The first step would be to remove the fear that a UBI would mean more taxes on already overtaxed wages and salaries.
The accelerating "wages" earned by the factor of production called "capital" should be a major source of government revenue.
But, sadly, corporate owners of automation get greatest call on such returns, while trade unions are increasingly powerless to snatch back a portion for the human workforce.
Interesting, then, that in tandem with talk of UBI is more open discussion around another Social Credit policy.
It's the FTT (Financial Transaction Tax) -- called a "Robin Hood" tax in Europe. This is a tax which would fall mainly on the financial markets that trade trillions of dollars a day. The NZ dollar alone (the 11th most traded in the world) turns over a daily amount of over $1 billion.
At only .025c taxed automatically on each dollar (a marvellous use of automation) we would be looking conservatively at near $100b per year for Treasury to allocate to UBI, including superannuation.
The really basic issue, though, is the question of who shall own and control robotry and so collect directly what automation earns.
This question is central to the whole discussion on income inequality.
So, not just politicians but women's groups, Rotary, churches, universities all need to promote basic income ideas before current income trends become further entrenched.
There is plenty of expertise on the subject. Use it.
HEATHER MARION SMITH
Gisborne
Thanks, A&E
I would like to say a very big thank you to all the staff who were working at Whanganui Hospital's A&E department on the afternoon of Sunday, January 9.
The prompt, thorough and careful attention they gave to my husband was outstanding.
The cup of tea to both of us was very much appreciated, too.
Thank you.
LORRAINE PEARSON
Marton
Alternative ideas
Nelson Lebo's "2016 year of misinformation" was so correct and touched on some of the bull***t that we get fed by our politicians, etc, on a regular basis.
Take the case of solar panels. Made in China (what isn't?) using coal-fired, pollution-creating power stations.
We have politicians backing these panels and telling us the surplus power can be sold back to the power companies.
I thought power companies were there to sell power, not buy it off the consumer. The companies have already reduced their pay-back rate and there is no guarantee it will continue in the future.
The other point Mr Lebo made was regarding heat transfer systems. We have ventilation companies promoting the pumping of ceiling air to the living space below. When the air in the ceiling space is hot in the summer and cold in the winter, why would you?
What's more, these systems require a filter to clean this dirty air, and there is also the possibility of pumping chemical contaminants from the building materials into your living space.
Sadly, warming our houses with our hydro, geothermal and wind power would be a lot more affordable if our recently departed Phantom Banker (aka Prime Minister) hadn't sold off 49 per cent of our public assets.
These companies, of course, require a market-based profit and a million-dollar CEO to head them.
The latest from the Wellington Wombles is self-drive electric cars. Is the Minister of Transport serious? I didn't think it was possible to have two stupid ideas wrapped up in one package.
Why would you pay thousands of dollars for a self-drive car when a taxi or bus will do the same job? They will also have limited applications. Electric cars are also expensive and will create, I am sure, recycling problems -- as in battery disposal after 10 years or so.
The internal combustion engine is still the most efficient way to power a motor vehicle, from the point of view of materials, cost of manufacture and recycling. Clean fuel can also be sourced from all sorts of plants and byproducts. Even hydrogen extracted from water via electricity is possible, and the byproduct is water vapour.
This, of course, won't happen as long as there are oilfields and oil companies, and politicians with a three-year vision and no practical experience.
A BARRON
Whanganui
