Amazon showdown over sales tax to fizzle?

Contra Costa Times ^ | 8/31/11 | Steven Harmon, Bay Area News Group

[SmithL]

SACRAMENTO -- The big showdown between traditional retailers and the online sales giant Amazon may dissolve into one big handshake.

Amazon is considering backing away from a referendum to overturn a law forcing the company to collect sales taxes if a deal can be worked out with brick-and-mortar retailers and legislative leaders, according to Capitol sources.

Amazon would get a two-year reprieve on California taxes but would pledge to support Congressional action on leveling the playing field on Internet sales taxes nationally, according to one person involved in talks between the traditional retailers and Amazon. The negotiations took place Tuesday night in the Capitol.

"We're trying to find a way to not have World War III," the source said. "There seems to be real interest in reaching an accord." . . .

[newzjunkey]

Nationwide regressive internet sales tax policy coming soon from the progressives? Thanks Amazon!

[newzjunkey]

It's great fun to sit around on a discussion board and criticize them, but they're in business to sell stuff -- not fight with every government in the country.

Tough! We're a nation of states. If Amazon doesn't like it they can go to hell and quit!

This will be one more giant federal power grab and CEO Jeff Bezos, who gave $4,800 to Patty Murray of the joint super committee, is happy to see more taxing and spending to feed the federal leviathan.