MSC Magazine | Issue 4 | Summer 2020

Page 21| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Its implementation, though challenging, is possible and would make for a fairer envi- ronment. Neoliberalism is strug- gling and failing to find an- swers in the midst of a great societal shakeup due to the pandemic. The time has come for ideas that seemed impossi- ble just months ago. The very rich have isolated themselves with advantages that hide the hardships ordi- nary people endure. A guar- anteed income must not be held up or pre- vented by the wealthy. In fact, by supporting a social need, the rich are protect- ing themselves from global catastrophes such as viral epidemics, environmental disasters and terrorism. But, as Noam Chomsky sug- gests, ‘There’s no profit in preventing a future catastrophe.’ A UBI is a good way to maintain social solidari- ty in uncertain times . This could break down the barriers of inequality, improve trust and maintain cohesion and social stability As Covid-19 spreads, economic stability is essen- tial for social solidarity. A UBI reinforces the view that when basic needs are met, people can take care of themselves, and each other, with less fear and anxiety. A UBI would enable people to replace a pre- carious and anxious work culture with life- affirming, creative, and healthier pursuits such as meaningful family activities. Rather than struggling to stay afloat in an intense job mar- ket, tedious work could be replaced with life- affirming, creative pursuits. While the pandem- ic may have revealed the weaknesses of an industrial society, it also revealed a world filled with hope and social solidarity. This is our chance to maintain that world. ‘Where will the government find the money?’ is no longer a valid objection to providing an economic safety net for the people. A UBI is the most direct route to economic and social justice . It recognizes the human right of each person’s claim to the resources of socie- ty. The tie between work and consumption could be cut, opening the way to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Forms of UBI have effectively been operating in many parts of the world, e.g., Scandinavia and Alaska, and have helped to build rather than drain prosperity. The question of financ- ing is important but the starting point is an agreement to launch it. Then international best practice can be drawn upon to deter- mine suitable options. Since the 2008 global financial crisis, countries have cut public services and disadvantaged many. The number of millionaires increased then, and now with the pandemic. It seems reasonable and fair that the privi- leged class finance the UBI so the great major- ity can benefit through fairer tax arrange- ments . Many economists, in proposing how a UBI could be funded, all converge on the re- distribution of wealth through tax collection. Stories abound of people showing care and generosity during the Covid-19 pandemic. These are the foundations of a revolutionary society - the society humanity needs - where people and planet come before profit. This might not be considered realistic to some, but neither were the civil rights, feminist, anti- apartheid, environment, and LGBTIQ move- ments. To say ‘not possible’ is not realistic. This pan- demic can lead to new hope and be world- changing.