I was describing a communication gap due to differing mental frameworks for the issue. I was not suggesting one of us was "dumber" than the other.
I should probably have said "we're pretty close". It is the mental framework that's the issue, or more accurately the frame of reference. Most of your discussion is focused statically, on what a particular individual gets for their money. And whether you want to admit it or not, there is a consistent thread of moral judgment in your arguments. You talk about people spending money on vices, and other people who receive money without earning it.
My frame of reference is global, looking at the two factors that actually mathematically matter for economic growth: the velocity of money, and the productive assets left behind. There is no moral component. In that frame, it's entirely possible that spending that appears wasteful could actually be part of a productive system. The net effect of an air conditioner is to produce more heat, despite the fact that it blows cold air into your home. Your original argument was that a basic income would be "pissed away" and be economically inefficient. My response is that you're only looking at one side of the system, like someone concluding that too many air conditioners might cause an Ice Age. That basic income would pass back into the economy by way of grocers, landlords, auto dealers, and yes, probably some liquor stores and cigarette companies. It could nonetheless be a more effective way of stimulating the economy than giving tax cuts to the wealthy.
I should probably have said "we're pretty close". It is the mental framework that's the issue, or more accurately the frame of reference. Most of your discussion is focused statically, on what a particular individual gets for their money. And whether you want to admit it or not, there is a consistent thread of moral judgment in your arguments. You talk about people spending money on vices, and other people who receive money without earning it.
My frame of reference is global, looking at the two factors that actually mathematically matter for economic growth: the velocity of money, and the productive assets left behind. There is no moral component. In that frame, it's entirely possible that spending that appears wasteful could actually be part of a productive system. The net effect of an air conditioner is to produce more heat, despite the fact that it blows cold air into your home. Your original argument was that a basic income would be "pissed away" and be economically inefficient. My response is that you're only looking at one side of the system, like someone concluding that too many air conditioners might cause an Ice Age. That basic income would pass back into the economy by way of grocers, landlords, auto dealers, and yes, probably some liquor stores and cigarette companies. It could nonetheless be a more effective way of stimulating the economy than giving tax cuts to the wealthy.