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I realized after sleeping on this that without verifying the sentiments manually, I don't have enough evidence to make a prediction about HN users' support of UBI. So my conclusions may not have enough basis in fact.

To play devil's advocate for a moment, what if we imagine that the votes went the other way, with 50% favoring UBI, 25% disfavoring UBI, and 25% neutral? And what if HN were left-leaning, and wished to work towards UBI, convincing others on the left to join? What kind of opposition would they face?

  * women who are primary caregivers wouldn't want UBI because?
    - they make plenty of money already, earning the same wages as men?
    - receiving assistance would diminish the perceived value of the money they earn being away from their children, elderly parents, etc?
    - they've seen how depriving people of enough income to meet basic needs builds strong communities?
  * parents practicing positive reinforcement wouldn't want UBI because?
    - taking that money as a handout sends the wrong message to their children, that societies are stronger than individuals?
    - they work enough hours already that they have all the money they need to spend quality time with their family?
    - it's better for kids to have their hopes dashed than know their parents have enough money to feed and clothe them, eventually sending them to college?
  * liberals in favor of government programs, agencies and social safety nets wouldn't want UBI because?
    - it might interfere with existing institutions like the Department of Health and Welfare, known for their efficiency and effectiveness?
    - it might undermine unions, the Peace Corps, etc that already promote meaningful work and fair pay?
    - it might help conservatives, which could undermine leftist agendas like making sure that everyone has a fair shake?
Do any of these pass the sniff test?

After writing this out, I think I can safely say that even without knowing the sentiment towards UBI, we can make predictions about who will favor or oppose it and why. It has to do with empathy or the lack thereof, and how traditional notions like responsibility, community and patriotism have been coopted during the Information Age by moneyed interests in the status quo.

I've kind of reached the point in life where talking about problems till I'm blue in the face does nothing to fix them. I'm more interested now in joining and forming coalitions that bring about meaningful change and give people alternatives that pay dividends larger than the way things are currently.

At the simplest level, we can ask: does giving people who are already rich even more money at the cost of those struggling without enough resources (Social Darwinism) build a more prosperous society? Or does using excess wealth to provide for those in need (Social Planning) heal society?

In these matters, I tend to think that the opinion of a 5 year old child is generally more in line spiritually with the greater good than whatever serious-sounding adults preach, even academics. So I know where my sentiment stands regarding UBI.



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