Henrik Syse: Norway's hired conscience

The Wall Street Journal had an article about Henrik Syse and his new job today. He is a professional philosopher, whatever that is, the Norwegians have hired to provide moral guidance as they decide how to invest their rather large state controlled "Oil Fund". You can read the WSJ article reprinted at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fast Company's Chuck Salter picks it up and wishes Henrik "Good luck" with the ethial investing.

This embarrassingly large Norsky oil fund results from the oil having somehow avoided becoming private property. Henrik the philosopher will provide the communal conscience, thus allowing the Norskies to avoid moral stain they might otherwise incur if a greedy capitalist family or a wicked corporation owned the oil. How much more progressive goodie two-shoedness can the world bear?

Nothing like socialism, I always say. Rationalize absolutely anything, they can.
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Update: LGR at Burson-Marsteller's blog reputation*watch thinks Norway's having so conspicuously hired philosopher Henrik puts a shine on their otherwise dismal public image.

The article also cites another big reputation booster for the land of canned sardines:

the World Bank and International Finance Corporation found that of 155 countries, Norway was the best country in Europe for business. It takes a mere two weeks (13 days) to establish a company in Norway compared to nearly half a year (198 days) in Laos.

How long does it take to start a business in the US? How fast can Kinkos print your business card? Norway's business friendliness is compared to that of Laos! When was the last time you heard of any hot Laotian investment opportunities? (Besides heroin)