Politech: FC: Weekly column: An unlikely friend helping Internet shoppers

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

http://news.com.com/2010-1071-960048.html?tag=politech

   Hands off of Net shopping
   By Declan McCullagh 
   September 30, 2002, 6:45 AM PT

   WASHINGTON--Americans shopping on the Internet have an unlikely friend
   who is beginning to fight for lower prices on their behalf: Uncle Sam.
   
   It's easy to beat up on the federal government, and many criticisms
   are justified. But occasionally, once every few decades or so, the
   federal government does something worthwhile. And striving toward
   cheaper products and more efficient online markets is entirely
   praiseworthy.
   
   In this case, the federal government is fighting against tax-happy
   state legislators. The latter are becoming increasingly worried about
   their residents buying cheaper products over the Internet--and not
   paying state sales taxes or funneling purchases through local
   campaign-contributing businesses. Prohibitions vary, but products that
   can't be legally purchased online in some states include cars, fine
   wine, funeral caskets--and even contact lenses.
                                                                         
   Such prohibitions are just nuts. Local businesses should not have the
   right to prohibit customers from shopping online for better deals.
   Protectionist state politicos shouldn't interfere with the natural
   evolution of the free market, which brings additional choices, lower
   prices and far more competition.

   [...]




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