Copyright © 2006 by Arthur H. Lavigne. All rights reserved No part may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information and retrieval systems without prior permission from the author in writing.
“I am looking to purchase a car” in a confidant voice I said.
“Why yes sir,” said the salesman, “I have just the right car for you! 250 horses, automatic, leather interior too, A thousand watt satellite with surround sound, GPS and a DVD player for each person even the driver and a wet bar to boot!
But that not all, a custom sparkling paint job, 55 miles per gallon, seating for up to ten and what even better we can put you in it for just a little bit more than you are paying for your old jalopy now!”
“You got yourself a deal!” I said in a more confidant voice.
But when I took it home…well… I got was 150 less horses, a grinding four on the floor, a dreary grey cloth interior, a 975 less watt AM radio, a paper map, no DVD, and a used Dixie cup. But thats not all, a dull cookie cutter paint job, 19 miles per gallon if I am going down hill, I’m lucky if I seat two and what is worse it costing a way lot more.
“I am looking go on vacation.” I said to the travel agent.
He looked up with a big bright smile, “I’ve got a deal for you! Hawaii is on sale, it’s your lucky day! Five star accommodations with sandy beaches and blue seas. What is even better I can fly you there first class with a gourmet meal and aged cheese and wine for snacks. What’s better yet is it just a little more than you wanted to pay.
“Wow,” I said, “where do I sign!”
But when we left our house… well… I got the New Jersey shore by bus no less, no gourmet meal unless taco bell counts. The motel we got owns me 6 stars back, although we did get sandy beaches - amongst the medical waste - and now my checking account is on strike demanding a vacation.
“Wow, where do I sign. You got yourself a deal” what in the world was I thinking? I swear that will never happen again.
“Thank you for coming, we have looked at your application. And I must say you are quite remarkable. You’re just the kind of person that we have been looking for, we like to give you what you’re asking money wise but we are going to give less. The hours are not to your liking and the drive is to long too but I am sure you’ll get use to it. The job is pointless, your talents go to waste and you’re sure to feel all caged up in your excessively small cubical. Your boss will be very grumpy but that is just to blend in with your co-workers. Oh yes, I almost forgot, every day will be a living hell. So what do you say?”
Ok, it wasn’t really offered like that but if it was would it have change the answer? If it would have then why has the answer not changed now? “The Old Bait and Switch” is what they call it but don’t we have the right to demand that promises be kept or do we just need to live with it? Is the rule of life “Caveat Emptor?” and if it is - should it be?
