Regarding "exiting the Matrix", along with all of us I am awaiting Brogan's more definitive answer. It is interesting to hear that he is from Europe. People who have been here know I rave all the time about taking trips through Europe. But to renounce my US citizenship to relocate there? No way! I have several personal reasons not related to taxes, but let consider just taxes.
Can anyone here provide any proof that the tax burden is lower in Europe than in the US? From what I have heard and read, with apologies to Europeans among us, they tend to be much more of a nanny state than the US. In fact, I find it alarming that we are heading that way, to be more like them. I have friends and relatives living in Europe, and frankly, I much prefer the personal freedom I enjoy here. While it lasts of course...
Now, perhaps Brogan suggests that we escape to a third world country. Hell, I am sure there are countries where the tax collection system is non-existent. Services are also non-existent, but the rich can purchase them à la carte. Perhaps that is the attractiveness. That's how one does not have to pay to support others of lesser means. I am not going into a debate of the morality of this, so will stick with just the practical aspects.
From what I have heard, the above are also places where one has to pay for "taxes" in bribery to corrupt officials, or for Mafia-like protection. Rich people, particularly foreigners, would stand out in these places. One would need to know to befriend the local honcho man, or rub elbows and shoulders with people he detests. Hah!
In a former multi-national megacorp where I worked, I had colleagues from all around the world. Of course their views might be biased, given that they were all naturalized US citizens. All of them had advanced engineering degrees, and I would think they would be able to do well in their countries. I am talking about people with Ph.D. from Europe, Middle East, SouthEast Asia, and North Africa. Did they want to go back? Can you guess an answer?
I do not like the way certain things are going in the US, but I am going to stay and try to influence it in whatever legal and peaceful ways I can. People who want to leave are of course free to do so on their cognizance.