[british_india]

Services: help from the consulate. Ability to return to the US without getting a visa. Ability of your children to return at will to the US and benefit from our universities at a much lower rate than do non-citizens. Your backup plan.

[gozur88]

So, basically what I said earlier. Nothing but the right to come back.

What is that really worth? $50/year or so?

[british_india]

So, you want to ride in the wagon and have other domestic Americans pull the wagon? Do you think the whole consular system is just on ice until you need it? Boy wouldn't it be nice if none of us had to pay taxes--while still having the entire expensive governmental infrastructure on ice--ready for us?

Unfortunately, in the real world, if you want to benefit from something you need to shoulder its true cost. $50 a year won't cover that.

[gozur88]

>So, you want to ride in the wagon and have other domestic Americans pull the wagon?

I think your life situation and mine are very different. I've been pulling that wagon my entire life. I've been a lead horse. I don't owe other Americans anything. It's quite the reverse, actually.

>Do you think the whole consular system is just on ice until you need it? Boy wouldn't it be nice if none of us had to pay taxes--while still having the entire expensive governmental infrastructure on ice--ready for us?

The consular system would be there regardless of whether or not expats needed it. That's not its primary purpose. And as I pointed out, the US government does about what a relative would do.

>Unfortunately, in the real world, if you want to benefit from something you need to shoulder its true cost. $50 a year won't cover that.

I generally expect to pay for the services I use. $50 is an overestimate.