Personally, I think it'll herald an evolutionary leap for our species, unleashing our raw collaborative potential.
But you can't say things like that out loud; people aren't ready for that kind of talk yet.
Depends on the job, I suppose.
Mine clearly has :)
Depends on the job, I suppose.
Mine clearly has :)
Because the possibility of having zero exists, and because it's a truly frightful scenario many real people face, we've all learned to measure ourselves by our distance from zero.
I hope when the machines turn us into batteries, they'll stick us in a matrix with UBI and Universal Healthcare.
I'm not in charge of the socials, so I'll confirm here for our lovely SM director that really any book (or thought) of Karl's is worth reading, and the one he linked is a great one to include in our next batch of recs! He's OG and always on point.
Fun fact, it even mentions Bootstraps, I believe.
Could stop won't stop.
#UBI
Yes.
I'd approach them sooner, with a clearer head, and with greater confidence.
I'd approach them sooner, with a clearer head, and with greater confidence.
Live now. Come chat UBI!
Nice!
![D66's Rise on Social Liberal Platform Sparks Debate on Shifting Political Labels
The Hague - The strong performance of the Dutch political party Democrats 66 (D66) in the general election on October 29, 2025, where they tied for the most seats, has ignited a conversation about the evolution of political ideologies. Running on an explicitly social liberal platform, D66's success, which included a proposal for an "individual basic amount" akin to a Universal Basic Income (UBI), has led many to observe a notable shift in how such policies are framed – from being decried as "Socialist" just a few years ago to now being considered "pragmatic centrism."
In the recent election, D66, led by Rob Jetten, secured 26 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, a significant gain that positioned them as a major force in the coalition negotiations.[1][2] Their campaign was characterized by a positive and forward-looking message, with analysts noting that voters were drawn to their "stable, centrist coalition" appeal.[3]
A key plank of their platform was the introduction of an "individual basic amount," a policy aimed at simplifying the current complex benefits system.[4] This proposal is seen by many as a form of UBI, an idea that has been debated in the Netherlands for decades.
Historically, the concept of a basic income has seen support from various corners of the Dutch political landscape. As far back as the 1990s, figures within D66 publicly favored the idea.[4] The GreenLeft party (GroenLinks) has also previously endorsed a form of negative income tax with the long-term goal of a basic income.[4] However, mainstream parties, including the Labour Party (PvdA) and the conservative VVD, have historically been more hesitant or outright opposed, often raising concerns about the work ethic and the underlying principles of the existing social security system.[5]
The recent success of D66's proposal has prompted reflection on a potential shift in the political discourse.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:weypikbrwodr2fsanloqjx6s/bafkreienj2htkaj6ma6zf2zvgw2aaiajkppzj3k6nqprml23bn5yq3dagu)
D66's Rise on Social Liberal Platform Sparks Debate on Shifting Political Labels The Hague - The strong performance of the Dutch political party Democrats 66 (D66) in the general election on October 29, 2025, where they tied for the most seats, has ignited a conversation about the evolution of political ideologies. Running on an explicitly social liberal platform, D66's success, which included a proposal for an "individual basic amount" akin to a Universal Basic Income (UBI), has led many to observe a notable shift in how such policies are framed – from being decried as "Socialist" just a few years ago to now being considered "pragmatic centrism." In the recent election, D66, led by Rob Jetten, secured 26 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, a significant gain that positioned them as a major force in the coalition negotiations.[1][2] Their campaign was characterized by a positive and forward-looking message, with analysts noting that voters were drawn to their "stable, centrist coalition" appeal.[3] A key plank of their platform was the introduction of an "individual basic amount," a policy aimed at simplifying the current complex benefits system.[4] This proposal is seen by many as a form of UBI, an idea that has been debated in the Netherlands for decades. Historically, the concept of a basic income has seen support from various corners of the Dutch political landscape. As far back as the 1990s, figures within D66 publicly favored the idea.[4] The GreenLeft party (GroenLinks) has also previously endorsed a form of negative income tax with the long-term goal of a basic income.[4] However, mainstream parties, including the Labour Party (PvdA) and the conservative VVD, have historically been more hesitant or outright opposed, often raising concerns about the work ethic and the underlying principles of the existing social security system.[5] The recent success of D66's proposal has prompted reflection on a potential shift in the political discourse.
![D66's "Individual Basic Amount": A Closer Look at the Proposal
The social-liberal party D66 has centered its successful 2025 election campaign on a significant overhaul of the Dutch social security system, introducing a proposal for an "individual basic amount" for every adult citizen. This plan, a cornerstone of their manifesto, aims to replace the current complex web of benefits and allowances with a single, more direct form of income support.
Core Principles of the Proposal:
The fundamental idea behind the "individual basic amount" is to provide a foundational income floor for all adults in the Netherlands.[1][2] This would function in two primary ways:
For those with sufficient income: It would act as a tax credit, reducing their overall tax burden.[3][4]
For those with little to no income: It would be disbursed as a direct cash payment.[3][4]
This system is designed to simplify the current labyrinthine benefits system, which D66 argues is overly bureaucratic and often difficult for citizens to navigate.[1] The party's manifesto explicitly states the goal is to move towards a system that offers more financial security and simplicity.
Phasing Out Existing Benefits:
A key component of the proposal is the gradual elimination of several existing allowances. The health and childcare allowances are specifically targeted to be eventually scrapped and integrated into the new "individual basic amount."[5] This consolidation is intended to streamline support and reduce the administrative overhead associated with the current multi-benefit system.
Funding the Transition:
D66 plans to finance this ambitious overhaul through a broader restructuring of the tax system. One of the primary funding mechanisms outlined is the phasing out of the existing mortgage interest tax relief.[6] Additionally, the party has proposed increasing taxes on wealth and introducing a "millionaire's tax" to generate further revenue. This approach signals a shift in the tax burden...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:weypikbrwodr2fsanloqjx6s/bafkreidzwuihv4hmobifafipe7y2hts73c6o6rsx5ba6voz2tmo62no2ci)
D66's "Individual Basic Amount": A Closer Look at the Proposal The social-liberal party D66 has centered its successful 2025 election campaign on a significant overhaul of the Dutch social security system, introducing a proposal for an "individual basic amount" for every adult citizen. This plan, a cornerstone of their manifesto, aims to replace the current complex web of benefits and allowances with a single, more direct form of income support. Core Principles of the Proposal: The fundamental idea behind the "individual basic amount" is to provide a foundational income floor for all adults in the Netherlands.[1][2] This would function in two primary ways: For those with sufficient income: It would act as a tax credit, reducing their overall tax burden.[3][4] For those with little to no income: It would be disbursed as a direct cash payment.[3][4] This system is designed to simplify the current labyrinthine benefits system, which D66 argues is overly bureaucratic and often difficult for citizens to navigate.[1] The party's manifesto explicitly states the goal is to move towards a system that offers more financial security and simplicity. Phasing Out Existing Benefits: A key component of the proposal is the gradual elimination of several existing allowances. The health and childcare allowances are specifically targeted to be eventually scrapped and integrated into the new "individual basic amount."[5] This consolidation is intended to streamline support and reduce the administrative overhead associated with the current multi-benefit system. Funding the Transition: D66 plans to finance this ambitious overhaul through a broader restructuring of the tax system. One of the primary funding mechanisms outlined is the phasing out of the existing mortgage interest tax relief.[6] Additionally, the party has proposed increasing taxes on wealth and introducing a "millionaire's tax" to generate further revenue. This approach signals a shift in the tax burden...
This just happened in the The Netherlands today. The centrist "D66" party, running on a platform that includes a universal basic income, won the most votes, positioning its leader to become the new PM. You heard that right, UBI is now a moderate position there and seen as a pragmatic solution to AI.
Join us live to talk UBI!
The health and wellbeing of my fellow Americans.
The health and wellbeing of my fellow Americans.
Livestreaming now! Come talk the latest in UBI with us.
The phrase "pick yourself up by your bootstraps" was originally coined as a way to insult people for trying to do something obviously impossible.
Somewhere along the way, we forgot it was mockery and took it as inspiration, a deluded twisting of the American Dream in which we all must be Superman.
Livestreaming now, let's talk UBI!
"UBI is not a theory in search of proof; it’s a foundation in search of political will."
Important article by @scottsantens responding to the recent wave of high profile articles cherry-picking weird study data to pretend that UBI has failed.
scottsantens.substack.com/p/the-report...
That's a cool ass life.
Trick question. I want to learn all the skills.
Join us livestreaming to chat the latest in the world of UBI!
@netrootsnation.bsky.social #NN25 was incredible!
We showed a sneak peek of BOOTSTRAPS, our #UBI docuseries, and the interactive discussion (facilitated by @theubiguy.bsky.social and @corineolarte.bsky.social) was so engaging it went over time!
Curious about what's next? Follow us! 🎥
If Universal Basic Income was part of your life, how would your relationship with your community transform?
Think about your daily interactions. Would you find yourself more or less connected and supportive? How might it change your sense of security?
#UBI #HumansofUBI #AudienceAnswers
Come join the livestream, let's talk UBI!
The @bootstrapstv.bsky.social project is something that Emmy award-winning director @deiafilm.bsky.social and @theubiguy.bsky.social have been working on since 2016. After a decade of prep, filming and post-prod, 2026 is its due date. Help us fund 100+ nationwide screenings.
givebutter.com/9sEnIs
Corine and I will be presenting at Netroots Nation in New Orleans this week. Is anybody going to be there? Come see some of our docuseries and talk UBI with us!
