There are an incredible number of benefits to being an expatriate these days. The Hong Kong/China economy is robust, my kids are growing up bilingual, and we as a family are closer than ever given the multicultural experiences we share on a daily basis.
One aspect of this lifestyle that is usually bitched about by American expats, however, is the tax situation. In Hong Kong the income tax rate tops out at about 16% or so, which is a big draw for people, since most nations allow their expatriate workforce to be taxed under the laws of the location in which they work. The United States has a global taxation policy, which alongside a number of treaties with different countries, "no matter where you go, there you are", paying US taxes.
My family and I are generally okay with this policy. We're certainly a lot more okay with it now under the Obama administration than we were when Bush was still in office. But we do admit to missing some of the more participatory aspects of the representation we used to be able to take advantage of for our taxation. This includes the right to gather in places of civic power with our fellow citizens and demand that government use our tax dollars to do the things we believe in, like protecting the environment, providing essential services, supporting the social safety net, educating children, etc.
So, to be brutally honest, much of our offshore activism these days comes down to the two basics of money and petition signing, and as a result, we try to live vicariously through our sponsorship and we blog. Which isn't as cool as being there, by any stretch, but it makes us feel a little better that we can help in some fashion.
DiegoUK had a recent diary asking for sponsors for the One Nation March on 10.2.10. I've donated, via Paypal and you can, too.
And here's the best part: we'll match any donations you kick in, up to a total amount of $500. Just report your contribution below in the comments, and we'll match the amount raised. Assuming people are game this late in your US day, that would be another thousand bucks to help get people to DC, help them find a place to stay, a decent meal, and plenty of water so they can make their voices heard!
There are only five days left. There are people all over the US who are deciding right now if they can pull this off, can you help this expat family give them a little extra push?
Who's with me?