aphid

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Everything posted by aphid

  1. aphid
    It will be interesting to see what my son, a practicing attorney, will do as he is the offspring of an American. Allegedly he qualifies for scrutiny under this IRS initiative as well, although I don't think he'd have much success petitioning for an American passport. He too, doesn't have much patience for bullies. Thank you for your time. John
  2. aphid
    I composed neither the article nor its title.
  3. aphid
    The phrase tax-evasion has been used rather immodestly. These people have evaded nothing. They paid their taxes, as Canadian citizens, earned in Canada, while residing in Canada. In a common-sense world, in my opinion, they don't owe the bully a damned thing.
  4. aphid
    I gave the publication a cursory glance and it appears to address taxation issues for non-US citizens working inside the USA. Hence addressing them as aliens. I think in the eyes of the USgov, an American remains a citizen regardless of becoming a citizen of and residing permanently in a foreign sovereign country. Therein lays the rub, and the comparison to Eritrea regarding out-of-country taxation.
  5. aphid
    He did, as noted in his letter to your President. As has my own spouse who has resided up here continuously since age 15 in 1973. She has been contacted by the IRS as well. Not trying to be difficult, but don't be misguided to think it is just that simple to tell the USgov to get lost...
  6. aphid
    Re-read the portion that outlines the IRS considers every American responsible regardless of a dual-citizenship or residency. ETA: I have friends here who have already been tagged in this tax-grab. Canadian lawyers and accountants really do appreciate the new business that has arisen because of this initiative though.
  7. aphid
    Just how broke is your country? Being compared to Eritrea is rather unflattering. http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/09/06/obama-asked-to-intervene-in-irs-assault-on-canadian-residents/
  8. aphid
    While I don't disagree with your statement, the point is rendered moot simply because after all, it is America (f#ck, yeah*), and therefore it matters not to the average US citizen what the rest of the western/democratic world do or think outside their borders. With the overwhelming volume of US media beaming into my own country, I very much look forward to life after the election... *all deference to Trey Parker, et al. However, "slightly right of center" is NOT socialist or Marxist by any stretch of the imagination (except in the imaginations of wild-eyed rabid Republicans). My apology if you think I was suggesting he was! I must learn to be more clear. John
  9. aphid
    While I don't disagree with your statement, the point is rendered moot simply because after all, it is America (f#ck, yeah*), and therefore it matters not to the average US citizen what the rest of the western/democratic world do or think outside their borders. With the overwhelming volume of US media beaming into my own country, I very much look forward to life after the election... *all deference to Trey Parker, et al.
  10. aphid
    Thats a VERY big part of it. Another would be that the RV9 will outfly the 172 in speed and fuel use. Besides, it sounds kinda fun to build your own airplane. How does your 210 compare to the -10/-12's? The RV10 I've spent time in has slightly better cruise speed (like 3 kts), slightly less fuel burn, faster climb, better glide, similar range although mine just has the smaller factory tanks, purchase price* about the same. (He bought his used with the initial 25 flight-testing hours flown off, so it was essentially new) * ETA (for clarification): Our aircraft cost us each about the same to purchase. BUT, mine is a 1960, his is a 2009. :( A simple example: I installed a "certified" autopilot, he chose one for the homebuilt market. His actually has more features. I paid $14.4K four years ago. His cost him 4.2K last year. :( I can haul a bit more gross, but the additional difference never gets used. My annual costs me about $4K without surprises. His runs about $800. John
  11. aphid
    I own a Cessna 210. I hang out with a bunch of guys flying RV's, everything from 4' to the 12's. The difference in maintenance costs and certification requirements in Canada comparing homebuilt versus certified a/c is beyond comprehension. If I was doing it over again, for x-country pleasure, it'd be an RV10 - hands down. My $0.02.
  12. aphid
    That was freaking fabulous! Andrew, you know how I feel about that subject! That damned punter writes like I do. :)
  13. aphid
    You didn't note the response immediately preceding yours? John don't really agree with it. It shouldn't take over a year more to figure out if it should happen or not. He just didn't want to have to choose between the green and jobs portions of his voter base, didn't want to approve or reject until after November. Thanks for the response and clarification. There were news reports up here detailing that numerous required documents (enviro studies, country & State approvals, etc) that were not provided by Keystone, making it rather difficult to provide the legitimate review per policy required within the time-frame allocated.
  14. aphid
    He didn't kill this project, he just refused to fast track it. I have no problem with that. I think you hit all the other points accurately, but I don't agree on this one. Obama played the two step on this call, trying to avoid offending one party before the election. That was a dodging of leadership. You didn't note the response immediately preceding yours? John
  15. aphid
    (NB: replying to the thread, not a specific individual) He didn't kill this project, he just refused to fast track it. I have no problem with that. I really don't know what newspapers or electronic outlets some American's read... However, as the Keystone project(s) are the offspring of a Canadian corporation, some of us northerners actually paid attention to this issue. I get my information from both sides of the border. Many of us Canadians were very comfortable that the US Administration did not succumb to outside political pressure, let alone the blunt and bullying tactics of Trans Canada Pipe trying to ramrod it through without going through the entire application and approval process properly as required by US law/policy. And I believe I have the right say it about TCP, as I do own a significant amount (to me) of their shares. I'd like the company to remain a responsible corporate citizen/neighbor rather than bullshit the troops. John
  16. aphid
    Thank you for posting the link. Thank you to Owen for this statement: "If the crazies on either side of the aisle want to make it political, then shame on them."
  17. aphid
    As recently as 5 years ago, enroute in my motorcoach to Eloy, numerous fuel stations in ID ad NV couldn't recognize chipped Canadian Visa or debit cards. This is a coach that runs up to $700 for a fill-up. Similarly, Albertson's grocery store terminals in Casa Grande couldn't deal with Canadian cards until about 5 years ago. Now place yourself in the shoes of a person from the former Eastern Bloc, or perhaps South America or Asia. Additionally, SkydiveAZ has a pricing policy that discounts cash purchases instead of using charge cards. Needless to say, I traveled regularly with quite significant amounts of cash & Traveler Cheques during my annual extended winter visits down south. I defy you to explain THAT to an untraveled US Customs officer.
  18. aphid
    At the Bent Prop in Eloy a couple of years back, I looked down and noticed a plain white envelope. Inspection revealed fifteen $100 bills. Told the bartender about it. Next day I had Manifest broadcast it. Simply said to "find me and identify the amount". Within the hour a foreign jumper did just that. I think that saved a significant chunk of their vacation.
  19. aphid
    "If you've done nothing wrong, you've nothing to worry about". Mantra of police states everywhere. You might find this of interest: http://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/the-data-trust-blog/2009/02/debunking-a-myth-if-you-have-n.html
  20. aphid
    Orwell only messed up the time-line.
  21. aphid
    I have no dog in this fight, being just a happy northern neighbor... but I was surprised he didn't get more traction at the beginning. From the outside looking in, I thought he was pretty impressive, especially on the foreign policy front. If memory is correct, I even inquired about him here on SC. ETA: As an aside, I am sitting here right now with an assortment of skydivers and pilots in my hangar enjoying a mid-afternoon libation. 5 of them are self-made millionaires, 2 were blessed with rich parents. 6 of the 7 could be considered quite conservative in their political leanings. The consensus among them is they are quite wary of Romney and would prefer the US staying the course with Obama, based on their own opinions about foreign policy and small business support. Anyway, that's the view from here. John
  22. aphid
    His scooter does appear to have a pillion. Good ne
  23. aphid
    Speaking only as a neighbor, I think there was a serious heartfelt intent to rehabilitate foreign opinions, relations and perceptions about your country, addressed to a largely hopeful and receptive audience. Unfortunately, the reality has fallen very very short. Referencing my statement above, if your suggestion is accurate, it will not serve America's best interest abroad. Just my opinion. John
  24. aphid
    That's a novel thought, at least to me. We might like something like this up here in the Great White North... John
  25. aphid
    Thanks for those. Cinema Now seems a possible fit. I'll be looking into their service further. MovieLink is unfortunately not available in Canada. John