[FromTheSidelines]

This is a very important question because MANY hard working LEGAL immigrants, who never depend on government largesse are asking themselves the same question.... many have money deposited back home BEFORE they came to the US. Does Uncle Sam have a moral claim to that money?

It has no such moral claim - but it has a claim nevertheless. Likewise with monies earned overseas; the US and Eritrea are the only two nations that tax based upon citizenship, not locale. The US makes a claim to taxes on any money you earn anywhere in the world, if you're a citizen or permanent resident. Highly immoral - but a claim nevertheless.

As far as income taxes go, I'm not sure they are inherently immoral - but I do consider non-flat income tax rates as immoral. If we're going to tax income, then it should be a single flat rate that all pay, regardless of amount of income.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: the US and Eritrea are the only two nations that tax based upon citizenship, not locale

Interesting. Can you share with us your sources for this information?