Op-Ed: 8 Radical Ideas for a More Equal America

Below, some of the biggest, most innovative and, in some cases, controversial ideas for making the U.S. a more perfect union.

1. Baby bonds

Studies show that earning a good living is not enough to help people of color move up the socioeconomic ladder.

2. No cash bail

Nearly half a million Americans are in jail without a conviction—and many are there because they can’t afford bail.

3. Universal basic income

What if the government gave all citizens a set amount of free money, with no strings? That’s the idea behind universal basic income (UBI), which proponents say would help families cover their basic needs, alleviate poverty and lift up society at large

4. Bring back the draft

The idea of conscription has never been very popular, and yet some argue that America’s all-volunteer force has created more problems than anyone anticipated.

5. Free public college

College costs have soared in recent years, saddling millennials with huge student debt—just as the pay gap between college grads and everyone else hits record levels. 

6. Web accessibility

In 1990, the Americans With Disabilities Act ostensibly outlawed discrimination against disabled people in all areas of public life. 

7. No electoral college

The distribution of electors in the Electoral College gives less populous states more power per person than more populous states.

8. Universal paid leave

The U.S. is the only developed country that doesn’t guarantee paid family leave. 

For the complete details on each of the 8 ideas, see the article in TIME:

Who will be Trump' running mate?