Posted on 02/10/2016 2:17:45 AM PST by Citizen Zed
Can a government regulate happiness? That's the question being asked now by many in the United Arab Emirates, after the government announced that it would be creating a "minister of state for happiness" on Monday -- a move that is part of a broader shake-up of the Gulf states' leadership that also saw the creation of a minister of state for tolerance and a number of young politicians appointed.
On Twitter, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, said that the happiness minister position would "align and drive government policy to create social good and satisfaction." Judging from social media, the reaction to the move ranged from celebration to bemusement. Arabic language Twitter users began using the hashtag #If_you_were_the_happiness_minister to discuss -- and in some cases, ridicule -- the new position.
However, while the position may sound unusual, it's hardly unique. In 2013, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the creation of a new "vice ministry of supreme social happiness." Rafael Rios, the newly appointed vice minister for happiness, later told NPR that the idea behind the new ministry harked back to the days of Latin American liberator Simon Bolivar, who had said that the ideal government would create the greatest amount of human happiness.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Why do they need a ministry of happiness?
They are happier than clams.
Alahwahoo Waxbar!
Makes me think more of the Ministries of Love, Peace, Plenty, and Truth in 1984...
I bet the guy appointed as Minister is happy with his salary!
Maybe the dude will be a highly paid pimp.
It’s a theocracy. They will enforce happiness by gouging out the eyes of anyone who is sad or grouchy. Remember, this is a place where you can be scourged if you fly a kite, or if your beard is too short. And so can the men.
Doesnt look too happy to me.
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