On Sun, 21 May 2006 23:07:44 +0800, "riverman" wrote:


wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 21 May 2006 14:25:36 +0800, "riverman" wrote:

What's the bottom line? For me, it's when someone who has made their
own bed complains that it isn't comfortable AND blames it on someone
else.

I apprecitate that, but it's nonsense in this case, as this isn't the bed I
chose to lie in. I have a retirement strategy, and I'm being very careful
about it. The bed I have been making has been reasonably comfortable, and
has allowed me the same opportunity as any other working american to retire
reasonably. But they changed this tax law midcareer in a manner that
unfairly and seriously impacts certain expat workers,

SNIP

As it is, an additional $6000 housing tax added to
the $3000 I already pay puts my tax debt

As I read it, there isn't anything fixed yet, and knowing how the IRS
works, I'd offer that taking a wait-and-see attitude might be a little
easier on you. OTOH, _IF_ they actually wind up hosing a large section
of expats in situations similar to yours, it would be a different
arrangement than the one you chose, and calling "bull****" then would be
a different story. But until the rules are promulgated, you don't know
what the heck is going to happen. Again, look at the "frequent flyer"
flap and the ending result. I'm can't speak for everyone and every
company, but when the dust settled, I think everyone was, well...willing
to let it lie as something they would live with ("happy" and "tax
collector," be they the IRS or whomever, don't really get on to well in
the same sentence).

SNIP

I'm not asking for anything from anyone here...I'm just absolutely bull****
that this got passed and at the impact it will have, and wanted to vent. I
understand if the realities of this are too distant for any of you to really
appreciate, but they are for real. And I don't hold out any hope that the
IRS will save the day.

Excuse me? Too distant for _anyone_ to understand but you? Where the
hell do you think you are, Pluto? And what do you think you're doing
that sets you so far apart from _anyone_ that _no one_ else could
understand? This is part of that attitude that gets any potential
sympathy washed away, but hey, like I said, it's your choice...

TC,
R