired effect of providing security. It will, however, make more people dependent on the government for its basic needs and I think that is perhaps the ultimate goal.