Published by JPLand on 04 Mar 2008 at 10:09 am
Free Ride
Here is today’s ethical dilemma for you to wrestle with. Tell me what you think…
Back in September, I traded in “The Grey Goose” and got “The Green Goblin.” Keeping the goose was a sacrifice that I made when we needed reliable transportation for our family. I traded in my truck for a minivan, which the wife now drives, and I got her car. So, here we are a few years removed and the wife and I decided that I should have a car that I’m comfortable driving. Well, actually, I decided this and talked the wife into it.
One of the neat features of the Goblin is that it came equipped with XM radio. Now, normally, I probably wouldn’t have cared anything about it, but since it had a 3 month free trial subscription, it didn’t hurt anything to try it out. So, during those three months, my commute was spent exploring the programming and settling on the comedy stations.
The beginning of March is the start of the 6th month of the 3 month free subscription. Here’s the moral question…is it wrong for me to continue utilizing this service that is beyond the 3 month window? Should I call the company and have them turn off the radio? Should I purchase the service? What would you do? Let me know what you think and give some rationale for your decision.
While this isn’t something that the fate of the world hinges on, it does reveal a little bit about one’s character. For instance, if someone is willing to cheat on something as simple as radio, what would they be willing to do in a situation with more gravity?
I look forward to hearing your comments about this. While I wait, I’m going to drive around and listen to more Brian Regan on channel 151.
Lones on 04 Mar 2008 at 7:32 pm #
Hmmm, what a quandry! I think this falls under same category as Cox Comm when they “forget” to turn off cable service to a house. It’s their fault not yours. Yeah, did I mention that I can justify almost anything? Ha!
Queen Kelley on 06 Mar 2008 at 7:32 am #
My gut tells me you should pay, but my knowledge of our family finances says, “Hey, what’s wrong with one little free ride?” I tend to agree with Lones on this one. I think we pay way too much for certain services as it is. But then, I know that our generation has a sense of entitlement and often balks at having to shell out for things we think we deserve. I don’t know. Do you want to be the selfish proponent of entitlement or the honorable man who chooses to be forthright and give his money where it’s due? (: Ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Empress Katie on 06 Mar 2008 at 2:10 pm #
Keep it.
Queen Kelley on 06 Mar 2008 at 5:45 pm #
Ah. I love my sister. A wise woman of few words.
JPLand on 07 Mar 2008 at 8:17 am #
You have two sisters?
Empress Katie on 07 Mar 2008 at 9:56 am #
I just wanted to see what people would say. Of course you should be an honest, upstanding human being. If you can.