No one is asking you to pay New Jersey's taxes. An internet tax would apply the sales tax of the state in which the purchaser sits. If you're in SC, and you buy over the internet, you pay no tax, just as you would pay no tax if you walked down the street to purchase the same good. So, in competing for your business, the out-of-state internet company gains no artificial benefit.
Likewise, if you're in NY, and you buy something over the internet, you would pay NY tax, just as you would if you walked down the street to buy the same thing. Again, in competing for your business, the out-of-state internet company would gain no artificial benefit (as they do currently).
In theory. Until these states decide they want sellers to taxes sales too. IE, New Jersey realizes that a lot of sales are being made to out of state buyers and decides they want their cut too. Then the consumer is faced with paying his state sales tax, the out of state sales tax, and shipping. This would effectively kill internet/mail order commerce.
Regardless, it is still interstate commerce and akin to tariffs between the states.
The object should be too cut government spending and lower taxes at ALL levels; not allow them new opportunities to steal and waste money.
Mail order companies had to pay for their appearance in print publications, just like online companies have to pay for ther appearance on the internet.
Nothing has changed, and this issue is unmitigated bullshit. Anyone who supports it isn't thinking straight. Some people never met a tax they didn't like. No thanks.