Jun 22, 2016 11:13 PM
(This post was last modified: Jun 22, 2016 11:22 PM by C C.)
Europe's robots to become 'electronic persons' under draft plan
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe...SKCN0Z72AY
EXCERPT: Europe's growing army of robot workers could be classed as "electronic persons" and their owners liable to paying social security for them if the European Union adopts a draft plan to address the realities of a new industrial revolution. Robots are being deployed in ever-greater numbers in factories and also taking on tasks such as personal care or surgery, raising fears over unemployment, wealth inequality and alienation. Their growing intelligence, pervasiveness and autonomy requires rethinking everything from taxation to legal liability, a draft European Parliament motion, dated May 31, suggests....
When Poverty Is Profitable
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/arch...ry/487958/
EXCERPT: America’s safety-net programs are meant to help the poorest and most vulnerable access meet their basic needs—food, medical care, and safe housing—and there’s an ongoing debate about just how robust and successful these programs are. In his new book, "The Poverty Industry: The Exploitation of America’s Most Vulnerable Citizens," Daniel L. Hatcher, suggests that the problems plaguing programs such as foster care and Medicaid are deeper and more troubling than most realize. Hatcher, a professor at the University of Baltimore’s School of Law, writes:
How does this happen? Hatcher uses the example of the foster-care system, where some states enlist the help of private consultants to come up with strategies to maximize disability claims for children in its care. That results in higher payouts from the federal government. But instead of using that money to care for children, the money is diverted, and used for other things the state deems necessary. I spoke with Hatcher about his book, how states and private groups help abuse the safety net, and how to prevent such abuses. The interview below has been lightly edited for clarity....
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe...SKCN0Z72AY
EXCERPT: Europe's growing army of robot workers could be classed as "electronic persons" and their owners liable to paying social security for them if the European Union adopts a draft plan to address the realities of a new industrial revolution. Robots are being deployed in ever-greater numbers in factories and also taking on tasks such as personal care or surgery, raising fears over unemployment, wealth inequality and alienation. Their growing intelligence, pervasiveness and autonomy requires rethinking everything from taxation to legal liability, a draft European Parliament motion, dated May 31, suggests....
When Poverty Is Profitable
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/arch...ry/487958/
EXCERPT: America’s safety-net programs are meant to help the poorest and most vulnerable access meet their basic needs—food, medical care, and safe housing—and there’s an ongoing debate about just how robust and successful these programs are. In his new book, "The Poverty Industry: The Exploitation of America’s Most Vulnerable Citizens," Daniel L. Hatcher, suggests that the problems plaguing programs such as foster care and Medicaid are deeper and more troubling than most realize. Hatcher, a professor at the University of Baltimore’s School of Law, writes:
Quote:States and their human service agencies are partnering with private companies to form a vast poverty industry, turning America’s most vulnerable populations into a source of revenue … The resulting industry is strip-mining billions in federal aid and other funds from impoverished families, abused and neglected children, and the disabled and elderly poor.
How does this happen? Hatcher uses the example of the foster-care system, where some states enlist the help of private consultants to come up with strategies to maximize disability claims for children in its care. That results in higher payouts from the federal government. But instead of using that money to care for children, the money is diverted, and used for other things the state deems necessary. I spoke with Hatcher about his book, how states and private groups help abuse the safety net, and how to prevent such abuses. The interview below has been lightly edited for clarity....