http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=268662
Goats not welfare, says Romania Monday May 21 17:00 AEST By ninemsn staff Unemployed Romanians are to be given goats instead of welfare payments as part of a pilot program to encourage self-sufficiency. Local councils in the Independenta district, in the country's south-east, will give families currently claiming benefits 10 goats each. The job seekers are to use to use the goats to make and sell products such as cheese. With unemployment at 8 percent in the district, officials are keen to get job seekers to earn a living. Currently any Romanian living in the area with an income less than $30 a month can claim up to $100 per month in benefits. "We are thinking about their own good when we do this," said local mayor Cristea Gascan. ".anyone who refuses will not be offered any cash alternative. It is the goats, or nothing." Inspectors are to be appointed to ensure the animals are not mistreated, eaten or sold. Those on the goat-based welfare system would be required to give three of the livestock's offspring to the council in lieu of paying income tax. Once an unemployed person has found work, they will need to return the goats to the council. Mr Gascan said will take 10 goats himself to show other villagers how to create an income from their livestock based welfare. There have been mixed reactions from unemployed locals. "I want to work and the goats will be good for me and my family," Suliman Vosel told British newspaper, The Telegraph. Others aren't so impressed. "I don't want to hear anything again about goats. If they give me goats, I will take them to the mayor and make him look after them," said 28-year-old Marin Vasile. The pilot program is set to begin in September. C 1997- 2007 ninemsn Pty Ltd ---------------------------- Vali "Noble blood is an accident of fortune; noble actions are the chief mark of greatness." (Carlo Goldoni) "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." (Jimi Hendrix)
