Indian eunuchs help collect taxes

Associated Press/CNN ^ | 11-9-06 | Associated Press

[Private_Sector_Does_It_Better]

PATNA, India (AP) -- One cash-strapped Indian city has launched a unique collection service to dislodge payment from tax deadbeats: Door-to-door eunuchs.

Eunuchs, or men who lack external genitalia, are regarded as powerless in India and traditionally make a living on tips for dancing at weddings or blessing newborns.

But they are also known for extreme stubbornness and Patna, the capital of Bihar state in eastern India, hired scores of them Wednesday to compel shop owners to pay their tax arrears.

[Private_Sector_Does_It_Better]

I'm resisting ALL the political jokes that this brings to mind, not easy, but I'm resisting.

[unspun]

Now there's a story I didn't wake up thinking I'd see.

[kinoxi]

I think if a gang of eunuchs came to my door I would consider my response a bit more carefully...

[Private_Sector_Does_It_Better]

"I think if a gang of eunuchs came to my door I would consider my response a bit more carefully."

I'd trip all over myself rushing to get my checkbook. :)

[kinoxi]

At least they weren't coming to eat your brains....

[2ndDivisionVet]

Here it's just the opposite...

[zarf]

[BlackVeil]

Indian eunuchs have a special trick, when begging, which is that they threaten to show their scars to men. These makes strong men turn pale and pay up.

The article should mention this quaint custom, it explains why they are being used as tax collectors.

[night reader]

Indian eunuchs help collect taxes

I could support a bill to castrate all IRS agents.

[Jeff Chandler]

I'm resisting ALL the political jokes

I'll do it for you.

Do they recruit Republican Senators?

[Ken H]

Shop Owner: What happens if I don't pay up?

Eunuch: You become a tax collector.

[Private_Sector_Does_It_Better]

You had to go there... :)