Nothing may be a greater contradiction to America’s cherished free market economy than the idea of cash handouts for everyone. But the idea is gaining ground left, right, and center as a breakthrough solution for unemployment and social inequality. A Universal Basic Income may play a role in a future where technology will replace many jobs. Surveys show that 46 percent of the people favored giving every individual “a base income,” especially among youth and people of color, while 35 percent were opposed. Proponents argue that the universal benefits just might outweigh the universal costs.