Looking Backward from the Tricentennial

Chapter Twenty (part 1)

The Virginia landscape unrolled outside the car's window. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and Julian was grateful to get away from River Place Towers and away from the city. Idabee had picked him up in a vehicle permeated by the smell of fresh bread, her gift to the family they were visiting.

With his Treasury account set up, Julian had searched for local apartments and quickly learned places like Dr. Leete's were far outside of his budget. He'd wondered to Idabee the previous day how people lived on the money from the American Union Jobs Program, and she quickly wrangled an invitation from some friends who did just that.

Faith and Adon were also delegates in the people's legislative assembly, and she'd met them through Carlton's self-improvement group. They lived with their two kids—Idabee vouched for their awesomeness—in an apartment complex owned by the American Union.

"That seems odd," Julian said. "Why would a political party be a landlord?"

Idabee's eyes twinkled. "The American Union is not a political party. True, it influences elections, but you could also think of it as a movement, a philosophy, and yes, a business enterprise. Professor Carlton says the American Union was designed as a Gandhian constructive program to address many problems with integrated solutions, and the lack of affordable housing used to be a problem."

Julian turned to look out the window as the car exited the freeway. There'd been a certain tranquility to the drive, and he realized he hadn't seen any billboards. He thought about commenting on it, but instead asked, "Does everyone there belong to the American Union?"

"No," Idabee answered, "no one has to be a member to rent there. It started in the early days; supporters bought up homes in swing districts. An American Union organizer would manage the house, and volunteers from around the country would come to help the campaign grow the bloc of swing voters. In the off-season, they rented the rooms out.

"Once the program was fully underway and every citizen was receiving money on a regular basis, the American Union started constructing self-contained buildings where land was cheaper. Cities have advantages, but for individuals and families who were tired of struggling financially, the American Union Jobs Program empowered them to move to places with a lower cost of living using their guaranteed income. Ironically, city rents dropped when landlords suddenly had to compete to fill empty apartments.

"The exodus also generated communities based around shared interests. The American Union encouraged this by allowing groups to reserve an entire building, which usually houses about thirty people. Virtual communities suddenly had a way to coalesce in the real world, and buildings filled up as fast as they came available."

Julian chuckled. "I can think of a lot of niche groups that would go for that. Why settle for an annual convention when you could live the life twenty-four/seven?"

Idabee nodded. "There are some that are entertainment-themed. But most are more focused on productive practices; do you know any foreign languages?" Julian shook his head. "If you want to become fluent in Spanish, for example, there are buildings that create an immersive experience—a mix of native speakers and students. Or if you're interested in learning yoga, martial arts, hunting, or eighteenth-century French poetry, you can find a community that does that. Creative arts are also very common: writers, musicians, photographers, painters, graphic artists. One year I lived in a building that did quilt making."

"For real, you made quilts?"

She smiled at the memory. "We did. The flying geese quilt I made was my favorite; it keeps me warm every winter. And I still keep in touch with some of the people." Idabee became serious. "Julian, this was the real purpose of the American Union Jobs Program. Instead of depending on employment for survival, everyone gained the freedom to pursue their passions and interests. It unlocked so many opportunities. Millions used the basic financial stability to take risks, to start businesses, or to invest in their own education or personal growth."