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Visit America: It’s Easier Than You Think


That’s the theme of the State Department’s invitation video ads aimed at people throughout the world to come and spend some money in the U.S. We certainly can use some fresh money coming in, instead of it all going out in foreign aid, wars and floods of imports.

A new video released by the State Department is trying to encourage tourists from around the world to visit America. Their euros, yens, dinars, sheckels and all other currencies are very welcome.

The ad continues with: Discover America. More than 65 million visitors do each year. The voice of President Obama adds, "We've got the best product to sell." We can guess he doesn’t mean Toyotas, Hondas, Audis, Volkswagens, Samsung TV sets and stacks of Chinese clothing and toys in Wal-Marts and K-Marts.

ABC reported last year that foreign tourists visits to the U.S. have slowed down due to the State Department’s complicate visa requirements. The claim is that the practice represents lost foreign tourist revenue of $500,000,00o a year.

That indicates foreigners just don’t want to go through all the official hassle of getting into the U.S. Hmmm. Have they ever considered coming in the simplest way, across the Mexican border?

Street Performers: How Much Do They Earn? PDF Print E-mail


Minstrels have a long history that goes back thousands of years. Since ancient times, they’ve roamed city streets, soliciting money with their costumes and/or musical performances.

USA Today recently ran a feature about a singer-guitarist who daily entertains in Manhattan’s famed Times Square. He dresses in skimpy jockey shorts and calls himself the Naked Cowboy. He claims he makes $150,000 a year from donations, singing and for posing with tourists. The story doesn’t mention anything about paying taxes on his income.

Consider that info next time your travels take you to Times Square, Hollywood Boulevard, Las Vegas Boulevard, Trafalgar Square or other popular tourist spot. When those colorful characters approach for a handout, you may kindly decide to pay for the privilege. However, don’t feel too guilty if you just say no thanks and keep going.

 
 
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