Amazon.com will begin collecting taxes in Massachusetts

If what you're really into is maximizing the size, scope, cost, and, therefore, power, of government, then this is great news.

Amazon.com, the huge online retailer, will begin collecting Massachusetts sales tax on purchases made by Bay State customers, starting next fall, Governor Deval Patrick’s office said Tuesday.

“I value the contributions large and small employers alike make to Massachusetts’ economic vitality, and this agreement captures that,” Patrick said in a statement. “We are thankful Amazon was willing to come to the table and we will continue our conversations with them about creating jobs here. This agreement is a win for all sides, and I am pleased it promises to generate millions in long-term revenue for the Commonwealth.”

"A win for all sides."

Except for, you know, Massachusetts' Amazon customers. Like me.

We can only hope...

Will Massachusetts lose some of its national clout?

The state’s political clout faces another serious test today when the US Census Bureau releases official population figures for the nation, revealing whether Massachusetts will lose one of its 10 congressional seats and thus lose further influence in Washington and in presidential elections.

As a resident, let me say that the only thing better than losing one of our congressional seats to a more conservative state would be losing two of our seats...

Why was Kerry in Florida?

The tasering of a student at the University of Florida earlier this week took place at a talk being given by Massachusetts own John Kerry. What Chris wants to know is why was John Kerry there in the first place?
My response to that is, who cares? Let's just count our blessings that he was.

The less time John Kerry is in Washington doing his job, the better for the country. He can do far less damage droning to a group of college leftists in Florida than actually legislating.

And that goes for the rest of the Massachusetts congressional delegation as well...