Philosopher (Not) Wanted

Norwegians have hired a philosopher to help them figure out what to do with the billions and billions that they are raking in from oil production.

The government has even appointed a philosopher to help decide how to spend the rest of the money.

Having someone else tell them how to spend their money? Now, the philosopher will not be spending their money. He will just suggest what to do with it. Still, Albertans would never go for that kind of nonsense. We think we can make those decisions ourselves. But we shouldn’t dismiss the idea outright: a sober philosopher making suggestions might be far more desirable than a provincial premier spending like a drunken sailor.

Then there is the other side. I hope that Michael Ignatieff does not see this piece. With his self-perception as the re-incarnation of a philosopher-king from long ago, he may just decide to tell Albertans what to do with their money, should he become leader of his party. The last time one of the Enlightened Eastern Liberals had a similar idea, he gave birth to something called the National Energy Programme.

Crossposted from Civitatensis.ca