Update on Amazon Associates in Illinois

So Amazon decided to carry out its threat to punish the residents of the State of Illinois who participate in its Associates program by kicking them out. This is the email I just received from the greedy bastards at Amazon who are willing to lose revenue from their associates in the huge state of Illinois because they are unwilling to pay taxes and think that they should be above the law:

For well over a decade, the Amazon Associates Program has worked with thousands of Illinois residents. Unfortunately, a new state tax law signed by Governor Quinn compels us to terminate this program for Illinois-based participants. It specifically imposes the collection of taxes from consumers on sales by online retailers - including but not limited to those referred by Illinois-based affiliates like you - even if those retailers have no physical presence in the state. We had opposed this new tax law because it is unconstitutional and counterproductive. It was supported by national retailing chains, most of which are based outside Illinois, that seek to harm the affiliate advertising programs of their competitors. Similar legislation in other states has led to job and income losses, and little, if any, new tax revenue. We deeply regret that its enactment forces this action. As a result of the new law, contracts with all Illinois affiliates of the Amazon Associates Program will be terminated and those Illinois residents will no longer receive advertising fees for sales referred to Amazon.com, Endless.com, or SmallParts.com. Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned prior to April 15, 2011 will be processed and paid in full in accordance with the regular payment schedule. Based on your account closure date of April 15, 2011, any final payments will be paid by July 1, 2011.

I'm appalled with the gall of these people who try to manipulate the residents of Illinois into withdrawing their support for the progressive and honest Governor Pat Quinn (D). It's disgusting that Amazon would try to use the idiotic rhetoric of illiterate Tea Partiers about the unconstitutional and counterproductive nature of taxes.  I'm more than happy to stop being an associate of a company that is as dishonest, manipulative, and backwards as Amazon. My blog will now have more space for progressive, honest advertisers.

I hope that people will respond with outrage to Amazon's blatant attempts at political manipulation.