If some people had their way, you would receive a monthly check just for living. This idea is gaining so much steam all over the world, which leads us to ask the question: is Switzerland the land of common sense? It appears so.
On Sunday, Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to implement a guaranteed minimum income just for breathing. The results from the weekend’s referendum found that just 23 percent of Swiss voters supported the measure, while 77 percent were against it.
Although specific details were not stated in the proposal, proponents of this policy measure pegged the number at approximately $2,555 per month. Moreover, they suggested that every single Swiss citizen would receive a minimum income, whether they’re working, unemployed or retired.
Supporters say it’s important to have a minimum income because of the soaring cost of living in Switzerland. They also note that it wold shield unskilled workers from facing unemployment due to automation and outsourcing. Ultimately, those in favor of a guarantee minimum income think it offers greater freedom for Swiss citizens.
Inside Switzerland, critics lambasted the plan, calling it a disincentive to work and an expensive concept to implement that would hurt the economy. The federal government and most of the nation’s political parties were against the proposal. There was a general consensus that it would lead to higher taxes, diminish companies’ competitiveness and undermine social cohesion.
Unfortunately, the movement hasn’t died in Switzerland. Backers of the plan say the unconditional basic income concept is gaining momentum with each passing year. One supporter said the movement has garnered a “moral victory.”
“As a businessman I am a realist and had reckoned with 15 percent support, now it looks like more than 20 percent or maybe even 25 percent. I find that fabulous and sensational,” Daniel Haeni told Swiss Info. “When I see the media interest, from abroad as well, then I say we are setting a trend.”
Others also say the plan would allow them focus on what they truly enjoy in life and not just work.
“For me it would be a great opportunity to put my focus on my passion and not go to work just for a living,” a 26-year-old carpenter told the newspaper.
Another person explained that money shouldn’t be in this world.
“I voted ‘yes’ because money does not really have its place in this world, it is so arbitrary and linked to power games,” said Ronnie Lehmann, a 37-year-old bicycle mechanic. “But I’m not surprised the proposal got rejected, the world is not ready for it yet.”
In a separate referendum Sunday, voters also overwhelmingly opposed a plan to require state-controlled firms to not seek a profit.
Common sense has prevailed in Switzerland! It’s sad, however, that more jurisdictions will flirt with this basic income nonsense (SEE: Basic Income Guarantee: A disastrous policy that’s gaining traction worldwide).
Let’s end wealth confiscation, let’s rid ourselves with government welfare and let’s focus on liberty and freedom once again. A minimum income guarantee will only confiscate more wealth, diminish our liberty and expand the welfare state.
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