Rights are inherently universal. If you have a right to something, it's because everyone else does too. It also goes the other way. Something universal can over time become perceived as a right even if it didn't start as being seen as one.
This is why the U in Universal Basic Income is so important
As soon as you attach a means-test to a benefit to exclude those with incomes deemed "too high" in order to get it, it's no longer a right and won't become one. Those in great need will also be filtered out by the test you expect and want them to pass. Don't worry about the rich. Just tax them more.
Feb 4, 2026 21:55