Before I go into my rant as a source of ventilation, I would like to bring forth a rapidly growing issue to my readers, supporters, friends and family. The issue is that of having to pay for "overly priced" items that we may or may not see as a need. But we want it, and we shouldn't have to sacrifice our hard earned money to fatten the pockets of someone, involuntarily; of course I, being a consumer is willing to pay the price for the item I want. But I am not willing, nor do I appreciate having to pay a 'so-called' price that has been heightened to balance out a sale [still keeping major self-profits for the company], or the infamous gas hiking that has been plaguing many motorists.
It is simply unair, and unjust to misuse power in that manner, opinionately speaking. I would like to share this photo I journalistically took (lol) ... is 'journalistically' even a word? I checked, and it is an adjective (of course you knew that, already). But since my opening became my rant, I want to move along with more details for my ranting.
Look carefully at this picture, and notice the product sign states that the tax has been "included" in the price. Now, people I must stop here, and ask you if this could [included tax] be mandated for all sales of the product; i.e. can one place sell the cigarettes with the mandated "tax included" price, while another store is [apparently] selling the cigarettes at the mandated price, but adding sales tax as well. Can this be done, People? Is it legal, fair?
I present to you, the evidence:
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This picture was taken at a neighborhood gas station in Detroit, Michigan. Just three blocks away, a neighborhood [corner] store sales the same cigarettes (assumingly at the same price) for nearly 65 cents more.
But the wonderment to this issue grows from the fact of the convenient store selling the cigarettes for the mandated "promo" price of $4.99 just a week before the photo was taken! Now how is that for a pickle? This is where my rant comes in; how on Earth can the convenient store start selling the cigarettes less than two weeks later, with an added tax? Especially, when the tax has already been included by the manufacturers? What are you taxing, Mr. Convenient Store Man, when the tax has already added? This means you are taxing your customers twice for a pack of freaking cigarettes! Okay, I'm going to calm down. But, this is outrageous, People.
Just imagine how the price of rice has sky-rocketed from 99 cents for a small bag, to nearly $1.25; the size doesn't equal the cost. I'm not going to touch on the many areas in which retailers and suppliers are taking advantage of the free-market; of course, it's a free will to have a choice to change, but some change isn't for the better: Raising prices on items, products, and/or services isn't going to help the economy, it's making it worse.
Ronyae has been a writer since she learned to write. Born Ranya Elajah Snowden to a single mother, as a single family inside the largest, rooted family.
She hasn't given birth to any children, but she loves her Siamese cat Smoki like she birthed her. Smoki made sure Ronyae was a grandparent before she became a parent.
Author and publisher of ROYALTALK Publications, Ronyae lives a vision to be "A Voice For A Nation", to help people share their talents with Nations, without breaking a budget. Royalty Publishing is the home of RTPublications and Ronyae's writing, you can view her books and other RT at http://officialwritingsbyronyae.zoomshare.com She'd Appreciate the support! ... and, all your publishing needs and inquiries. After all, you are a "Walking Book" ... Be a Voice for A Nation! Be Heard!
Great Rant, Ronyae. I have one, too. I always thought it disgustingly redundant that we have to pay sales tax on a used vehicle. The tax has already been paid once, twice, three--maybe more, depending on the number of owners. Why should taxes have to be paid again and again???? I hate this!!!
WOW, Ms. Sandra that is something I have never paid attention to, and you are definitely right. Outrageous! Thanks for sharing your comment, Ms. Sandra and Stay Blessed.
» left by kenny from Fall River, Mass (44 days 12 hours ago.)
Excellent bit of information...I don't smoke myself, but I see how those who do would and should be upset.
This is the problem with Capitalism...Everyone wants to get rich at the expense and oppression of others...Karl Marx said it all those years ago, and our time has come...
My rant has been: When I see a young boy or girl who watches their favorite baseball team religiously, but will never get to see them play because the prices are through the roof and Mom and Dad can't afford it....Try buying a few tickets, paying for parking, gas, food and drinks, programs, T-shirts etc. etc....Instead of it being a night for a family to enjoy, it instead becomes anxiety for Mom and Dad on how they are going to pay the rent that week.
Then steps up to the plate Mr. Big Business owner who could care less about the team, but can afford season tickets, which he passes out to his friends, clients, and colleagues - all the while using the pricey purchase as a tax right-off....Capitalism has made people sick with love of money, and some will even go to great extremes to get it because it means to them others will look up to, or bow down to them regardless of who they have to step on to achieve their goal....We have been more about quantity than quality in this country for a long time...Capitalism has destroyed us...Just as the kids..............Kenny
Kenny, you have touched on an ever-growing issue that has plagued 'fanatic' children for years far back as when I was growing up, wishing for the same. Thanks for sharing your comment, Kenny.
The price gouging is outrageous these days. Not only on cigarettes, but gas as well. I wouldn't put it past our "higher ups" to continue raising the price of cigs to discourage the use of them. I've never been a smoker and can't stand the habit, but this, should be a personal choice. If you want to put tar in your lungs and die early...more power to ya.
» left by kenny from Fall River, Mass (43 days 22 hours ago.)
Excellent point Andrea!!
I have said that same thing many times before myself, but here's where the problem lies...Big business bitches to Congress about the expense of insurance and other cost because of alcohol and drug addictions, illnesses from smoking, and time lost at work because of these things...Once again it comes down to money, money, money, and who has the power to rule...Capitalist think I am suppose to take on the same worries and neurosis as them about money because they are obsessed by it - and they think I should be too.
I don't love money...It's a means to pay bills and support the kids and such, but I don't need to be ruled by it...This society is designed with the thinking I MUST pay attention to every dollar I earn and spend, or I will perish...Keep up with the wolves or fall so far behind that I risk being called lazy or unambitious...I'm tired of others trying to make me feel guilty just because I don't want what they have - which is a heavy wallet and a lifeless soul!.............Bartender! Another Heineken please!!
Great rant! Yes, it is frustrating and it is called inflation. I wonder how it is possible for the stores to sell an item for 70% off? If they can afford to lose that much money, then the price was to high to begin with. Thanks for sharing,
You might not believe it Ronyae, but I can remember when they were $0.25 per pack. Not only that, military personnel could buy them while aboard ship for $0.05 per pack (no tax) a full carton for 50 cents! But then, those guys were only paid $22.50 per month. WW2. When I was drafted in 1951, we started off at $62.50 per month, but cigaretes were still about 35 cents per pack at the PX
» left by Dr Clarence Rucker, Jr from MI (41 days 14 hours ago.)
Thanks for bringing it to light. Yep, I think it was the last Gov. of MI. The same one that put this Gov in the hole. I see the crying line when she does not put her makeup on well. You know, if a woman do not put that makeup on right, she will stay in...smile... The previous Gov allowed the same thing to happen to Mi as the former President allowed to happen to our nation. Because of cuts, Detroit is having difficulties burying our indigent. The past administration has things so intwined, a kid cannot figure it out. I do not know too much, but this started with Raeganomics. Taxing the tax. Remember. you paid taxes before you received your paycheck. Then it was taxed again in your saving account...There it is. I have something better, Ronyae. Look at what happened to the oil prices that soared...Bush, is an OILMAN. (???) Cheney of Haliburton is still charging 975.00 for a 12.00 hammer, to build Iraq and afghanistan. You and I pay it. They got us. ...smile...Ronyae...I will help you...smile... I did not mean to get my rant on. But, I feel you. Now this will make you cry, The Barnum and Bailey Mentality (a fool born every...) thinks it is President Obama. You can go ahead and spew...I did already.
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