This is an intriguing concept:
Alaska's most popular institution, a trust fund that pays annual dividends to nearly everyone in the state, is being eyed as a possible model for spreading Iraq's oil wealth among its citizens.The Bush administration is viewing the $23.8 billion Alaska Permanent Fund, built with contributions from North Slope oil royalties, as a way the Iraqis can be owners "not only of their government, but of that key resource of oil," Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Wednesday.
I have philosophical issues with social ownership, but this idea has some merit and warrants consideration. In the Iraqi context it certainly would give clear confirmation to our rhetoric that the oil belongs to the Iraqi people. It would also vitiate the "blood for oil" arguments.
As a side note--it has often amused me that Alaska, with its fiercely individualistic political culture, has this type of public dividend.
Source: Alaska Fund Offered as Model for Rebuilt Iraq
Posted by Steven at May 3, 2024 10:10 AM | TrackBackIf I got paid to be fiercely individualistic, I would be fiercely individualist. Heck, I'm fiercely individualistic without being paid, though I am paid by the state and am still fiercely individualistic and anti-tax. Does any of this make sense?
Posted by: John Lemon at May 4, 2024 12:41 AM