The United States economy is going to get so out of whack that the only way out will be through Billionaires offering up some of their wealth as charity. However, they will offer it as credit within their systems, like coupons for their online platforms.
Instead of a progressive tax being used to create public programs that ensure all have the basics needs of life met (clean air, clean water, healthy food, adequate shelter, health care, child care, education, and other necessities), citizens will be asked to choose where they can get the best deal. Of course, a progressive tax could ensure that no one is hungry, homeless, or without health care, but apparently that is not what we have been allowed to choose as a society.
Instead of taking care of each other through larger economic means we will need to calculate where we individually can leverage what little resources we have by using the patriotism coupons offered by the largest online companies.
There will be no universal basic income, only rebates for use, loyalty rewards.
This will engender inclusion into membership as those companies subjects. We will be like dual citizens, or rather multi-citizens. However, the citizenship is opting into what businesses you most support rather than emigrating to another physical country.
Loyalty and surrender of personal information will be the cost of citizenship as a subject of the techno-overlords. This can be calculated through use of their platforms. That’s how you get the minimum to survive in this new economy. We are techno-serfs.
We have entered into a time of techno feudalism which others have defined well. See Yanis Varoufakis’ work.
A short introduction here:
https://youtu.be/Fhgm5b8BR0k?si=xoPZJMniLGOpuagj
In conversation here:
https://youtu.be/JKzlB_jrOyk?si=5UdqXjB59666x7o9
However my small epiphany this morning was this: I thought that the fascists taking control of this country might use a universal basic payment (not ongoing income) to placate the masses. This would be a check with the President’s signature on it. Now I think we instead will get electronic coupons with credit cards, online stores, and online memberships as economic relief. In some ways we already are. To be clear, we may still get a $1000 check from the President, but the offering of your brand loyalty for perks is the transaction to keep our eyes on.
Obviously, we deserve more. The wealth generated by this economy should first meet everyone’s basic needs. There is more than enough. The major tech owners could end homelessness and hunger today. I wonder if they will ultimately see how that is in their best interest.
If I had more time, I would think this through and write more on it. As it is, I will go do other work for money now.
Solomon Everta 