The difference of opinion over UBI generally comes down to what’s valued most by either side of the argument: reducing the effects of poverty now or increasing self-sufficiency in the future.
James Peyser
Posted inOpinion
Should we limit expansion of natural gas infrastructure in Massachusetts?
The debate boils down to prioritizing tackling climate change or economic growth and energy independence.
Posted inOpinion
Should we impose a moratorium on new prison construction or expansions?
Advocates say a moratorium on prison construction makes sense because the state’s incarceration rate has dropped dramatically and most imprisonment is inherently dehumanizing, and too many criminal offenses are the result of race-based oppression. Opponents say we need updated prison facilities, even with fewer prisoners behind bars.
Posted inOpinion
Should we require voters to produce an ID before casting a ballot?
Massachusetts residents do not have to show an ID to vote, but some think we should join the 36 states that have that requirement.
Posted inOpinion
Should Massachusetts establish a reparations commission?
There is a compelling case for reparations for descendants of enslaved people in the US, but there are strong countervailing arguments that the reparations conversation is a distraction from more grounded efforts to close racial gaps.
Posted inOpinion
Should we give school librarians more control over book selection, while limiting the say of school committees and parents?
Some argue that we should largely allow school librarians to decide what books are available to students, while others say school committees, parents, and others have every right to have a say in the issue.
Posted inOpinion
Should Mass. allow supervised injection sites?
Legislation has been filed to authorize “safe injection sites” in Massachusetts. They can lower overdose rates, but there’s little evidence that they help stem the larger opioid crisis.
Posted inOpinion
Does rent control help or hurt the quest for affordable housing?
Enacting a state law allowing rent control and imposing a “transfer fee” on high-end real estate sales are appealing proposals but opponents say they could have unintended negative effects.
Posted inOpinion
Should we repeal the state’s right-to-shelter guarantee?
Massachusetts is the only state with a right-to-shelter law, a distinction that is drawing criticism and praise as the state grapples with a surge of homeless migrants arriving here.
Posted inOpinion
Should the MBTA be free?
Advocates say fare-free MBTA service would yield environmental gains while addressing income inequality since many passengers are low income, while opponents say it would starve the T of revenue needed for upgrades.