Romanian witches casting a spell on their government...
By Peter Petterson
First published at Qondio:
Witches in Romania are collectively grabbing their broomsticks and casting a spell on their government there. They are being made to pay taxes for the first time and are not happy campers!
A dozen witches threw a poison mandrake plant into the Danube River putting a curse on tax officials because of a law change taking effect from January 1 2011. The new law is part of the Romanian Governments drive for increased revenue and a crack down on tax evaders in that recession-hit country.
Previously less mainstream professions, including witches, astrologers and fortune tellers, were exempt from tax. Many earn less than NZ$19.00 per consultation.
Under the new tax law they will pay 16% in income tax and make contributions to health and pension programs. A welcome to the real world philosophy, perhaps?
Witches oppose tax because they earn little from their traditional occupations. They accuse lawmakers of stealing and using them to put spells on their enemies.
Spiritualism is still important in Romania - the birthplace of Count Dracula, where political leaders still quite often consult witches and psychics and the wearing of purple to ward off evil spirits.
The queen of witches in that country, Bratara Buzea, aged 63 years, was imprisoned for witchcraft by former Romanian dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu's repressive regime, and is reportedly angry about the new tax laws in that country.
However, a supporter of the new laws, Mihaela Minca claimed the news laws were good because "our magic gifts are recognised and witches can openly set up their own practises', she said. A bit like the situation in another country after prositution was legalised. Payment for services rendered.
A freemarket for witches, astrologers, fortune-tellers and others perhaps?
2 comments:
About $19 a session and say 2 sessions an hour, that seems like pretty good takings to me.
It certainly appeared that way! Tax on earnings now.
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