I understand that there are a lot of politics revolving around this tax issue. I can certainly see some merit in assertion that according to current laws online purchases from Amazon should remain tax free for Californians.
But on the other hand Californians have to pay sales tax for most in-store purchases anyway? Is it really so crucial for online purchases remain without sales tax which is intended as a temporary measure anyway? I mean, you can fight this on principle which is fine but ultimately it sounds like a white man's problem?
Amazon is playing this game just for their own short term benefit.
Someone mentioned Russia but the sad state of affairs is that Amazon doesn't even ship Kindle to this country. I don't know if it is because of widespread credit card fraud or because some government doesn't like import new technologies but in either case those who have to lose are honest Russians who can't buy Kindle reader. E-books are quite popular in Russia, including very big online libraries like lib.ru, but for e-ink readers they have to remain satisfied with more expensive and less functional devices. Many Russians would gladly allow Amazon to collect additional shipping, import tax and VAT on Russian government's behalf to get Kindle devices instead of not paying any tax and not getting a Kindle.