June 26, 2013

The emir of Qatar just named his son to replace him.  The New York Times commented on the report by saying the new emir might be more willing to adopt democracy than was his father.  The article went on to state that everyone in the country is currently guaranteed an annual income of at least $100,000, including infants.  In addition they offer free health care, free education up to the college lever and significant retirement benefits.  Oh, and gasoline is fifty cents  per gallon.  And these folks need to switch to a democracy??  Why?  To take their 8th grade reading level to 68th in the industrialized world and the quality of health care should fall below that of Bosnia?  What is wrong with those  who feel democracy is a one-size-fits-all solution? In the case of Qatar it seems like the benign dictator is doing a great job.  I wonder if they need any writers over there.