Many of the wealthiest taxpayers in America are or were foreign investors. Putting your money in America was viewed as a safe stable place to stash your wealth away from the greedy fingers of foreign politicians and countries that did not have a 4th ammendment. That situtation does not exist anymore due to the patriot act. For all the FICA taxes we pay, your money is no more safe in the bank than if you burried it in the yard in a cookie jar. The interest rates of a cookie jar (0%) are competitive with those set by the federal reserve.
Even Bill Clinton has established a residence in a foreign country (Ireland) to sheild his wealth.
Where'd you hear this?? Not doubting you, just want a source so I can use this in my own personal culture wars.