Cory DoctorowToday's threads (a thread)
Inside: The whole economy pays the Amazon tax; and more!
Archived at: https://pluralistic.net/2026/02/25/most-favored-nation/
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joshbuddy@pluralistic One of the strangest unexpected joys in moving to Denmark was the unavailability of Uber and Amazon. And yet, online shopping in Denmark is a much nicer experience than in America and it turns out, I don't miss Amazon at all.
Guerric Haché@joshbuddy @pluralistic I had no idea Amazon wasn't available in Denmark; I am immediately fascinated by the whys and the what-insteads.
I'm seeing some people say this is partly because Danish labour laws may impose working conditions and pay standards that are higher than Amazon is willing to meet. Interesting.
I'd like for Amazon to be expelled from Canada, so now I have another case study to look at to learn about the issues. Thanks!
@GarrickWinter @pluralistic omg yes please
RantingCanuck@GarrickWinter @joshbuddy @pluralistic
At the risk of sounding like a broken record (because I've said it multiple times)... Canada Post has all the physical infrastructure required to replace Amazon for online shopping in Canada. Creating an online market place where Canadian vendors can list their wares on a fully searchable site with Canada Post providing the warehousing, order consolidation, and delivery / return functions would increase Canadian sovereignty, improve our domestic economy, and make things easier for Canadians.
@RantingCanuck @joshbuddy @pluralistic I've had very similar thoughts. Things like online marketplaces where there's a distinct benefit to a single provider rather than a fragmented market are good candidates for national public services like that. It seems like a natural fit for Canada Post, too.
The main obstacles I'd expect would be public opinion and political will (and the PR campaigns/misinfo affecting both). Functionally, it seems like a clear improvement.
Hugh Ferguson@RantingCanuck @GarrickWinter @joshbuddy @pluralistic I remember when Canada Post "partnered" with Amazon....back in the day when they mainly sold books.
@hfinyow @RantingCanuck @GarrickWinter @pluralistic oh man, i totally forgot about that. seemed so much more innocent back then
Saul@RantingCanuck @joshbuddy @GarrickWinter @pluralistic This sounds like an excellent idea. And I’m not even Canadian.