Push for guaranteed annual income

“Negative income” is an oxymoron — a phrase that combines contradictory ideas. Does “philanthropic millionaire” qualify as an oxymoron?

Author John Steinbeck thought so.

He wrote, “One has only to remember some of our wolfish financiers who spend two-thirds of their lives clawing fortunes out of the guts of society and the latter third pushing it back.”

He then added, “giving can bring the same sense of superiority as getting does, and philanthropy may be another kind of spiritual avarice.”

While millionaire and billionaire philanthropists may feel a sense of superiority, researchers have found giving, or altruism, is hardwired into the brain and produces a sense of belonging. A sense of belonging is a universal human need.

We have crushing proof that tax loopholes, limited liability, financial (de)regulation, outsourcing, and automation are powerful claws.

They are gutting the 99 per cent of us and the environment.

The Latin origin of “parent” means “bringing forth.” We need to parent the idea that we can skip the wolfish clawing of fortunes and go straight to altruism. By cultivating empathy in ourselves, others, and especially our children, we can declaw wolfish corporations and individuals.

Would guaranteed annual income (GAI) reduce the need for philanthropic zillionaires?

If you would like to find out, take action. Contact your government representatives.

Ask about GAI in leadership races and elections. Most importantly, promote the idea around your kitchen table with children, family, friends and neighbours. Nancy Carswell, Shellbrook