Interesting discussion about the role of tax."The Price of Democracy: The Revolutionary Power of Taxation in American History" between @heatherrichardson.bsky.social and @vanessawilliamson.bsky.socialTaxation is American and America is taxation!heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/american-c…
— John Richardson (@expatriationlaw.bsky.social) 2026-04-20T01:43:12.212Z
F. Scott Fitzgerald of “The Great Gatsby” fame once wrote:
“Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.”
For many years various “Americans Abroad” groups have been trying to have a rational conversation with American politicians and the general public about ending citizenship taxation. The discussions are very difficult. The difficulty is largely rooted in how Americans view taxation. I guess I could say:
“Let me tell you about how Americans view taxation. They are different from you and me.”
It has become painfully clear that America is about taxation and taxation is about America.
And speaking of the role that taxation plays and has played in American history and democracy, it’s worth listening to this fascinating conversation between Heather Cox Richardson (no relation) author of the substack “Letters From An American” and Vanessa Williamson of the Brookings Institution.
Their discussion is about Ms. Williamson’s new book: “The Price of Democracy: The Revolutionary Power of Taxation in American History“.
Incidentally, Professor Heather Richardson is leading the opposition to the Trump administration. Whether you are to the left, to the right or an independent, I recommend her Substack. She does an amazing job of putting current events in historical perspective.