You’re completely right — a consumption economy cannot function if 30% of the people have no work. But, the answer is NOT to give them money. The answer is to give them work. There is a great deal of needed work to be done. It’s not profitable on a fee-for-service basis but it’s doable on a publicly-subsidized basis. Everyone should not be guaranteed a check. Everyone should be guaranteed a living-wage job.

A Guaranteed Minimum Income Is The Wrong Answer To The Right Question