Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Posted (9 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 1963 times:
The other day I had the unfortunate idea to accompany my cousins to a public swimming pool in NYC, as it was very hot. After the three employees doing the job of one at the entrance confiscated my hat because it was beige (apparently you are only allowed white hats - not sure if it is a gang thing and they're afraid the Pastel Posse is going to show up and tear up the joint) I was finally allowed in. There was, to my great surprise, a separate swimming pool in one of the ends that actually had a springboard. Now, this swimming pool was fenced off and the only way you could actually enter it was by jumping through the springboard, and only one person was allowed in the swimming pool at the time (you jumped and had to swim to the stairs and get out before someone else was allowed to jump in). Despite the fact that there was only one person allowed in this particular pool at a time, there were three (3) life-guards on duty at this particular station.
Today I had another unfortunate idea, to take the Long Island Rail Road from NYC out to Long Beach and try out the beach there. After again going throw an overly-staffed check-point and actually being forced to pay $12 to get in (the swimming pool was free) I finally made it onto the beach. Even though the beach was very wide, you were only allowed to swim in between 2 green flags maybe 20 yards apart that were placed right in front of the life-guard mound, where there were maybe 4 life-guards on duty. If you tried to go in even ankle-deep outside this area one or two of the annoying life-guards on a power trip would come over and start blowing a whistle and yelling at you, forcing you to join this small swimming area that had a (probably peeing) massive crowd and risk getting whacked over the head by someone on the next wave. Even if you were on the sand catching some sun or trying to read a book you were not free from these annoying life-guards, as they seemed to be whistling every minute or so.
Now I know this could not possibly be caused by Nanny Bloomberg and his Nassau County counter-party trying to create make-works programs for life-guards, or implement a massive, over-bearing government that interferes on people's every movement, so I can only conclude that New Yorkers, despite coming from the same country that gave the world Michael Phelps, are somehow incompetent, dangerous swimmers. After all, I have swam in swimming pools and beaches all over the world (including California, the mother of all Nanny governments), many of them a lot more dangerous than Long Beach, and have never seen such a thing. So, what causes New Yorkers total inability to survive in the water?
Read this very carefully, I shall write this only once!
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16838 posts, RR: 57 Reply 2, posted (9 months 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 1899 times:
There is a swim-around-manhattan open water swim every year. And I have no idea what beach you were at, but I've been at beaches without any guards at all in NYC.
mt99 From United States of America, joined exactly 14 years ago today! , 6354 posts, RR: 7 Reply 4, posted (9 months 3 weeks 2 days ago) and read 1853 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): assau County counter-party trying to create make-works programs for life-guards, or implement a massive, over-bearing government that interferes on people's every movement,
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): including California, the mother of all Nanny governments
Maybe, just maybe .. you should move somewhere, where the government - ANY government won't mess with you.
South Sudan. maybe? They have a small government there. Unfortunately they are land locked so you wont be able to strut your speedo..
That was the point of the thread right? Complaining about Big Government disguised a s folksy swimming story. Its very cute.
okie From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 2378 posts, RR: 3 Reply 5, posted (9 months 3 weeks 2 days ago) and read 1841 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): So, what causes New Yorkers total inability to survive in the water?
Okie would go with Larry the Cable guy.
Building a city at sea level in an area subject to a hurricane with a 30ft storm surge filled with millions of Liberals that can't swim is sort of genius.
Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Reply 6, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 1799 times:
Quoting MrChips (Reply 3): So in other words, a "how many turds can you swallow in an afternoon" competition? Who in their right mind would swim in the Hudson?
I had a co-worker of mine who did the NYC triathlon (which includes a part swimming in the river) last year. A week or two before the race a fire at a waste treatment plant dumped thousands of tons of shit (literally) onto the Hudson river. She did the race anyway.
By the way, on the swimming event at the triathlon, they always seem to have someone dying during the crossing, although usually of natural causes. If you followed up on the swimmers a few years later, however...
Quoting mt99 (Reply 4): That was the point of the thread right? Complaining about Big Government disguised a s folksy swimming story. Its very cute.
It was actually to recount two true stories that happened to me recently, but we know how you feel, any criticism of government inefficiency or nanny-statism and you immediately think someone wants to live in Somalia. After all, we can never have too many government workers, correct? What, only three life-guards per person at the swimming pool, or 5 people to sell tickets to the beach and control the access at the check-point? Oh, the humanity! We need some more, now!
Quoting okie (Reply 5): Building a city at sea level in an area subject to a hurricane with a 30ft storm surge filled with millions of Liberals that can't swim is sort of genius.
Not a lot of hurricanes in NYC, actually - they can't stand the summer heat and humidity, either. Plus, all the thunderstorms keep them away.
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16838 posts, RR: 57 Reply 7, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 1796 times:
Quoting MrChips (Reply 3): So in other words, a "how many turds can you swallow in an afternoon" competition? Who in their right mind would swim in the Hudson?
Precisely why I didn't participate. I grew up on a lake. After damned-near getting my bits taken off by a snapping turtle, open-water swimming lost its romance.
You should have gone to a private pool and paid, you'd get a better service that way.
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): After again going throw an overly-staffed check-point and actually being forced to pay $12 to get in
You were forced? Was there a gun to your back? or was the charge $12 and you were willing to pay it?
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): forcing you to join this small swimming area that had a (probably peeing) massive crowd
Thats why I go to the beach, to go for a piss.
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): Even if you were on the sand catching some sun or trying to read a book you were not free from these annoying life-guards, as they seemed to be whistling every minute or so.
As you say they were only stopping people going in the sea outside of that 20m section, if you just want to lie and read a book move away from said 20m area, talk about not wanting to help yourself.
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): Now I know this could not possibly be caused by Nanny Bloomberg and his Nassau County counter-party trying to create make-works programs for life-guards, or implement a massive, over-bearing government that interferes on people's every movement,
Why say it then?
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): despite coming from the same country that gave the world Michael Phelps
So it was the country that gave the world Michael Phelps? He didn't do it off his own back?
Pyrex: "Michael Phelps & your 22 Olympic medals, you didn't do that"
Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Reply 9, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 1667 times:
Quoting flipdewaf (Reply 8): You were forced? Was there a gun to your back? or was the charge $12 and you were willing to pay it?
I had already paid $16.50 for the (off-peak) return train ticket there (as a reference, BoltBus is able to sell you a ticket to Boston, over 5 times the distance, for $15, and they don't receive massive subsidies to cover cash operating losses).
Quoting flipdewaf (Reply 8): You should have gone to a private pool and paid, you'd get a better service that way
Perhaps, but Nanny Bloomberg would still get in the way. I have a couple of friends who have swimming pools in their buildings but it is actually illegal in NYC for them to be open without a life-guard on duty, so they end up having wieird, impractical, opening times (instead of being open 24/7).
Quoting flipdewaf (Reply 8): if you just want to lie and read a book move away from said 20m area
I was away from the 20 m section. You are aware that the sound of whistles travels, aren't you?
Quoting flipdewaf (Reply 8): "Michael Phelps & your 22 Olympic medals, you didn't do that"
That certainly seems to be the theme these days. Michael Phelps didn't do that, there were, like, roads and shit. Don't worry, though, he will get taxed on the value of the medals.
Read this very carefully, I shall write this only once!
soon7x7 From United States of America, joined May 2006, 2802 posts, RR: 14 Reply 10, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 1659 times:
If you go to any pool/ beach west of Jones Beach then you my friend are in a different country. Even Jones beach has been overrun by non swimmers from everywhere but here. I swim 30-50 laps everyday and look forward to this summers "hurricane swells". I turn 57 tomorrow and don't plan on drowning anytime soon. Out on Long Island exists a huge population of swimmers. The locations you mentioned are just public urinals. Come on out...just stay out of my lane!
flipdewaf From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2006, 1528 posts, RR: 1 Reply 11, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 1629 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 9): I had already paid $16.50 for the (off-peak) return train ticket there (as a reference, BoltBus is able to sell you a ticket to Boston, over 5 times the distance, for $15, and they don't receive massive subsidies to cover cash operating losses).
were you forced to hand over $16.50? Was there a gun? Why didnt you go to boston if its so cheap? It seems that that was your choice.
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 9): Perhaps, but Nanny Bloomberg would still get in the way. I have a couple of friends who have swimming pools in their buildings but it is actually illegal in NYC for them to be open without a life-guard on duty, so they end up having wieird, impractical, opening times
So the cost of having a pool open and operating within the confines if the law means that it isn't economical to have a pool open all the time. A lifeguard required at a public pool seems like a good idea to me.
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 9): I was away from the 20 m section. You are aware that the sound of whistles travels, aren't you?
So you didn't do research on a beach you wanted to visit and then spent $24.50 on going there and didn't get what you expected?
It seems to my pyrex that you made some choices (and I have noticed that you seem to be all about people making their own choices) and your choices seemed to be bad ones, Ithink you only have yourself to blame.
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 9): That certainly seems to be the theme these days. Michael Phelps didn't do that, there were, like, roads and shit.
Well that's what you said:
Quoting Pyrex (Thread starter): despite coming from the same country that gave the world Michael Phelps
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 9): Don't worry, though, he will get taxed on the value of the medals.
If the weight of the silver in his medals exceeds an amount required to be taxed when brought in from overseas then I don't see why not. It shouldn't be one rule for one and another rule for another.
mt99 From United States of America, joined exactly 14 years ago today! , 6354 posts, RR: 7 Reply 12, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 1590 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 6): It was actually to recount two true stories that happened to me recently, but we know how you feel, any criticism of government inefficiency or nanny-statism
OK good. I was right. It was a criticism,. Just so you know, there is no need to add a cute story. Just come out and say it.
Just another post on how awful you life is in the USA. Poor kid. Forced to live in the US.
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 6): think someone wants to live in Somalia.
Please read my post. It was South Sudan - not Somalia. Somalia has a coast.
Quoting MrChips (Reply 3): how many turds can you swallow in an afternoon" competition? Who in their right mind would swim in the Hudson?
Well, then you probably should keep away from the Olympic pool
"Of course. I think there’s just something about getting into chlorine water that you just automatically go. [I didn't] during the races, but I sure did in warm-up. Heh-heh." -Ryan Lochte
Smittyone From United States of America, joined Feb 2012, 902 posts, RR: 2 Reply 13, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 1539 times:
Quoting mt99 (Reply 12): Just another post on how awful you life is in the USA. Poor kid. Forced to live in the US.
Indeed.
Pyrex, are you a guest here?
If so, then I'd suggest you have some class and keep your criticisms to yourself for the time being. It's like going to stay at a friend's house and then bitching about his wife's cooking...people who have any manners at all know that you just don't do that.
Better men than we are have secured your legal right to speak your mind here, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should. When you get back home to Portugal we'd love to hear the complete debrief of how awful we are.
Silver1SWA From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 4538 posts, RR: 26 Reply 14, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 1516 times:
Quoting flipdewaf (Reply 11): Quoting Pyrex (Reply 9):
Don't worry, though, he will get taxed on the value of the medals.
If the weight of the silver in his medals exceeds an amount required to be taxed when brought in from overseas then I don't see why not. It shouldn't be one rule for one and another rule for another.
Sorry to nitpick, but I believe medalists are taxed on the cash prizes that come with winning, not the value of the medals.
ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.
Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Reply 15, posted (9 months 3 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 1410 times:
Quoting soon7x7 (Reply 10): If you go to any pool/ beach west of Jones Beach then you my friend are in a different country. Even Jones beach has been overrun by non swimmers from everywhere but here.
We were actually debating between Jones Beach and Long Beach but on Google Maps (had not been to any of the beaches). I had heard good things about Jones Beach but Long Beach seemed to be closer to civilization (no need to take a bus from the train station), so we could take shelter when the inevitable NY thunderstorm would come. Are you saying Jones Beach is not at all like Long Beach, and you can actually swim without someone with a whistle on a power trip harassing you? If so, might give it a try.
Well, congratulations. May you continue to enjoy the beach in Long Island unhindered.
Quoting flipdewaf (Reply 11): A lifeguard required at a public pool seems like a good idea to me.
Read again - these are not public pools we are speaking about, by any definition. These are pools at private apartment buildings.
Quoting flipdewaf (Reply 11): If the weight of the silver in his medals exceeds an amount required to be taxed when brought in from overseas then I don't see why not. It shouldn't be one rule for one and another rule for another.
Did Obama pay taxes on his Nobel prize medal? Do celebrities pay taxes on the value of the Oscar statuettes they win? I am talking true value, what you could get for it on eBay, not the minimal metal content.
Quoting mt99 (Reply 12): Do you think that taxes on medals keeps the US medal count artificially low? Do taxes stifle Olympic medal count?
On the margin yes, but probably given the small number of people who actually win medals, the small value of the medal itself compared to the other benefits that accrue to the individuals and the inelasticity of demand, once you round out probably won't have much of an effect. Not that governments ever had problems understanding the concept of elasticity of demand as it applies to revenue generation - just look at tobacco taxes, etc. Strangely enough, though, all knowledge of micro-economics seems to fly out of the door when it comes time to discuss the benefits of competition and breaking up inefficient government monopolies (case in point, LIRR).
Ah, there it comes, the left (always tolerant of other people's beliefs, provided they match their own) showing their true colors (in this case, xenophobia). Let me guess, if I was an immigrant illegally in the U.S., collecting benefits, not paying any taxes and voting (Democrat, of course) in elections I was not legally qualified to vote in, I would be a protected class and entitled to all my opinions. But since I am in the U.S. legally, do not collect any benefits, do not vote in elections I am not entitled to vote in and probably pay more taxes in a year than you ever will, somehow I should put up and shut up, and even the slightest mockery of over-bearing LOCAL politicians is somehow unacceptable.
Quoting Silver1SWA (Reply 14): Sorry to nitpick, but I believe medalists are taxed on the cash prizes that come with winning, not the value of the medals.
I read somewhere it was on both, can't remember where, but you might be right. In any case, that income was generated by performing work in the United Kingdom, so it should be taxed in the U.K., not the U.S.
Read this very carefully, I shall write this only once!
Mir From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 19724 posts, RR: 56 Reply 16, posted (9 months 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 1399 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 9): I have a couple of friends who have swimming pools in their buildings but it is actually illegal in NYC for them to be open without a life-guard on duty, so they end up having wieird, impractical, opening times (instead of being open 24/7).
Lifeguards aren't required at pools in private buildings unless they're very large pools. They require someone to be around to keep things clean and the like, but you'd have that anyway.
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 15): In any case, that income was generated by performing work in the United Kingdom, so it should be taxed in the U.K., not the U.S.
Since it was work performed for a US organization by a US citizen, it should be taxed in the US and not in the UK.
-Mir
7 billion, one nation, imagination...it's a beautiful day
Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Reply 17, posted (9 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 1362 times:
Quoting Mir (Reply 16): Lifeguards aren't required at pools in private buildings unless they're very large pools.
Define "very large" - buildings or pools? The buildings in question do have a lot of residents but every time I go there the swimming pools are empty (maybe because the schedule is so inconvenient).
Quoting Mir (Reply 16): Since it was work performed for a US organization by a US citizen, it should be taxed in the US and not in the UK.
The work was not performed for a U.S. organization, it was performed for the International Olympic Committee (I believe based in Switzerland), who is the one who pays the prizes.Oh, and if Eli Manning does an away game against the Oakland Raiders (is that a football team? not sure, don't follow the NFL) in California, he is subject to pay the California taxes - same situation here.
Not to mention the obvious fact that a U.S. banker based in London working for Goldman Sachs (a U.S. company) is still subject to U.K. taxes...
Read this very carefully, I shall write this only once!
mt99 From United States of America, joined exactly 14 years ago today! , 6354 posts, RR: 7 Reply 18, posted (9 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 1343 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 15): Quoting mt99 (Reply 12):
Do you think that taxes on medals keeps the US medal count artificially low? Do taxes stifle Olympic medal count?
On the margin yes, but probably given the small number of people who actually win medals, the small value of the medal itself compared to the other benefits that accrue to the individuals and the inelasticity of demand, once you round out probably won't have much of an effect. Not that governments ever had problems understanding the concept of elasticity of demand as it applies to revenue generation - just look at tobacco taxes, etc. Strangely enough, though, all knowledge of micro-economics seems to fly out of the door when it comes time to discuss the benefits of competition and breaking up inefficient government monopolies (case in point, LIRR).
Yup. Spoken like one who just got taught Supply/Demand on a college class last week. You are a student aren't you?
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 15): Let me guess, if I was an immigrant illegally in the U.S., collecting benefits, not paying any taxes and voting (Democrat, of course) in elections I was not legally qualified to vote in, I would be a protected class and entitled to all my opinions.
You guessed wrong. Next. (What was the point of your question?)
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 15): slightest mockery of over-bearing LOCAL politicians is somehow unacceptable.
.
Oh honey - this is not the first time you post on how awful life is in the "communist" USA. Its a recurring theme with you.
I feel its a tad cowardly to hide behind this "story" just to keep bringing up how the government "forces" you to do things.
Point is - you are here by your CHOICE. Legally or illegally it doesn't matter. Legal residents in the US can also leave, in case you were not aware. Door is open buddy.
And as an American, i don't feel insulted or anything. I just find it hard to believe that a smart young like yourself subjects yourself to the misery that you endure every day at the hands of the US institutions, and CHOOSES to remain here.
Smittyone From United States of America, joined Feb 2012, 902 posts, RR: 2 Reply 19, posted (9 months 3 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 1314 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 15): Ah, there it comes, the left (always tolerant of other people's beliefs, provided they match their own) showing their true colors (in this case, xenophobia). Let me guess, if I was an immigrant illegally in the U.S., collecting benefits, not paying any taxes and voting (Democrat, of course) in elections I was not legally qualified to vote in, I would be a protected class and entitled to all my opinions. But since I am in the U.S. legally, do not collect any benefits, do not vote in elections I am not entitled to vote in and probably pay more taxes in a year than you ever will, somehow I should put up and shut up, and even the slightest mockery of over-bearing LOCAL politicians is somehow unacceptable.
Haha, I read this post ten minutes ago and I'm still chuckling over the ridiculous accusations you've made about me.
Yes, I do believe that a person who is a guest in another country - legally or otherwise, taxed or not - should bite their damned tongue regarding how the place is run. Guilty as charged.
But I do think it's basic courtesy really, stuff you'd teach your kid before they went to stay over at a friend's house! The fact that people generally seem to have forgotten how to conduct themselves properly does not make me a xenophobe or a bigot.
On the other hand, put in your application for US citizenship - get some real skin in the game here - and I'll be the first one to pull up a chair for you and we can compare notes on how this place is going to hell in a handbasket.
Aesma From France, joined Nov 2009, 4813 posts, RR: 9 Reply 20, posted (9 months 3 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 1283 times:
The money the Olympic medalists get does not come from the IOC and is not regulated by it. It comes from each national committee and the amounts vary widely.
New Technology is the name we give to stuff that doesn't work yet. Douglas Adams
Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Reply 21, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1217 times:
Quoting mt99 (Reply 18): You are a student aren't you?
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 15): probably pay more taxes in a year than you ever will
Quoting mt99 (Reply 18): Legal residents in the US can also leave, in case you were not aware.
Actually, it depends on the type of legal residents. If you are in the U.S. on a student or work visa, then you can, yes, but once you get a green card it is like Hotel California (i.e., you can check in anytime you like, but you can never leave). Just like U.S. citizens, they become subject to taxation on all their worldwide income, even if they no longer live in the U.S. and have no intention of going back, and anyone who is unfortunate enough to have a family or business relationship with them will be harassed by the IRS even if they are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident themselves. There have been plenty of threads with horror stories on this topic recently so I don't think I need to repeat any more - and those will only get worse once the new legislation takes place.
Quoting mt99 (Reply 18): And as an American, i don't feel insulted or anything. I just find it hard to believe that a smart young like yourself subjects yourself to the misery that you endure every day at the hands of the US institutions, and CHOOSES to remain here.
I choose to remain in the U.S. because I actually like the place (not NYC, obviously, nobody in their right mind would like that, but the country as a whole, and I have seen more of it, and with a more open-mind, than most). I would say, as is typical with many immigrants to the U.S., I probably like the country more than many people who were born and raised there and can afford the luxury of spitting on their own food, biting the hand that fed them, feeling proud of their country for the first time in their adult lives only when their husband gets elected President, etc. and want to "fundamentally transform" the country. Funny how many newcomers to the U.S. have a much better understanding of what the American Dream is (or better, not is, i.e. being entitled to something) than many natives.
Quoting Aesma (Reply 20):
The money the Olympic medalists get does not come from the IOC and is not regulated by it. It comes from each national committee and the amounts vary widely.
I stand corrected, then. But my example is still applicable, though - a U.S. citizen working for a U.S. company in London will still pay U.K. taxes.
Read this very carefully, I shall write this only once!
Maverick623 From United States of America, joined Nov 2006, 4744 posts, RR: 6 Reply 22, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1212 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 21): I stand corrected, then. But my example is still applicable, though - a U.S. citizen working for a U.S. company in London will still pay U.K. taxes.
In some situations, the Olympics not being one of them.
zippyjet From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 4724 posts, RR: 13 Reply 23, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1207 times:
If New Yorkers swim 1/4 as bad as they drive the water must be one floating cluster you know what!!!
I'm guessing that the Ocean and LI Sound and many pools you get the same NYC type behavior:
mad at the world, hate yourself and of course others, think everyone outside of the Tri State are are uncivilized etc. Be careful what you wish for...you get such egomaniacs as Nanny Bloomberg. I must say, that the New York area has kick ass food. So it all ain't bad.
And here in Maryland, pools must be staffed with lifeguards. I guess to minimize the chance of finding one floating like a dead fish in their Speedo's.
WestWing From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 2112 posts, RR: 8 Reply 24, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1201 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 21): but once you get a green card it is like Hotel California (i.e., you can check in anytime you like, but you can never leave). Just like U.S. citizens, they become subject to taxation on all their worldwide income, even if they no longer live in the U.S. and have no intention of going back,)
Wait, are you saying that even if you abandon your green card and legal immigrant status, you still have to legally pay taxes to the USA on worldwide income for the remainder of your life? That makes no sense.
The best time to plant a tree is 40 years ago. The second best time is today.
Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Reply 25, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1220 times:
Quoting Maverick623 (Reply 22): In some situations, the Olympics not being one of them.
Only because the U.K. specifically put in place an exemption for the Olympics because it recognized how ridiculous it is to tax Olympic athletes when all the personal costs that went into their training (lessons, coaches, travel, etc.) were likely not deducted.
Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Reply 26, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1220 times:
Quoting WestWing (Reply 24): Wait, are you saying that even if you abandon your green card and legal immigrant status, you still have to legally pay taxes to the USA on worldwide income for the remainder of your life? That makes no sense.
Well, it is a bit more complicated than that - you basically become like a U.S. citizen for tax purposes, so there are ways to get out but not trivial ones. You need to file tax returns on all your foreign income while you still have the green card, and if you try to get rid of the green card you could be subject to punitive exit taxes (just like a U.S. citizen trying to renounce his citizenship). Plus, the IRS and the INS are not always in sync regarding the rules, so you might be considered a covered person by one government entity and not another...
WestWing From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 2112 posts, RR: 8 Reply 27, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 1210 times:
I do know that green card holders, while they remain green card holders are subject to the same worldwide income tax laws as US citizens. On reading the article, it seems that long term "wealthy" ($2 million) resident aliens, will on exit (expatriation) will be assessed similar exit taxes as US citizens, but - as far as I can tell - once those exit taxes are paid, there does not appear to be a lifetime legal obligation for a former resident alien to continue paying taxes to the USA on their worldwide income. What made no sense to me was the second part of your sentence: Just like U.S. citizens, they become subject to taxation on all their worldwide income, even if they no longer live in the U.S. and have no intention of going back (emphasis added).
The best time to plant a tree is 40 years ago. The second best time is today.
Pyrex From Portugal, joined Aug 2005, 3538 posts, RR: 28 Reply 28, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 1186 times:
Quoting WestWing (Reply 27): it seems that long term "wealthy" ($2 million) resident aliens, will on exit (expatriation) will be assessed similar exit taxes as US citizens
Actually, if you read closely it is not just them. Each expatriate must sign a declaration, under penalty of perjury, that he/she has been in compliance with all tax laws 5 years prior to expatriation, and failure to do so makes the person, regardless of net worth, subject to the exit tax. With the extremely onerous and arbitrary reporting requirements, especially the ones coming up, no-one can positively state they are in fact in compliance.
Quoting WestWing (Reply 27): once those exit taxes are paid, there does not appear to be a lifetime legal obligation for a former resident alien to continue paying taxes to the USA on their worldwide income
Yes, but on the other hand they need to pay exit taxes on all their worldwide assets even if they already had them befre they became U.S. permanent residents. Again, it is similar to what U.S. citizens have to do.
Quoting WestWing (Reply 27): they become subject to taxation on all their worldwide income, even if they no longer live in the U.S. and have no intention of going back (emphasis added)
Should have clarified if they still have the Green Card.
Read this very carefully, I shall write this only once!
mt99 From United States of America, joined exactly 14 years ago today! , 6354 posts, RR: 7 Reply 29, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 1153 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 21): I choose to remain in the U.S. because I actually like the place
You must be a masochist to like a place that is so overrun with Government intervention. The way you express yourself makes it sound like you are going to vomit at the thought of US institutions.
Maverick623 From United States of America, joined Nov 2006, 4744 posts, RR: 6 Reply 30, posted (9 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 1115 times:
Quoting Pyrex (Reply 25): Only because the U.K. specifically put in place an exemption for the Olympics
Yes, just like there are a boatload of other exemptions for foreigners working for a foreign company, and being paid in foreign dollars. While most will pay UK taxes, many will not, especially those on a business assignment with the relevant visa.
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