Unlike political dynasties such as the Kennedys and Bushes, AOC did not grow up with a certain future in Washington DC ahead of her. Her father died of lung cancer during her studies; her mother was forced to take a second job as a bus driver to prevent home eviction. Cynics will dismiss her humble origins – Puerto Rican roots, parts of her youth spent in the poor New York borough of the Bronx – as an emotional origin story to command sympathy from ordinary citizens. Live-streaming Among Us on Twitch? No more than a cheap PR stunt to attract video game-playing millennials, one could scoff.
All criticism aside, Ocasio-Cortez has proved to be an eloquent politician who genuinely wants to tackle the decades-long demolitionist policies of both Democrats and Republicans. She already has veteran Bernie Sanders’ blessing; now she needs the support of an increasingly younger and more diverse America.
Riffy, general editor at De Correspondent
Interviewing 24 recipients, Bohmeyer found that few people had quit their jobs. But they had made real changes in their lives – and all of them felt better. For example, one retiree quit her off-the-books job waitressing for an exploitative boss to get a better job.
This article is a beautiful summary of what universal basic income can do.
Rutger, Progress correspondent