I will chime in and it may be a little different from what you all are expecting. Yes, since March 2011 when Rc-Help was born we have had a very strict No Politics or Religion rule. The reason for this is because those two topics ALWAYS cause arguments. However, on another site that I am a moderator on, we have changed the rules to allow these topics for the conversation, but note we still do not allow any kind of bashing or "your side is wrong" messages. If it is kept civil, I don't have an issue with arguments on the subjects. I think it is time we try to grow beyond where we have been for 6+ years and see where it takes us. And when I say "argument", I mean talking back and forth. Not all out trashing the other person.
Now back on topic.
I heard about the US Government pretty much making it mandatory to put sales tax on everything purchased online. I'm not sure where I stand on this one. If they collect sales tax for the state you live in, then it would definitely help your state and quite honestly, would possibly get me out of the house to purchase things locally and support more local businesses. I know many other people are the same way. If you are going to charge me 8+% tax on what I purchase, and I don't have to pay those taxes online, then why in the world would I shop locally. Not only is the price online cheaper because of reduced overhead of some 40 year old living in their mothers basement and selling stuff on ebay, but if it is out of state for them they do not have to collect taxes on the items.
If they start charging taxes, then we may be talking a few dollars on a $100 item and quite honestly, I would rather support local businesses. Right now we are talking about saving $20-30 on a $100 local item.
I guess we will see how things go.