Witch Tax

[Supafly]

Ah, another wonderful news story about Gypsies

Romania’s “Witch Tax”: Magic Meets Bureaucracy

On January 1, Romania implemented new tax codes that, among other changes, added the occupation of “witch” to the nation’s labor codes. Those charging clients for tarot readings, curses, and blessings must now pay a 16 percent income tax and make contributions to health and pension programs. The ire of the witches, some of whom responded by performing rituals to hex the government, has become fodder for scores of offbeat news stories throughout the west. But there is a deeper story to the witches of Romania. With Romania’s entry into the EU, an indigenous folk practice that was once persecuted under communism has come face to face with a global economy. The Romanian “witch tax” is a fascinating study in how the forces of modernity and globalization are shaping an ancient tradition.

Continued here

Fantastic read!

 

[vodkazvictim]

Hasn't this news been posted already?
Sorry Supa, I know I'm being pedantic. Call it jealousy 'cos your posts are better than mine.

 

[TheOrangeCat]

A pox on them and their evil tax gathering machinations ......

 

[Supafly]

Here's some more info:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/world/europe/07witches.html

...

Superstitions are no laughing matter in Romania — the land of the medieval ruler who inspired the “Dracula” tale — and have been part of its culture for centuries. President Traian Basescu and his aides have been known to wear purple on certain days, supposedly to ward off evil. And the Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, had their own personal witch.

...

 

[LukeEl]

Finally I can go over there is bang exotic, husky voiced, gorgeous European women, and become a Witch Finder General...do I dare live out the dream!

 

[TITS KING]

the fucking tax which we pay to give the big bonuses to the ceo's of falling businesses.

 

[bustybbwlover]

is there also a warlock tax? or is it a sexist tax too?