Agrarian Justice published in 1797. Paine argued that poverty is a construct of 'civilized life' and not a facet of the natural world. The earth is 'the common property of the human race' while cultivated, landed property is a necessary evil. To rectify this imbalance he proposed a 'national fund' giving every person upon reaching 21 years of age a fixed sum of £15, and £10 annually upon reaching 50 years.
What a great Atheist and the best founding father!
sadfsadf
RE: Thomas Paine advocated a Minimum Income Guarantee7/9/2012 8:54PM - in reply to bring the paine
First of all, the fact that he proposed it 200 some years ago does not make it right. Second, the fact that he "argued it" does not make it a fact by any means. Third of all he got progressively more radical as time went on so quoting his writings compared to his other writings doesn't really give an accurate portrayal of his viewpoints over time. Fourth of all, 1797-2012 is not 400 years.
shufflin shufflin
RE: Thomas Paine advocated a Minimum Income Guarantee7/9/2012 10:51PM - in reply to sadfsadf
Im pretty sure he meant that Thomas Paine was more advanced in his thinking than the Politicians are today. Give it 400 years we might catch up to Paine, doubt it though.
sadfsadf
RE: Thomas Paine advocated a Minimum Income Guarantee7/9/2012 10:57PM - in reply to shufflin shufflin