Comment by ForHackernews
Comment by ForHackernews 2 days ago
> It's about as definitive a form of taxation without representation as I can imagine...
American citizens retain the right to vote in US elections no matter where they live. They have representation.
There is one group in Congress dedicated to representing Americans abroad. Since 2007 they've been working to reform the tax code and make the voting process easier. No politician in my state has ever joined - and the tax code remains the same.
Americans abroad are taxed on worldwide income, but don’t get the same benefits; healthcare, infrastructure, education, etc. We pay full price for a system we barely use. The laws on starting a company abroad are arcane; cruel and unusual.
... So I don't feel very represented*.
Again, no other country outside North Korea and Eritrea (a combined population of 30m people) treats their citizens like this. The US just started it because it needed to raise funds during the Civil War, and keeps it because it's a useful way to siphon money.
Non Americans are shocked when they hear of these rules - it's unthinkable. Even Americans are surprised, most have never heard of such a thing.
* Tbf, neither do most Americans these days. According to Pew, only 20% of Americans are 'satisfied with how democracy is working'. 10% feel "hopeful" when thinking about politics, compared to 65% who feel "exhausted".
60 years ago, 77% of people trusted the US govt. Today, 77% of Dem voters wish we'd stop arming war crimes.