| WALNUTPORT, Pa. - Mary Jo Pletz was really, really good at eBay. But now the former stay-at-home mother and gonzo Internet retailer fears a maximum $10 million fine for selling 10,000 toys, antiques, videos, sports memorabilia, books, tools and infant clothes on eBay without an auctioneer's license. [...] The 33-year-old opened her Internet business in 2004 so she could stay home with her 6-month-old daughter, Julia, who was diagnosed with a hypothalamic hamartoma brain tumor. She cooperated when told it was illegal and works at dental offices in Allentown, Bethlehem and Lehighton as a hygienist to help pay the bills at home. Julia, whose health stabilized on medication, is enrolled in day care. Pletz also has a son, Douglas, 7. Doing the math But the state has not dropped prosecution. It sent Pletz a complaint in April and an amended complaint in December. The complaint says she could be fined $1,000 for each violation of the state law. The April complaint noted 10,000 sales. Pletz and her attorney, Joseph V. Sebelin Jr. of Palmerton, did the math - $10 million in possible fines. The second complaint does not list a number. A July hearing was canceled; a new one has not been scheduled. In an e-mail Monday, a Department of State spokeswoman said Pletz faced a $2,000 maximum fine because of two counts listed in the complaint. "Well, it's nice they told you, because they haven't let me know," Pletz said. |
Unfortunately the article is not an examination of that subject. It is an agenda stepping stone, high on soap boxing but short on solutions.
What would Ron Paul do?
Fix the law or make a speech?
Don't see why Paul couldn't introduce federal legislation. Fed legislation keeps the states from taxing online sales.
It would seem that Paul, strong protector of the constitution and all, would be interested in equal protection of citizens in the several states, by helping make sue there are consistent definitions with which to work.
Seems to me if the state government gave a damn about protecting its citizens, the story would be about the state government changing the law not trying to punish a woman for making enough money on eBay to live and support her family.
Seems unlikely that this woman was intentionally flouting the law or operateing in bad faith.
If this woman looses her case and draws a ruinous penalty , could that cool business for e-Bay?
E-bay has a dog in this fight , they ought to provide their own lawyer to help defend this customer and use what clout they have to get this law amended , if they don't this case could become famous and reduce the e-bay sellers pool.
Seems unlikely that this woman was intentionally flouting the law or operateing in bad faith.
If this woman looses her case and draws a ruinous penalty , could that cool business for e-Bay?
E-bay has a dog in this fight , they ought to provide their own lawyer to help defend this customer and use what clout they have to get this law amended , if they don't this case could become famous and reduce the e-bay sellers pool.
And if the e-bay sellers pool is reduced, who stands to gain?
Seems unlikely that this woman was intentionally flouting the law or operateing in bad faith.
If this woman looses her case and draws a ruinous penalty , could that cool business for e-Bay?
E-bay has a dog in this fight , they ought to provide their own lawyer to help defend this customer and use what clout they have to get this law amended , if they don't this case could become famous and reduce the e-bay sellers pool.
And if the e-bay sellers pool is reduced, who stands to gain?
Your question has me stumped.
Seems like a loss for anyone involved with e-bay, and a win nowhere.
The smaller the pool, the more customers set free to purchase elsewhere.
In most towns in America, you find a thrift shop. The stipulation for a thrift shop to get a license is that it must be controlled by a non-profit organization, which means people like Salvation Army and the other ones, many Catholic.
The smaller the pool, the more customers set free to purchase elsewhere.
"Set free"?
eBay chains them to their computer desks?
In most towns in America, you find a thrift shop. The stipulation for a thrift shop to get a license is that it must be controlled by a non-profit organization, which means people like Salvation Army and the other ones, many Catholic.
Must be a Wisconsin thing. Lots of "non-profit" thrift stores in Minnesota, Maryland, and North Carolina.
Hint: They're usually called "consignment shops" when they're not run by non-profits.
People who license these kinds of stores make it hard to happen, because they are listening to the bitchings of established stores. "Consignment shops" usually only sell women's and children's clothes. Even hardened county commissioners know better than to piss off Aunt Bee.
The smaller the pool, the more customers set free to purchase elsewhere.
"Set free"?
eBay chains them to their computer desks?
Errrr . . . you are attacking the metaphor.
If I change the metaphor, back to square one.
Deny that many businesses would like to see e-bay shitcanned.
In most towns in America, you find a thrift shop. The stipulation for a thrift shop to get a license is that it must be controlled by a non-profit organization, which means people like Salvation Army and the other ones, many Catholic.