Americans renouncing citizenship to become British thanks to tax rise

The Telegraph ^ | 02 Mar 2013 | David Barrett

[PotatoHeadMick]

What would be those benefits of US citizenship exactly? I understand how maybe a half century or more ago being a US citizen conferred great benefits compared to citizenship of other less enlightened nations. Today, not so much.

Citizenship of dozens of European nations, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand etc provide all the benefits and freedoms that the US provides without the hassle from over-intrusive tax authorities and other state-run organizations.

The old idea that if you get into trouble overseas the great, overwhelming might of the US government will swoop down in all its majesty to rescue you from the clutches of the devious foreigners is I’m afraid a complete myth. The US government will do diddly squat for you other than check if you’ve paid your taxes.

[dfwgator]

The old idea that if you get into trouble overseas the great, overwhelming might of the US government will swoop down in all its majesty to rescue you from the clutches of the devious foreigners is I’m afraid a complete myth.

Yep...Libya proved that.

[Alter Kaker]

I'm not confusing anything. I'm well aware of the fact that Subic Bay closed. Are you aware of the fact that the US and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty, which the Philippines relies on to avoid spending its own budget on its own defense?

Yes, it is fighting what's left of the insurgency on Mindanao (along with 600 or so US Marines), but it has done nothing to upgrade its Navy or Air Force to even remotely counter an external threat. Instead, it relies on the US (which still has forces in the region) for protection from China and other regional threats. The US should give the Philippines a choice -- either do your part, or ward of Chinese expansion yourself.

[Vanders9]

Not really. VAT is much higher than US sales taxes, but its much less comprehensive. Theres no VAT on food, fuel oil, postage, books, magazines, public transport - pretty much all the basic commodities. As a US tourist you can claim VAT back when you leave the UK anyway.

Gas is more expensive in the UK, but its not as bad as most Americans think. For one thing, a UK gallon is 25% larger than a US gallon. British fuel tends to be higher octane and more calorific, so you get higher mpg too.

[Vanders9]

That is the problem in the US. The majority has been persuaded to let dear leader Obumbo take care of them. As I have posted many times, the media and education K-Grad school has been taken over by the Communist.

Oh I believe you. So the answer is to take them back.

[Vanders9]

Not too many nations that meet that set of exacting requirements. And none of those that do are immune to one or more of them happening in the next few years.

[Chode]

but if you renounce your citizenship like the article says, you are stuck with the VAT forever, let alone the goathumpers are taking over and you can't even own a gun... SCREW that!

[AlexW]

“Oh I believe you. So the answer is to take them back. “
_____________________________________________

Of course, but the USSA now has a majority population of takers. How do you plan to take back the Media and institutions of education?
If you do take them back, how do you reeducate the takers?

I do not tell anyone to give up on America, but there will be terrific pain and turmoil before, or if, America recovers from despotism.
It took about 50 years for Russia and central Europe to free itself from Marxist/Leninist ideology.
At least the American public is not yet fenced in, as Communist Europe was.

I am catching a lot of flack on here for leaving the USSA, but there is nothing I can do there to save the country.
I can do far more by telling other foreigners and US expats just how bad it is going to become there.

[familyop]

The USA is spending enormous amounts in resources and money to prevent some really ugly things from happening in other countries around the globe. I’m not only talking about foreign aid money. I’m not going into the issue in detail for good reasons. And no, I don’t have (or need) any special, inside word on that. It’s available to anyone who looks for information or pays attention to things that anyone between the USA and Asia can see with their own eyes.

But folks, don’t expect the huge spending and efforts to go on for much longer. As a result of our US economic decline (due to several kinds of corruption here preventing new, small manufacturing starts for decades), many in other countries will see far uglier times than ours. We’ve given much more than we can give while not producing enough things of real value to support our own country.

Sorry, but that’s the way it is. Many in countries outside of our USA should prepare for takeovers by truly monstrous tyrants before long.