About Wal-Mart

[betsy]

Why are there so many conflicting views about Wal-Mart? And the negative views usually borders on demonization. Are these detractors Union reps smarting from getting their toes inside the giant?

Disgruntled employees?

I hear a lot of good things about the store - how it comes to a small community and the ripple-effects of benefits that follows from their employees to their local suppliers - all translating to a hundred of jobs being created, and the community starts booming.

So let's hear your opinion.

[kuzadd]

I dislike wal-mart, and shop there as little as possible, it generally destroys communities, IMO, cost's the taxpayers of the community they move into a boat load of money.

They are pretty much the number 1 provider of jobs in China, they have despicable labour practices, and since I don't support the abuse of other hard-working people, I don't support wal-mart.

[ScottSA]

I dislike wal-mart, and shop there as little as possible, it generally destroys communities, IMO, cost's the taxpayers of the community they move into a boat load of money.

They are pretty much the number 1 provider of jobs in China, they have despicable labour practices, and since I don't support the abuse of other hard-working people, I don't support wal-mart.

Yes, it came to Vernon two years ago and started rounding up people and shooting them in the parking lot. Then it invited all these outsider RVs to park in its lots, and made all the kids work for it. They probably whip them too. I hear they have fundamentalist meetings every morning, where they chant and wear hair shirts and curse Jews and Muslims and eat babies. I mean, kids should be flying kites, not working. Why I remember before Walmart came, when home was the range, and the skies were not cloudy all day, when kids didn't have to work, aye, those were the days...saved paper too, because the classified job section was so much shorter...why now there are THREE PAGES of dead trees advertising jobs! Sure some of that is the vicious capitalist economy, but lots of those evil capitalist jobs are because of spin-offs from Walmart too, damn their black souls.

[kuzadd]

giving the endless complaining you engage in wrt China, I am stunned you like wal-mart, not!

I know, I know, Christians support wal-mart, despite it's abusive labour practices in the West and China, where would Jesus shop, why wal-mart of course!!!!!! (facetious)

Thanks for playing the religious card, first off!!

Do you know how non-credible that makes you sound? (lol)

There's work to be done!!!!

put your cape on!!!! Gather up those superhero, christian superpowers!!!

now hurry and save wal-mart!!!!!

http://www.savewalmart.com/newsUpdatesDeta...ewsUpdatesID=32

Don't Believe the Hype: Wal-Mart is Still in Bed with Homosexuality

Operation Save Wal-Mart outrageous!

CHARLOTTE, NC, Nov. 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a statement to the American Family Association yesterday, Wal-Mart agreed that they, "...will not make corporate contributions to support or oppose highly controversial issues unless they directly relate to our ability to serve our customers". To this we say, "NUTS!"

Wal-Mart is running scared! It fears the power of the Church of Jesus Christ to move in people's hearts and change them - to change even where they shop. Wal-Mart needs to fear the God of Sam Walton!"

Did Sam Walton have his own God, wow?!

http://www.savewalmart.com/newsUpdatesDeta...ewsUpdatesID=42

Income drops as Christians publicize 'gay' Wal-Mart

'Information explosion' about support for homosexuals targeted retailer.

Edited August 7, 2007 by kuzadd

[buffycat]

I haven't been to Wal-Mart in over 11 years as they are on my banned list.

Did you see this:

http://www.lamanaphotography.com/walmart2.htm

Chemical burns from Wal-Mart's cheapie flip flops!!

Wal Mart of course, is still selling these things and doesn't seem to give a flip.

When has any mega corporation given a flip?

[betsy]

I dislike wal-mart, and shop there as little as possible, it generally destroys communities, IMO, cost's the taxpayers of the community they move into a boat load of money.

They are pretty much the number 1 provider of jobs in China, they have despicable labour practices, and since I don't support the abuse of other hard-working people, I don't support wal-mart.

These are pretty much generalized comment I've been hearing about - nothing specific. Which is why I opened up this topic.

This could just be hearsay getting transferred from one mouth to another - until suddenly there's this urban myth called the "Evil Wal-Mart."

What labour practices and abuse are you referring to?

What do you mean about your first sentence about costing taxpayers and about a boat of money? Can you explain?

Edited August 7, 2007 by betsy

[betsy]

giving the endless complaining you engage in wrt China, I am stunned you like wal-mart, not!

I know, I know, Christians support wal-mart, despite it's abusive labour practices in the West and China, where would Jesus shop, why wal-mart of course!!!!!! (facetious)

Thanks for playing the religious card, first off!!

Do you know how non-credible that makes you sound? (lol)

So let's give credible information.

Please explain about the abusive practices. Be specific.

[kuzadd]

So let's give credible information.

Please explain about the abusive practices. Be specific.

you mean what you would deem as credible?

The abusive labour practices have gotten news coverage.

You can find'em!

It's my money ,and I spend as I see fit, and from my knowledge wal-mart is NOT FIT to receive my money!

Edited August 7, 2007 by kuzadd

[buffycat]

Gosh Betsy, can you not google for yourself?

http://www.google.com/search?q=wal+mart+la....netscape:en-US

results for 'walmart labour practice' over a million and half choices.

Here's one:

http://edworkforce.house.gov/publications/WALMARTREPORT.pdf

It's a long one.

Wal-Mart has also destroyed many a long time family business in areas where they have set up, condemning folk to work a low paying dead end jobs. Their hiring practice (of illegals) is also a problem. Their union busting puts all others to shame (recal there was one in Quebec who had managed to get enough support for a union and Wal Mart simply shut down).

Not to mention the origin of much of their 'cheap' goods is from sweat shops and highly dubious factories in China and Indonesia where they indulge in basically slave labour standards.

Wal-Mart - no thanks.

edited to add the first few paragraphs from the above pdf:

The retail giant Wal-Mart has become the nation’s largest private sector employer with

an estimated 1.2 million employees.1 The company’s annual revenues now amount to 2 percent

of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.2 Wal-Mart’s success is attributed to its ability to charge

low prices in mega-stores offering everything from toys and furniture to groceries. While

charging low prices obviously has some consumer benefits, mounting evidence from across the

country indicates that these benefits come at a steep price for American workers, U.S. labor laws,

and community living standards.

Wal-Mart is undercutting labor standards at home and abroad, while those federal

officials charged with protecting labor standards have been largely indifferent. Public outcry

against Wal-Mart’s labor practices has been answered by the company with a cosmetic response.

Wal-Mart has attempted to offset its labor record with advertising campaigns utilizing employees

(who are euphemistically called “associates”) to attest to Wal-Mart’s employment benefits and

support of local communities. Nevertheless – whether the issue is basic organizing rights of

workers, or wages, or health benefits, or working conditions, or trade policy – Wal-Mart has

come to represent the lowest common denominator in the treatment of working people.

This report reviews Wal-Mart’s labor practices across the country and around the world

and provides an overview of how working Americans and their allies in Congress are seeking to

address the gamut of issues raised by this new standard-bearer of American retail.

Edited August 7, 2007 by buffycat

[betsy]

I haven't been to Wal-Mart in over 11 years as they are on my banned list.

Did you see this:

http://www.lamanaphotography.com/walmart2.htm

Chemical burns from Wal-Mart's cheapie flip flops!!

Wal Mart of course, is still selling these things and doesn't seem to give a flip.

When has any mega corporation given a flip?

So, they're selling cheap stuff. Have you heard about, "you get what you pay for?"

What about other people who can only afford to buy cheap stuff to stretch their budget?

Dollar Stores and Discount Centres are thriving! Giant Tiger, Bi-Way etc..,

So do you got problems with those kind of stores too?

Are you condemning Wal-Mart just because of the complaint of a disatisfied client?

As for chemical burns, if it's a health hazard I'd think our government would be right there banning those products!

Why, how many people complained of that chemical burn? For all you know, that client is just naturally sensitive to some chemicals.

This is what I mean about the negative remarks I'm hearing about Wal-Mart.

Petty things like as if other businesses don't experience or have the same problems/malfunctions/customer-related complaints etc..,

Tell me something that the Evil Wal-Mart does that no other businesses does - whether they're big or small.

Edited August 7, 2007 by betsy

[buffycat]

Betsy please see the above posted pdf, it's long but hey it's a credible source - just for you!!

Point about the shoes: If Walmart knows these shoes are causing chemical burns on people (which the DO) they shouldn't still be selling them. PERIOD.

sheesh

[betsy]

Betsy please see the above posted pdf, it's long but hey it's a credible source - just for you!!

Point about the shoes: If Walmart knows these shoes are causing chemical burns on people (which the DO) they shouldn't still be selling them. PERIOD.

sheesh

What's our government doing about that? Don't we have a government body that monitors these kind of thing?

IF THERE IS SERIOUS CONCERN, the government will act on it!

I remember the Chili recall only recently.

Okay, I'll read it.

[betsy]

you mean what you would deem as credible?

The abusive labour practices have gotten news coverage.

You can find'em!

It's my money ,and I spend as I see fit, and from my knowledge wal-mart is NOT FIT to receive my money!

You are the one making the claim - and I'm asking you to be specific - therefore, it is for you to provide some sources that would support your claim.

The responsibility to explain your argument lies on your shoulders. Not mine.

Edited August 7, 2007 by betsy

[kuzadd]

You are the one making the claim - and I'm asking you to be specific - therefore, it is for you to provide some sources that would support your claim.

The responsibility to explain your argument lies on your shoulders. Not mine.

as bcat pointed out, you can google or yahoo or kartoo as well as anyone, inform yourself, I have made an informed decision, I shop, and spread my hard earned dough around, and it doesn't go to wal-mart.

You can do your own homework.

Truly, I don't have to justify a thing I choose not too, or explain my own personal decisions to you.

I have done my homework and made my choices.

I am afraid, and I know this will be difficult for you, that you will have to accept that!

Edited August 7, 2007 by kuzadd

[ScottSA]

Gosh Betsy, can you not google for yourself?

http://www.google.com/search?q=wal+mart+la....netscape:en-US

results for 'walmart labour practice' over a million and half choices.

Here's one:

http://edworkforce.house.gov/publications/WALMARTREPORT.pdf

It's a long one.

To links describing accusations of wrong doing. The sort of thing any large company faces everyday as a matter of course. Oh right, and a Bolshevik Democratic "action group" report. Hardly "proof" of anything. Gosh, I bet I could dig up an accusation that socialists roast babies too...surely there must be some examples of accusations proven in court?

[cybercoma]

Why are there so many conflicting views about Wal-Mart? And the negative views usually borders on demonization. Are these detractors Union reps smarting from getting their toes inside the giant?

Disgruntled employees?

I hear a lot of good things about the store - how it comes to a small community and the ripple-effects of benefits that follows from their employees to their local suppliers - all translating to a hundred of jobs being created, and the community starts booming.

So let's hear your opinion.

If a union were ever to crack WalMart, they would stand to make millions of dollars, since there are about 1,200,000 employees. Imagine what kind of dues the union would rake in...

The fact of the matter is, when WalMart comes to a community, they offer jobs to people who otherwise may have a difficult time finding a job. They also offer products at lower prices to people who might not otherwise be able to afford as much. They also donate a lot of time and manpower to causes within their communities.

People complain about the ma and pa stores being put out of business, but if those stores were to find their niche and run their businesses well, they wouldn't have any problem with a WalMart moving in. Who wants to pay $20 for a CD, when you can get it for $12? But if you have a music store that deals with hard to find music or a specific category of music, and you ran your business well, you'd have no problem with WalMart moving in.

All the whining and complaining is for nothing. What particularly gets me are these people who are on about "urban sprawl." Give me a break. Should we not expand cities, create places for people to work, create places for people to shop for things at lower prices, ever again? Nope. Cities cannot expand unless we're building schools, libraries or hospitals.

What a bunch of crap.

[cybercoma]

I dislike wal-mart, and shop there as little as possible, it generally destroys communities, IMO, cost's the taxpayers of the community they move into a boat load of money.

They are pretty much the number 1 provider of jobs in China, they have despicable labour practices, and since I don't support the abuse of other hard-working people, I don't support wal-mart.

WalMart has some of the best benefits in the retail industry. When someone works at WalMart, they make the choice to work there by applying for the job. By boycotting WalMart and forcing them to stay out of communities, you're not even giving those people the choice of having a job to apply for.

[cybercoma]

Betsy please see the above posted pdf, it's long but hey it's a credible source - just for you!!

Point about the shoes: If Walmart knows these shoes are causing chemical burns on people (which the DO) they shouldn't still be selling them. PERIOD.

sheesh

If two people out of the hundreds of thousands of units they sold had a problem, it should be obvious that the problem is not inherent to the product.

[buffycat]

So then cybercoma, what were your thoughts on the Quebec store which was simply shut down?

[White Doors]

So then cybercoma, what were your thoughts on the Quebec store which was simply shut down?

What about it? Their store they can shut it down if they want to?

what's the deal?

Anyways, Walmart is ok, sure wish we had target up here though.

[M.Dancer]

I don't enjoy shopping at Wal Mart, but if they have something I want for less I will endure the experience.

So far they have had very little I want.

[ScottSA]

So then cybercoma, what were your thoughts on the Quebec store which was simply shut down?

So you boycott a store and then complain that one of them shut down? What kind of mushy thinking is that?

[Renegade]

Why are there so many conflicting views about Wal-Mart? And the negative views usually borders on demonization. Are these detractors Union reps smarting from getting their toes inside the giant?

Disgruntled employees?

I hear a lot of good things about the store - how it comes to a small community and the ripple-effects of benefits that follows from their employees to their local suppliers - all translating to a hundred of jobs being created, and the community starts booming.

So let's hear your opinion.

Betsy, much of what you see in this thread has been discussed to death before.

Here

and here

and here

and here

[kuzadd]

WalMart has some of the best benefits in the retail industry. When someone works at WalMart, they make the choice to work there by applying for the job. By boycotting WalMart and forcing them to stay out of communities, you're not even giving those people the choice of having a job to apply for.

Then they will work elsewhere, and some other store will fill the need.

That is the way the cookie always crumbles.

Oh I don't force them out, I just chose to not spend my money there, is all.

[ScottSA]

Then they will work elsewhere, and some other store will fill the need.

That is the way the cookie always crumbles.

Errrr, no. Jobs are not a zero sum game that merely flow into some other nook and cranny of the economy. That's not how the cookie crumbles.