How eBay makes regulations disappear

eBay has woven together a muscular and wily lobbying apparatus that spans 25 states.
The New York Times

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[Slylencer]

The Real Title

How eBay bought some corrupt conressman.

[Millerboy]

No Regulations is better than lots

Regulations are a sign of an omnipotent and over-burdening government. Excessive government in the affairs of the people are not a good thing.

I think eBay is fine the way it is. More regulations would only impede the process of a free market where anyone regardless of location in the USA can buy things on eBay. I find eBay liberating, it's like a world-wide swap meet/flea market. The prices are indicative that given a free market, no longer being constrained to location and shipping costs, gives consumers lower prices.

[boatseller]

So the crook had a license.

What did state permitting get Linda Williams? A sympathetic ear? Big deal.

Lots of nefarious characters have state licenses. In my part of the country, we've learned through several major events that a license or permit is meaningless. It the character and reputation of the person that counts.

In this case, eBay's rating system is far better that any government agency could ever hope to be.

[J.G.]

Rating system a toothless remedy

eBay's rating system is a joke. Anyone willing to pay eBay-owned Square Trade can get a negative removed. Threats of negatives are used as extortion to get free goods.

The licensing agency not only got Ms. Williams' and others' propery back, it stopped the fraud from continuing.

Most regulations exist because they are needed. Even flakes like you benefit from various kinds of regulation even as they claim not to.

[J.G.]

Money talks and bullsh!t walks

Anyone who has ever had a problem on eBay knows there is virtually no recourse.

I doubt that it is an accident that eBay's favorite legislators appear to be in Louisiana. Not exactly known for smarts or scruples.