Dan, the fisherman stared morosely at the breathtaking view in front of him. He was inured to the beauties of his home – Norfolk Island, gazing at them as he were, for half a century. He had been amused when he had first read of the global financial crises in the dailies before drily commenting to his wife on thriftless Americans and greedy fools.
The tables were now turned. He cursed his local government as he mentally calculated the new income taxes, everyone in the island was now forced to pay. This was not to be.
As he walked down to the docks, his mind was made up. Revolution!
Author’s note:
Norfolk Island, an external territory of Australia 1,412km east of the New South Wales north coast, had their own autonomy for decades and the residents were well out of the Australia tax net – never paying any income taxes.
This region was in news for most of 2015 and 2016 as it was forced to seek the Australian govt’s help to pay off their debts. The under-developed and green paradise that earlier had only GST as its main revenue source, was now a part of the broader Australian income tax net. This hasn’t gone down too well with the locals.
I was tempted to write on this topic today – given the brewing trouble in Catalonia, Spain.
“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. Using the 360 degree view of the location provided, you must write a piece of flash fiction of no more than 150 words. You can read the rules here.
I was SO hoping someone would latch on to this bit of news and incorporate it into fiction. LOVE this piece. It really captures a sentiment I’m sure some are feeling. Wonderfully written too.
Looks like we are cut of the same cloth. Loved writing for this prompt! Thanks Karen
Great piece. Topical, too!
Thanks Hardy
Looks like you gave into temptation, Lavanya. Yes, I read about this as well how Norfolk had recently suffered a reduction of autonomy. Can’t imagine that sits well with many folks.
I am predictable that way. 😁 thanks for stopping by
Aren’t we all? 😀
You build the pace and intensity nicely to your final “Revolution!”
Thx Penny
I, on the other hand, don’t remember hearing a thing about this. Thanks for opening my eyes with a well-told story.
Thanks Alicia. Glad you liked it
I hadn’t heard of it either! What a terrible burden for the population to carry – must have been a terrible shock. Thanks for sharing the backstory, Lavanya
True. Thanks for writing in, Lynn.
My pleasure 🙂
I am now enlightened as to the reasons for the Norfolk Island Revolution, captured economically in your eye-opening story. Well done, Lavanya… (no not lasagne, Mr Spell checker!)
haha – Lasagne indeed. Thanks Kelvin!
Now I can’t get that R.E.M song out of my head “Buy the sky / Sell the Sky …”
Haha. Sing along. Thanks for writing in
Oh no, not income tax. What is the world coming to? 🙂
🤣
revolution indeed – cos those taxes can become too much – well done!!!
Thanks prior
🌞