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Pennsylvania takes on online auctions [Government forces honest eBay sellers to shut down]
philly.com ^ | Jan. 30, 2008 | Bob Fernandez

Posted on 04/14/2008 8:23:51 AM PDT by grundle

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To: grundle
"I really wish that they will walk away from that one and prosecute somebody else," said State Rep. Michael Sturla (D., Lancaster)"

Spoken like a pure political whore.

We gotta get our cut and we don't care how many grannies we gotta mow down to get it. Just make sure the victims aren't too sympathetic.

God I hate people like that.

21 posted on 04/14/2008 9:31:31 AM PDT by Pietro
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To: longtermmemmory
I think federal preemption should shut those state desk jockey socialists down.

Careful what you wish for. Federal desk jockets are bigger, meaner, more numerous, and they got nukes...

Just as a throwaway comment, we have the government we deserve.

22 posted on 04/14/2008 9:31:50 AM PDT by Publius6961 (MSM: Israelis are killed by rockets; Lebanese are killed by Israelis.)
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To: grundle

btt


23 posted on 04/14/2008 9:35:48 AM PDT by billva
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To: grundle
Two bills have been introduced. One would require Internet sellers who run a business to get an electronic auctioneer's license that would cost about $100 a year. The other would leave Internet auctions as the Wild West of retail.

Why not adopt some kind of optional certification system instead? Sellers can choose whether to get the state's seal or whether to rely on their own reputations. Consumers can choose whether they want to pay a little more for less risk, or to pay a little less for more risk.

Legislators are supposed to represent the "will of the people." If the people really want added security in their internet transactions, then the market will reward sellers who choose to accept state certification. Everybody wins, and we don't need government goons to go around knocking on people's doors and threatening thousands of dollars in fines.

Unless, of course, the object is not to protect the public but rather to fill the state's coffers.

24 posted on 04/14/2008 9:48:14 AM PDT by timm22 (Think critically)
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To: BBell

“I used to live in PA. Nothing surprises me that happens there.”

You know...my husband and I are just about ready to leave ourselves. We live in a beautiful area of NE PA. My husband has a small business that he started after his job was eliminated because the business he worked for was sold. He grosses somewhat more than he used to make but once you take out expenses and TAXES, you’re lucky if you can get by! The Fed, state and local gov’t’s are taxing us to death not to mention everything that goes with having a couple of part time employees! The state of PA under Ed Rendell is making sure they squeeze every last penny out of the people that live in PA so they can live their high life! Hey Obama...that’s what I am bitter about!


25 posted on 04/14/2008 9:48:52 AM PDT by Cricket24 (ULTRA PATRIOT!!)
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To: grundle

Once I read that she was running a Pennsylvania business, and that the e-bay connection was really simply the mechanism, I now agree with the state.

She was offering to sell other people’s stuff for commission. Instead of running a vocal auction, she was running an on-line auction using e-bay. But if others who sell things for a commission have to get a license in Pa., she should as well.

It’s not like the license is expensive.

If she had been selling her own things, or things she bought from people, I’d be on her side.

But she is acting as an auctioneer for the people of Pennsylvania, and if all the other auctioneers have to put up with getting a license “to protect their customers”, then she should as well.

Waive the fine and let her buy the license.


26 posted on 04/14/2008 10:09:37 AM PDT by CharlesWayneCT
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To: Mr. K

This has nothing to do with taxing the internet. Her business was taking items from other people in Pennsylvania, selling them at auction, and collecting a 30% commission.

She simply used E-bay as the mechanism for the auction.

Her money wasn’t made selling, it was made from people paying her to sell.


27 posted on 04/14/2008 10:10:53 AM PDT by CharlesWayneCT
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To: CharlesWayneCT
But she is acting as an auctioneer for the people of Pennsylvania, and if all the other auctioneers have to put up with getting a license “to protect their customers”, then she should as well.

I agree that people should play by the same rules, but I don't really see the need for this rule anymore. I say, change the law and make "licensing" optional for both internet and traditional auctioneers.

28 posted on 04/14/2008 10:17:42 AM PDT by timm22 (Think critically)
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To: BBell

I used to live in PA. Nothing surprises me that happens there.

I used to live in PA as well. I was driven out by over regulation.


29 posted on 04/14/2008 10:31:56 AM PDT by freedomfiter2 (It's too bad I've already promised myself to never vote for McCain.)
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To: timm22

I’d be fine with that as well.


30 posted on 04/14/2008 10:35:25 AM PDT by CharlesWayneCT
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To: CharlesWayneCT

But she is acting as an auctioneer for the people of Pennsylvania, and if all the other auctioneers have to put up with getting a license “to protect their customers”, then she should as well.

EBAY is acting as as auctioneer. The woman was helping people list their merchandise with the auctioneer. The government shouldn’t be licensing anybody.


31 posted on 04/14/2008 10:38:02 AM PDT by freedomfiter2 (It's too bad I've already promised myself to never vote for McCain.)
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To: Rick.Donaldson

I’m an avid Ebay buyer. I’ll do my part to fight any taxes on internet purchases until they pry the mouse from my cold dead fingers. Apologies to Charlton Heston.


32 posted on 04/14/2008 10:57:58 AM PDT by hdstmf
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To: ontap
Re: Take a look at this.

Great! Now tell me how much that mole on the back of my neck has changed color and gotten bigger!

33 posted on 04/14/2008 1:00:24 PM PDT by Bender2 ("I've got a twisted sense of humor, and everything amuses me." RAH Beyond this Horizon)
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To: grundle

We can’t tolerate unfettered capitalism, Comrade. Such wealth causes dangerous ideas about self-sufficiency and not needing goverment “services”.


34 posted on 04/14/2008 2:55:49 PM PDT by TexasRepublic (When hopelessness replaces hope, it opens the door to evil.)
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