I've split Peatbog's recent commentary into several posts as they are all interesting.
Please keep in mind that the proposed Virtual Currency system is hoped to work more effectively with the assistance of continued advances in technology and automation. >From Peatbog: ... > It sounds like computerized food stamps that never run out > and are available to the entire population, regardless of > income. That is correct. The Virtual Currency (VC) system implies that everyone is entitled to the same basic resources regardless of whether they are primarily physical or virtual in nature. <A philosophical POV ensues> A more subtle social-reinforcement that such a VC system might be able to get across to society in general is the fact that it suggest even the richest most opulent among society are no better (or less entitled) to receive the same basic resources as those less capable of generating huge amounts of surplus credits for themselves. If the opulent feel uncomfortable about this arrangement... if some of them feel it is beneath them to receive "food stamps", just like the rest of the little people, well then, perhaps it might be wise to rethink one's self-image a tad. What are we to make of someone whose self-image is primarily tied up in behaviors designed to separate themselves from the less fortunate. Such behaviors suggest they fear being tainted or infected by the influences of the less fortunate. If the acquisition of excess luxuries is how the rich and powerful distinguish a sense of their uniqueness, I would suggest it's a shallow personal goal, one that will ultimately fail in the end. Sooner or later we all end up six foot under. Practically speaking such a system might help ensure the over-all quality of "food stamps". Keep in mind the fact that if rich and powerful receive the exact same food stamps that the less advantage receive they are more likely to make sure that the food stamps they receive AVAIL themselves to the best quality for which society can supply everyone with. IOW, while the rich might benefit, so would the less advantaged. </A philosophical POV ensues> Regards, Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
