Hey Clark, how about you change your business model from some overpriced beatnik lounge to something sustainable, instead of begging for cash to stay in business and then whining that no one is buying your crap because of Amazon? Maybe you have an overhead problem and not a tax problem.

Ever stop to think that more people buy stuff online because its easier, less hassle, cheaper, and then I don't have to fund your overpriced luxury castle? What about the extra income tax that Amazon pays because of all the stinkin' money they make? Maybe the rest of us are tired of paying so much in taxes?

Tax Man -
Clark makes a point that's valid not only for book sales but for anything that's sold on Amazon. Why should Amazon be free to not charge sales tax when any other retail business in the state is required to charge it. This handicap on local businesses is patently unfair. It's driving businesses under or reducing sales. This in turn leads to more job losses and increased demands on unemployment insurance. It deprives the state, the county, and the community of income, which leads to reduced services or higher taxes. Amazon wins - the rest of us lose.
At one time it made sense to temporarily withhold sales tax for on-line purchases in order to encourage the on-line industry. The industry is now robust and can compete on a level-playing field. It's past time to phase out or eliminate their sales tax exemption.
And BTW, Kepler's Bookstore is one of the landmark businesses not only of Menlo Park but of the whole Bay Area. On a par with City Lights in San Francisco and Cody's in Berkeley. Although I use Amazon for other purchases, for books I mostly go to Keplers. It's worth the premium to have such a first-rate bookstore in my town. I would be very sad if it went away - again.

Comment on the Libertarian view expressed above by Tax Man:

"Libertarians know the price of everything and the value of nothing."

Amazon does have to pay in state taxes in the state that it is based. Amazon has to pay federal taxes. Since the US love the federal handout more and more we should all love that Amazon pays lots of federal taxes.

How many people does Amazon employ? Are those people evil? Why should we prop up Keplers? "A Landmark?" its a privately owned business. Its Keplers respnsibility to stay relevent. He has a 10,000 square foot first rate facility on some of the most expensive real estate in the country. give me a break. Sell weed or something that I can't buy online, something in demand something that can pay that wicked overhead.

Finally, this should be a lesson to all the tax and spend types. Have Menlo Park LOWER (gasp) their tax rates so that there is less incentive to buy online. More sales = more revenue = more jobs.