Thursday, July 12, 2007
TV/Radio Police
Democratic Socialism is a strange animal. It definitely has it's ups and downs (but I'll let Michael Moore explain those to you).
One bizarre thing in Germany, though, is that there is a TV/Radio tax. Now I haven't met anyone who actually pays it, yet, but apparently you have to pay a tax for every TV or Radio you own, and possibly, now computers. The tax doesn't go to the provider, as in America, but to the individual.
It stems from the state providing free TV and Radio, and on one hand it's nice they're only taxing the people who are using it but on the other...well, no one likes being taxed.
In my case though, the TV tax collectors have been coming by for the last couple of days and knocking on my door. I don't let them in. One, because I don't have a TV. Two, because I don't even understand the TV or Radio here. Thirdly, and most importantly, I don't feel like using my meager German skills to convey that to them.
One bizarre thing in Germany, though, is that there is a TV/Radio tax. Now I haven't met anyone who actually pays it, yet, but apparently you have to pay a tax for every TV or Radio you own, and possibly, now computers. The tax doesn't go to the provider, as in America, but to the individual.
It stems from the state providing free TV and Radio, and on one hand it's nice they're only taxing the people who are using it but on the other...well, no one likes being taxed.
In my case though, the TV tax collectors have been coming by for the last couple of days and knocking on my door. I don't let them in. One, because I don't have a TV. Two, because I don't even understand the TV or Radio here. Thirdly, and most importantly, I don't feel like using my meager German skills to convey that to them.
Labels: Berlin, Germany, radio, tax, travel, TV
