For a while now, Bernie Sanders has voiced his opposition to artificial intelligence (AI). He has now questioned some of the wealthiest individuals on the planet over their significant AI investments.
Bernie Sanders Questions Billionaires on AI
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, the Vermont senator asked American millionaires like Elon Musk and Bill Gates about their opinions on artificial intelligence.
Musk said, “AI and robotics will replace all employment,” according to Sanders. It will be voluntary to work. He went on to cite Gates as stating, “Most things will not need humans.”
Concerns Over Jobs and Livelihoods
“Without employment and income, how can individuals feed their families, acquire health care, or pay the rent?” the 84-year-old independent senator said.
A video of Bernie Sanders’ remark went viral when he posted it on social media. The video received 1.8 million views in a matter of hours. In response to his query, several social media users offered a solution.
Public Reactions and Redistribution Ideas
“You redistribute to people after taxing robot labor.” One of them wrote, “And the plus is that robot labor will be deflationary, so the humans will be able to purchase more products and services.”
Through universal basic income and healthcare, we must separate our existence from work. Both of them are essential for providing a solid base for all of our feet. Additionally, Universal Basic Income (UBI) need to increase in tandem with production. Another commenter said, “It is the only way to make sure robots actually work for all of us.”
Debate Over Universal Income
“Universal income for everybody would be the only way ahead,” another person said. Since humans are the only creature on the planet that pays to live here, jobs and income (money) are hierarchical constructs created by humans for domination. It would not work unless the wealthy joined the group as well. Since we have only ever known what has came before, most people just cannot comprehend this.
A portion of Twitter (now X) questioned Bernie Sanders’ perspective on AI.
Criticism of Sanders’ AI Views
This sounds like someone questioning how people would travel after hearing that “horses will be replaced.” Musk explains that robots produce so much value that labor becomes optional rather than impossible, not that value vanishes. Why are you still using scarcity models from the 1930s when productivity approaches near-zero cost? questioned one of them.
“AI is not the problem here. A 21st-century abundance machine is projecting an economic model from the 20th century. AI will not be “replacing employment” if productivity increases exponentially and human poverty increases. Another person said, “That is policy failing to develop.”
Universal Basic Income (UBI): What is it?
Under the Universal Basic Income (UBI) concept, each adult in a nation gets a set sum of money from the government on a regular basis. There are no requirements.
Individuals get it regardless of their income level, employment status, or unemployment. Ensuring that everyone has a minimal degree of financial stability is the primary goal.
Bernie Sanders’ Position on UBI
Bernie Sanders supports the objective of preventing poverty. However, he does not favor UBI. Because most people seek meaningful employment, he thinks a Federal Jobs Guarantee would be more successful.
Additionally, Sanders contends that strengthening Social Security and increasing the minimum wage are preferable choices. Additionally, he thinks that providing universal programs like Medicare for All is a better method to make people’s lives better. In order to compensate workers for the hazards posed by automation, Bernie is in favor of a robot tax.
Global Experiments With UBI
No nation has yet implemented a complete universal basic income. All inhabitants of the Marshall Islands now get quarterly payments.
Regional pilot programs are still in place in South Korea. In order to examine the long-term impacts, some US communities have tried guaranteed income programs.
India’s UBI
UBI was tried in India during the 2011–2013 SEWA-UNICEF pilot in rural Madhya Pradesh. For eighteen months, more than 6,000 individuals in eight villages received ₹750 each month.
According to IMS India, school attendance increased by almost 20% as a result of families being able to pay for travel, books, and uniforms. Spending more on vegetables and pulses led to a significant improvement in nutrition. The percentage of families without enough money for food decreased from 45% to 19%.
Women now have more mobility, safety, and financial power. Productivity increased and work levels did not decline. Families made investments in small companies, farming, and skills.
