More Americans burn their bridges
May 3, 2012, 8:31 AM | Updated: Jul 14, 2024, 5:31 am
 We’re hearing that Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng DOESN’T want to stay in China after all. He really wants to come to the United States(AP Photo/U.S. Embassy Beijing) |
Now we’re hearing that Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng DOESN’T want to stay in China after all, but really wants to come to the United States. I was happy to hear that, because we don’t hear that as much as we used to — someone desperate to come to the United States.
We USED to have people smuggling themselves in shipping containers from China, or ram shackle boats from Cuba. But now — even the Mexicans have stopped coming.
And even worse, more born and bred Americans are leaving!
Today I saw the second article in a month about American expatriates who are renouncing their citizenship because they’re fed up with US tax laws, which force US citizens pay US taxes no matter were they live.
Here’s how Russia Today — the Russian digital TV network — covered this story:
“America may be known as the land of opportunity, but for increasing numbers, it’s an offer they’re not willing to take. Last year alone, an estimated 7 million people renounced their U.S. citizenship,” said the report.
The number is a little exaggerated — the official figure for 2011 is closer to 1,800, but still, it stings. Because it’s permanent — these are people who have completely given up on America as the world’s beacon of freedom.
Even Superman last year — remember?
“The latest issue of the action comic superhero features the man of steal renouncing his U.S. citizenship,” said a report.
Clark Kent remained a citizen, but still — it’s like we’re not special anymore.
There is ONE reassuring thing, at least, unlike China, we’re willing to let you go without warning you that your wife might get beaten up.
Although we do charge a renunciation fee of $450, and if your assets are more than $2 million we charge you an exit tax.
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