Revenge or To Practice Forgiveness?

[JTC]

Hi Folks,

 

I want some opinions on this. This issue has been going on over a month now. I realize this involves something that is a sin, but there's other issues.

 

I still smoke tobacco, and that's the sin. I smoke cigars. I live in NY state where the sales tax is 8.75%.

 

True cigar shops include all taxes in the price of the Cigar. But convenience stores do not. And most people know, that small privately owned stores never pay all the sales tax they collect. I know this for a fact because I once had a friend who is a CPA, and he told me this.

 

Some convenience stores that sell good cigars have a sign in the window that says, but 5 get 1 free. The store I'm talking about is open 24 hours and I go there at night when the owner isn't there. The people who work in there are probably Mid Eastern.

 

So I buy 4 cigars at $5.99 each, and 1 at $4.99 which equals $27.95. Add tax and I get  $30.40. I am then allowed a free cigar so I take a $3.99 one as the free one. But when they ring it up, the total is $32.50. Sometimes it's $31.50. I tell the clerk this doesn't make sense, and they say I still have to pay tax on the free one. So sales tax on $3.99 = 35 cents. So the grand total should be $30.75. But it never is. I go in there once a week and but the cigars which last all week. 

 

But I'm getting sick of this. I say they are not just being dishonest, and in Proverbs we read the Lord hates dishonest scales.  But they are breaking the NY State tax laws.

 

I kind of want to try and call the owner and tell him. Although that may do no good. Or I suppose I could rat him out to the government. 

 

If I did 1 of those things is that taking revenge?

 

Or do I just keep trying to forgive them because where they come from, dishonesty is probably the name of the game.

 

I doubt I will do anything, but what do you all think?

[firestormx]

First,

Lord, how many times in a day that my brother sins against me should I forgive him? 7 times? I tell you the truth 70 x 7 you forgive him.

 

2nd,

You said smoking is a sin. So, if you were not actively participating in something you believe is a sin, would you be getting cheated?

[Guest man]

I'd quit going to that store.

 

 

But that's just me.

[The_Patriot21]

time to find a different store or stop smoking...or both.

[JohnD]

You could quit smoking.

 

If I could anyone can.

 

Started age 11 quit age 25 am 52 now never had a puff from cigar pipe or cigarette since September 1986.

 

And that was when smokes were 75 cents a pack. Today 6 7 dollars

 

I couldn't afford to smoke.

[JohnD]

Forgiveness always best.

 

Forgetfulness too. It helps you to be indifferent better.

 

[WIP]

Best to forgive and move on to another store..stop giving him business. Why not try to give up the habit..think of all the money you can save.

[Micheal Westin]

Hi Folks,

 

I want some opinions on this. This issue has been going on over a month now. I realize this involves something that is a sin, but there's other issues.

 

I still smoke tobacco, and that's the sin. I smoke cigars. I live in NY state where the sales tax is 8.75%.

 

True cigar shops include all taxes in the price of the Cigar. But convenience stores do not. And most people know, that small privately owned stores never pay all the sales tax they collect. I know this for a fact because I once had a friend who is a CPA, and he told me this.

 

Some convenience stores that sell good cigars have a sign in the window that says, but 5 get 1 free. The store I'm talking about is open 24 hours and I go there at night when the owner isn't there. The people who work in there are probably Mid Eastern.

 

So I buy 4 cigars at $5.99 each, and 1 at $4.99 which equals $27.95. Add tax and I get  $30.40. I am then allowed a free cigar so I take a $3.99 one as the free one. But when they ring it up, the total is $32.50. Sometimes it's $31.50. I tell the clerk this doesn't make sense, and they say I still have to pay tax on the free one. So sales tax on $3.99 = 35 cents. So the grand total should be $30.75. But it never is. I go in there once a week and but the cigars which last all week. 

 

But I'm getting sick of this. I say they are not just being dishonest, and in Proverbs we read the Lord hates dishonest scales.  But they are breaking the NY State tax laws.

 

I kind of want to try and call the owner and tell him. Although that may do no good. Or I suppose I could rat him out to the government. 

 

If I did 1 of those things is that taking revenge?

 

Or do I just keep trying to forgive them because where they come from, dishonesty is probably the name of the game.

 

I doubt I will do anything, but what do you all think?

i think the government steals so much from hard working people I get offended from people who think the deserve more, why not just stop smoking and worry about how your grandkids will never be able to own their own business because the government made it nearly impossible to make a profit, for all the crazy laws and taxes

[JTC]

Thank you to all who side stepped the issues, and didn't answer the question. That's what I get for being honest with you all.  Suppose it was notebooks and the same thing was going on. I wonder what you all would have said then?

 

Not that I have to answer this, but I've been trying very hard to give this nicotine addiction up.

 

As for going to another store, there really isn't another store I know of that sells these brand cigars, this cheaply.

 

I asked for advice here and received condemnation. So if any of you has wisdom, answer as if it was something other than cigars. Since I'm sure none of you do anything sinful anymore.

[The_Patriot21]

well, sorry if you thought my comment was condeming-it wasnt intended to be. My advice is, if this is a regular thing, then talk to the manager/owner of the store. Seeing as its different-one day theyll charge you right the next not, it may be an issue of improper training of the night staff, and the owner may not realize it. But in the end best thing to do is forgive and forget (which has been said multiple times) after all, its only what-a dollar difference.