Psychic Crackdown

Did you know that anyone who claims to be a psychic and charges for his paranormal services is actually a money-hungry fraud? Thanksfully, the EU seems to. The lawmaking body will soon enact new Consumer Protection Regulations, which would require spiritualist and psychic businesses to follow the same rules as any other. Those claiming to be able to speak to the dead or heal with their minds will have to issue disclaimers that their activities are nothing but experiments with no guaranteed results. In other words, if they make specific claims, they will have to prove them or face criminal prosecution. Of course, the psychics are upset--shouting about religious persecution and whatnot. And they have a point, in that anyone making similar claims on behalf of his religion should be held to the same standard. Carole McEntee-Taylor of the Spiritualist Workers' Association says that these new rules will bring Europe back to the Dark Ages. Apparently, psychics and other practitioners of ancient scams have no concept of irony. "It's taking a religion, a way of life, and making it a commercial transaction," complained McEntee-Taylor's husband David. Well, yes. Yes, that's exactly the point. More details here.