If you want money, work for it: Varney

Finally, some sanity in the universal basic income debate.

Finland will end its experiment in free money. Since early last year, the Fins have been handing out cash to unemployed people, about $680 a month. No strings attached. Do what you like with it. Start a business. Take a class. Quit worrying about money.

It didn't go down well with voters. They didn't like the idea. Finland will cut off the free money flow. Good.

Unfortunately, this is not the end of the experiment. I say unfortunately, because in my opinion, you want money, you work for it.

In Stockton, California, a pilot program delivers $500 a month to some poor people: do what you like with it.

Oakland, California is setting up a similar experiment. Ontario, Canada is giving hundreds of dollars a month to 4,000 people. There is even a presidential candidate, Democrat Andrew Yang, who wants to give every American adult $1,000 a month!  

We are told that these programs relieve poverty, allow people to spend more time with their children, let them start businesses, or just enjoy life, free of the wicked pursuit of money.

Fine, but not on my dime. Don't take money off me. I work, and I think you should too. And I don't care if you don't make as much as you think you should make. Get out there and at least make the effort to support yourself.

Back to Finland. They've been handing out money for over a year. Now they're going to study what people did with it. But they won't release the findings until next year. How convenient. The professor of social policy at the University of Helsinki says "there is a problem with young people … And reports of those guys not seeking work.” In other words, the taxpayers of Finland have probably been funding couch potatoes. The good news is they've stopped it. The bad news is it hasn't yet been stopped here.