It is so nice to read someone defending Wal-Mart against its critics. As
I have read on previous occasions, Wal-Mart is better than some on the progressive
side would have you believe. That is why it was nice to come across this
article in The Washington Post by Sebastian Mallaby
There’s a comic side to the anti-Wal-Mart campaign brewing in Maryland and across
the country. Only by summoning up the most naive view of corporate behavior can the
critics be shocked — shocked! — by the giant retailer’s machinations. Wal-Mart is
plotting to contain health costs! But isn’t that what every company does in the face
of medical inflation? Wal-Mart has a war room to defend its image! Well, yeah, it’s
up against a hostile campaign featuring billboards, newspaper ads and a critical documentary
movie. Wal-Mart aims to enrich shareholders and put rivals out of business! Hello?
What business doesn’t do that?>
I always like asking progressive/lefty/liberals, how’s that socialism experiment going
up in Canada?
We have been going to Wal-Mart regularly now for over 2 years, since our new son came
along. We typically go there 3 to 4 times a week. I like shopping at Wal-Mart because
I feel relatively comfortable with paying good prices on the essentials of life. As
for other items, you can actually pay higher prices at Wal-Mart. I still remember
paying 2 dollars more than I should have for the 3rd season of Married with Children.
I will not let that happen again.
You cannot argue with Wal-Mart’s success. I believe over-all they continue to do more
good for the communities they are in, than bad. Wal-Mart’s tremendous response to
those in the areas hit by Katrina proves the worth of the private sector. We should
not be absolutely dependent on government. The private sector and charities play their
part. Some have even suggested turning responsibilities over to companies like Wal-Mart
for responding to disaster relief. That may not be a bad idea.
Here in my area of Indiana I did not really notice an increase in prices at my local
Wal-Mart, but I did notice the deals were not as sweet as they were pre-Katrina. Fortunately,
they seem to be coming back. We even had shortages in some areas especially if the
manufactures where based in that area.
I for one think Wal-Mart deserves more credit for the good they do. Sure keep an eye
on them as you would any other business, but hey stop singling them out because they
just so happen to be the most successful.