Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Sweden to Allow Odd Names

Finally, the chains of oppression have been unlocked. 

Swedish authorities say parents can now name their newborns “Budweiser” or “Metallica” if they so wish.

For decades, Swedish tax authorities had banned parents from naming their children after fast food chains, rock bands or their favorite brand of beer.

But tax authority spokesman Lars Tegenfeldt says the guidelines have been relaxed. He says “there is nothing negative about a name like Coca-Cola or McDonald’s today. In the 1970s, maybe it was.”

(5) Comments
Posted by Owen at 1753 hrs
Foreign Affairs + Law

  1. And the Swedish TAX Authority care what I name my kid because??????

    Shouldn’t they be a little more concerned about?...

    Oh I don’t know…

    Collecting taxes?

    Posted by Michael J. Cheaney on August 12, 2008 at 1814 hrs


  2. Probably a good-government, money-saving thing, Michael; two departments got combined or something. In my county, the tax assessor-collector’s office runs the elections.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 12, 2008 at 1831 hrs


  3. I could’ve named my kid Metallica???

    Posted by Aaron on August 12, 2008 at 2155 hrs


  4. Tax authorities in Sweden (and Norway, and some other European countries) are also responsible for coordinating social benefits, and as such are the logical choice for maintaining the population registry.  They also handle marriage licenses and assign the equivalent of Social Security numbers.  Basically, if it has to do with your name or your address, the tax authority is the clearinghouse.

    More info here if you like.  Without passing judgment on the types of benefits offered, it’s a far more logical and efficient administrative structure than the one we use to administer similar programs.

    Posted by Recess Supervisor on August 12, 2008 at 2205 hrs


  5. Not much different than in the 80s when the Secretary of the Library of Congress decided to put a tax on network channels carried on satellite television because “local stations” couldn’t compete.  Congress couldn’t overrule the decision.  What else can the secretary of the Library of Congress tax????

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 13, 2008 at 0533 hrs


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