General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Houston, we have a problem. [View all]MadameButterfly
(2,278 posts)if compassion doesn't come easily to the other side, it can be argued that the economy does better and everyone gets richer if this baseline is applied. UBI really is profitable for everyone if the ripple effects are considered. If that's too hard a sell, Universal Healthcare and public education beyond high school are a start. Below that is Head Start, food stamps, child tax credit, etc. They all pay off in the end--for everybody.
But when insecure workers unsatisfied with their lives are afraid of someone else getting something free, they can't even wrap their minds around the equation. Often they don't even notice that they are the recipients of these "free" things. They rail against Social Security even while they receive it, socialized medicine until it saves their life. Their lives are filled with social media lies and hate speech. They are fed by leaders who know better, but for whom the cruelty is the point.
We won't win with just political arguments because they aren't listening to logic. This is deeply emotional. Until we find a way to give these people the hope, dignity, and emotional peace they want deep down, they'll take it out on others. I think this is why Bernie made more inroads into some right wing crowds than more moderate Democrats, despite his more extreme policies. But it will take more. Bernie's love, respect, honesty, plain-spokenness, but something else that we haven't seen yet. I'm watching for it in the enormous talent the is coming into the ranks.