On: A universal income is not such a silly idea

[yummyfajitas]

The Walton family alone has more wealth then the lower 42% rest of the USA.

So do I, and so does almost anyone with a positive net worth.

[woofyman → yummyfajitas]

That's 42% combined. They have more wealth than 42% of the rest of the population combined.

[yummyfajitas → woofyman]

120 million people at, say, -$1000 in net worth == big negative number. Anyone with $1 of net worth is wealthier than them.

[moocowduckquack → yummyfajitas]

It is ridiculous to suggest that someone with a dollar but no access to credit is weathier than someone who is able to borrow the cost of a house.

[yummyfajitas → moocowduckquack]

Don't take it up with me, take it up with ck2. That's what his statistic (yummyfajitas and the Walton's have more wealth than the bottom 42%) is measuring.

[clarky07 → moocowduckquack]

Actually, while I do see what you are saying, I don't think it's that ridiculous. If they have a house with lots of equity they aren't included in this. If you have a negative net worth you aren't doing that great. If you happen to lose your job (like lots of people have over the last few years) now you are in an even worse situation than the guy with a dollar. Now you have no money, and lots of debt.

Having debt ("able to borrow the cost of a house") does not mean you have a negative net worth. It just means you have debt. Having 30k in credit card debt on the other hand...

[throwaway9848 → moocowduckquack]

Yes, it is, because the person with $1 and no access to credit was just made up for the purpose of convoluting a point about wealth inequality in America.

[lumberjack → yummyfajitas]

>and so does almost anyone with a positive net worth.

A recently graduated MD with $120K in debt is still massively more wealthy than a hobo on the streets who is technically in the green. In this knowledge economy a well respected degree is a valuable asset to hold.