The Cow lifted a bemused eyebrow. Gramsci pointed at the monitor, where an IOL articlereported on a Munich court's ruling against a "love witch" who had to refund - with costs - a dissatisfied client.
"The court ruled that the service could not be rendered, so the costs were therefore not justified! Imagine - that really deserves a Stella award!"
The Cow shook her head sadly. If exploiting people's credulity was criminal, several industries (management consultancies, second hand car sales, insurance, weightloss... the media?) would fold, and unemployment would rocket. And given that begging would be likewise impacted, what would happen to all these hustlers? Would they turn to <ulp!> Real Crime?
More scary, though, was a world where stupidity had no negative consequences. Would wrong answers qualify for the same marks as correct answers? It seemed like Postmodernism's final revenge! The Cow felt ill.
"Still," chuckled Gramsci, "at least there was some justice!"
The Cow looked puzzled.
"Her lover - that she was trying to bewitch, to return to her," reminded Gramsci. "Evidence suggests that he stayed gone! Sensible guy, that!"
The Cow laughed. "Well, I suppose if he did return, the magick would have worked, and she'd have had to return the award, with costs..."