More Silicon Valley Executive Sex Scandals

Net taxes

from the No-Net-taxes-for-life?! dept

Thu, Sep 23rd 1999 11:20pm — Dan Miller

Sen. John McCain seems to think that no Net taxes for life is a smart move. Now, I don't want to look a gift-horse in the mouth, but let's be realistic folks. You buy something at your local Wal-Mart, you pay tax. If you buy that same something on the Net, why should it be tax-exempt? Someone's got to pay the piper.

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Todd, 24 Sep 1999 @ 3:46pm

taxes, taxes...
As a bit of a libertarian, I'd ask you to think about what your sales tax buys when you shop locally. Standard benefits include: extra security and parking from the local municipality. Beyond that?...
One intention/purpose of taxation is to re-distribute the costs of government onto those who use the services the government provides. I'd ask what government services you've actually consumed when you buy on the net? The legal system? The UCC is well established.
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Mike (profile), 24 Sep 1999 @ 3:50pm

Re: taxes, taxes...
I think I agree with Todd on this one... Dan's comments seem to assume that "taxes" are just a natural right of the government on any purchase, which I don't think is the case. Just because we're taxed on other goods, doesn't necessarily mean we should be taxed on goods bought over the internet.
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