http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/expats/ en-us Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:44:22 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2348688/posts Note: The following text is a quote: YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report Warden Message: Belgrade Expatriates Experiencing Attacks CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS Europe - Serbia 25 Sep 2009 U.S. Embassy Belgrade issues the following Warden Message September 25: The U.S. Embassy wishes to alert American Citizens to a recent spate of crimes affecting the expatriate community in Belgrade. The Regional Security Office (RSO) states that trends involving physical assaults and gun violence remain a threat to foreigners. The RSO wishes to highlight the some recent criminal events: · On September 16, 2009, a British... OSAC.gov http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2348688/posts#comment Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:44:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2129890/posts Of all the people who said during the past eight years that they'd had it with the United States, that they were leaving the country, these are the ones who really did move to Canada. ...snip... "In Seattle, I was pretty far to the left," Kertes recalled. In Vancouver "a lot of times I'm the most conservative person in the room. I'll say something in a group and I'll be prepared for someone to say, 'You're so radical,' but (in Vancouver), it's not considered unusual. I sort of miss feeling special in that way." Seattle PI http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2129890/posts#comment Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:11:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2091785/posts The Zogby results are shocking – especially compared to the entire U.S. population (now about 303,116,000). The numbers below are for households, not individuals. • 1.6 million U.S. households already decided to move offshore and are headed in that direction. • Another 1.8 million households are seriously considering moving and are likely to do it. Many have taken preliminary steps. • 7.7 million households are “somewhat seriously” considering moving and “may” do it. • Nearly 3 million households are seriously considering buying a vacation home or other property outside the United States. Another 10 million are “somewhat” seriously considering it.... boom2bust. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2091785/posts#comment Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:36:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046265/posts Congress increases the ransom expats must pay to escape the taxman QUEUES of frustrated foreigners crowd many an American consulate around the world hoping to get into the United States. Less noticed are the heavily taxed American expatriates wanting to get out—by renouncing their citizenship. In Hong Kong just now, they cannot. “Please note that this office cannot accept renunciation applications at this time,” the consulate's website states. Apart from sounding like East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the closure is unfortunately timed. Because of pending legislation on President Bush's desk that is expected to become law... The Economist http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046265/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:01:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041731/posts An Expat’s Guide to Participatory Democracy Rupert Pupkin One of the dangers of living abroad is that one may eventually slip into a disconnected state in which paying taxes and other rights and responsibilities of citizenship are displaced by a rootless enthusiasm for foot massages. The nation seems to be getting on quite well without his input, the expat reasons, it’s still somewhat powerful and wealthy, so perhaps the best thing he can do to ensure its perpetuation is to keep out of internal debates and contribute to its greatness through neglect. If a bad guy gets to be president,... Talk Shanghai Magazine http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041731/posts#comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 10:48:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2040693/posts President Bush recently signed the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Act of 2008, aka, the HEART bill. Hidden in the bill is new taxation on those who renounce their citizenship. The bill specifically calls for taxation on the net unrealized gain in their property, as if the property had been sold. Call it the "Hotel Calfornia" Tax, checkout any time you want, but a good chunk of your money can't leave. The first $600,000 in estimated net worth is exempt, then the tax kicks in at regular rates. Thus, this tax creates the potential for huge taxable phantom gains, with... EconomcPolicyJournal.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2040693/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jul 2008 13:25:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-backroom/2040126/posts In countries of the Third World, you often find American men in their fifties or sixties who have wives twenty or twenty-five years younger. In my considerable experience, they seem happy together. However, the arrangement upsets people back in the US. Why, I wonder? A couple of upsettances are common. The first, from feminists, holds that the man is exploiting the woman sexually (a flattering thought to a man in his sixties; more likely, she wishes he were) or that he wants a docile and pliable woman. The view springs from the common notion among American women that a female... Fred On Everything http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-backroom/2040126/posts#comment Thu, 3 Jul 2008 06:52:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038318/posts A lot of people probably can't understand why someone would voluntarily give up American citizenship -- but if someone wanted to do that, they'd now incur financial penalties for it. Congress just passed a new law that will stop your capital -- or at least a good portion of it -- at the border, should you decide not to be a U.S. citizen anymore. Is it, perhaps, in preparation for the possibility that Americans might rebel at the debt and taxes incurred by their government by leaving for lower-tax locales? You probably didn't notice this little provision inserted into the... The Street.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038318/posts#comment Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:41:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030050/posts Do you believe the tax system should be used to punish people with unpopular views? One of old Soviet Union's actions that was most heavily and correctly criticized by human-rights activists both left and right was its confiscation of the wealth of those who chose to leave the U.S.S.R. The right to emigrate is considered by civilized people to be a basic human right. Regretfully and embarrassingly, the U.S. Congress has just passed a law that places a higher tax burden (and in some cases wealth confiscation) on those who choose to permanently leave the United States, and may make... The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030050/posts#comment Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:58:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028048/posts For millions of Europeans who braved the Atlantic Ocean for a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty and dreams of a lavish life, there was little thought of ever emigrating back. Yet for a new generation of Americans of European descent, the Old Country is becoming a new country full of promise and opportunity. The creation of the European Union and its thriving economy is very appealing for Americans in a global economy. "With an EU passport, I can live and work in 27 countries," said Suzanne Mulvehill of Lake Worth. "With a U.S. passport, I can live and work... Palm Beach Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028048/posts#comment Sun, 8 Jun 2008 22:25:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958392/posts MEXICO CITY — This year, for the first time, expatriate Democrats can cast their ballots on the Internet in a presidential primary for people living outside the United States. Democrats Abroad, an official branch of the party representing overseas voters, will hold its first global presidential preference primary from Feb. 5 to 12, with ex-pats selecting the candidate of their choice by Internet as well as fax, mail and in-person at polling places in more than 100 countries. Democrats Abroad is particularly proud of the online voting option — which provides a new alternative to the usual process of voting... AP via Houston Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958392/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:40:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1876156/posts PARIS: Nicolas Sarkozy is rolling out the welcome mat for thousands of rich French people who fled one of Europe's most onerous tax regimes. Few may heed his call. In his first economic act as president, Sarkozy is pushing a tax law to lure back wealthy exiles such as the rock star Johnny Hallyday and members of the Mulliez clan, who control the French retailer Groupe Auchan. The measure will allow more exemptions on the "wealth" tax, the bête noire of the rich, and cap the total individual tax rate at 50 percent of income..... International Hearald Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1876156/posts#comment Sat, 4 Aug 2007 02:34:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1679218/posts President George W. Bush said Cubans "on the island" ought to decide what kind of government and future they want before US-based exiles take up grievances like property confiscated under the communist Fidel Castro regime. "Our desire is for the Cuban people to be able to choose their own form of government," he said. The US leader declared that while "Cuba has the possibility of transforming itself from a tyrannical situation to a different type of society ... the people on the island of Cuba ought to decide" how that change occurs. "Once the people of Cuba decide the form... AFP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1679218/posts#comment Mon, 7 Aug 2006 15:29:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1672925/posts The U.S. Navy's evacuation of Lebanon is done. Now, the focus is on delivering humanitarian aid to the Lebanese. At the center of the effort: the Navy's giant, super-quick catamaran. Until recently, the experimental, Australian-built HSV-2 Swift was working as a mine warfare command and control ship. But with "its enormous 28,000 square foot mission deck, the ability to traverse littoral waters, the capability of handling speeds in excess of 40 knots, and maneuverability that doesn't require tugboat assistance," as Navy Newsstand notes, the catamaran was a natural for the Lebanese operation. "The vessel has the cargo space of about... DefenseTech.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1672925/posts#comment Thu, 27 Jul 2006 01:46:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670928/posts American Navy sailors use a military radio as American citizens stand on board an LCU (Landing Craft Utility) at a beach in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, July 21, 2006, to be taken to the USS Trenton, which will evacuate 2,000 Americans to Cyprus. The United States prepared to ship about 5,000 Americans from Beirut Friday to nearly complete the evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon as the international exodus reached a peak. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)An American Navy sailor carries an American girl as they board an LCU (Landing Craft Utility) at a beach in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, July 21, 2006, as... yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670928/posts#comment Sun, 23 Jul 2006 19:44:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1669288/posts LANARCA, Cyprus — It could be a long trip to Ottawa for Prime Minister Stephen Harper if he decides to mix with the Lebanese evacuees he is ferrying home. "It was a horrible trip," one after another describe their 13-hour voyage from Beirut to Cyprus when they disembark in the scorching heat here. "People were vomiting, there were no beds, the toilets with filthy. "There was no air conditioning and they ran out of water," one young women told reporters before storming on board the waiting buses laid on by the Canadian government. The arrival of the Blue Dawn, the... National Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1669288/posts#comment Thu, 20 Jul 2006 17:44:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670150/posts WASHINGTON, July 21, 2006 – Military aircraft and sea vessels will evacuate more than 4,000 Americans from Lebanon today, DoD officials said. Officials expect the USS Trenton, the USS Whidbey Island and the contract carrier Rahmah to carry around 4,200 American citizens to safety, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Gary Keck said. The Navy ships will carry evacuees to Cyprus, and the Rahmah will carry roughly 1,400 Americans to Mersin, Turkey. Cypriot officials said they expect roughly 60,000 evacuees of all nationalities in the country, and the evacuation is straining its resources. Turkey has offered the seaport of Mersin as an... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670150/posts#comment Fri, 21 Jul 2006 23:12:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670125/posts Whiners: Find your own way out of Beirut After being rescued from war zone, a little gratitude would be nice The Edmonton Journal Fri 21 Jul 2006 Page: A18 Section: Opinion Byline: Lorne Gunter Aw, the boat ride was too long, was it? And you say it was too hot? There was no doctor on board, either? And the departure was delayed. And the port was chaotic. And too little food and water had been laid in. And some of you had to sleep on the floor!? Oh, the indignity of it. To listen to the whining and carping... EDMONTON JOURNAL (Canada) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670125/posts#comment Fri, 21 Jul 2006 22:15:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1669585/posts MANAMA, Bahrain - U.S. military medical personnel, either on standby or already aboard ships, will act as first responders in the assisted departure of American citizens from Lebanon. One U.S. Navy physician and two corpsmen from Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Kuwait, are aboard the civilian cruise vessel Orient Queen as it ferries passengers to the safety of Lanarca, Cyprus, said Capt. Vernon Morgan, force surgeon at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain. The U.S. Air Force has also stationed one physician and two medics at the entry points where American citizens are arriving in Cyprus. A 23-member Air Force... CENTCOM http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1669585/posts#comment Fri, 21 Jul 2006 01:59:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1669565/posts NORFOLK - More than 1,000 American citizens were plucked off a beach in Beirut by landing craft today and transported out to sea and the safety of the Norfolk-based amphibious transport dock Nashville. The ship then took them to Cyprus 140 miles away to board commercial aircraft for home. A similar long day is planned again Friday for the Nashville and at least three other Norfolk-based amphibious ships that were scheduled to join in the evacuations. "It's like a giant slumber party," Capt. Dee Mewbourne, the Nashville's commanding officer, said by satellite telephone today. The Virginian-Pilot http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1669565/posts#comment Fri, 21 Jul 2006 01:23:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1669547/posts From Lebanese Canadians, a thank you to Stephen Harper National Post Thursday, July 20, 2006 What follows is a statement released jointly by six Canadian Lebanese organizations on Wednesday. We, the undersigned, representatives of the six Lebanese organizations listed below, extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Canadian government, represented by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay, for the correct, just and prompt positions they have taken with regard to Lebanon and the unfortunate military confrontations that are occurring on its soil as a result of the reckless hostile actions of Hezbollah. Those actions violate... National Post - Canada http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1669547/posts#comment Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:56:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668874/posts LARNACA, Cyprus (CP) - Stephen Harper grabbed a few hours' sleep aboard his prime ministerial plane as he prepared to help evacuate some of the Canadians fleeing the Middle East conflict. He spent the night on an airport tarmac in the Mediterranean resort town Larnaca and planned to invite 100 Canadians aboard his military Airbus for a return flight home Thursday. The aircraft is equipped with a pair of single beds, which Harper and his wife Laureen used to grab a few hours' rest before the whirlwind evacuation journey. Harper, accompanied by his "image-handlers," shrugged off suggestions his last-minute stop... Canadian Press via Sun Media http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668874/posts#comment Thu, 20 Jul 2006 01:50:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668561/posts Prime Minister Tony Blair Tuesday rejected criticism that Britain had reacted slowly in evacuating its nations from Lebanon in the face of week-long Israeli bombings of the country's civilian infrastructure. Speaking at a joint conference with the Croatian prime minister, Ivo Sanader, Blair insisted that his government was acting "as quickly as we possibly can" to get its citizens out. "We have taken out of Lebanon the first 60 people - that was done yesterday. The first ship will come today, so obviously we can take far greater numbers out," he said. Britain is under criticism over its evacuation plans... Islamic News Agency http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668561/posts#comment Wed, 19 Jul 2006 17:07:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668558/posts PARIS (CP) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper is flying to Cyprus where he intends to take up to 120 evacuees from Lebanon home to Canada on his Canadian Forces plane. Harper announced the surprise side trip on his week-long European diplomatic tour after a meeting with French President Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday afternoon. "Because of the seriousness of the situation and our relative proximity to Cyprus, we have decided to take the Canadian Forces aircraft we have been travelling on to help airlift evacuees back home," Harper said in a statement. "The aircraft will be stripped... Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668558/posts#comment Wed, 19 Jul 2006 17:06:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668622/posts BEIRUT, Lebanon - Jonathan Chakhtoura, a 19-year-old Lebanese-American, is eager to escape the outbreak of Mideast fighting here. But he says he's extremely disappointed with the way U.S. authorities have handled the evacuation. "Every time I call to see what's going on the lines are busy," he said of the U.S. Embassy. "When they answer, they say they don't know," said Chakhtoura, who wants to be back in Boston before his fashion design classes start Sept. 6. "A lot of people don't know what is going on. There is so much confusion. If it's security they are worried about, then... Associated Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668622/posts#comment Wed, 19 Jul 2006 18:33:37 GMT