November 27, 2005
SinceWEAsked: Wal-Mart and You
Price check on aisle 5! It seems these days Wal-Mart is always in the news, from holiday sales figures to fiery allegations from workers-rights groups. And did we mention the company’s plans for supercenters across
the nation, even here at home?
We asked:
"Why has Wal-Mart become such a lightning rod for controversy?"
After you read through the answers from our Web readers, check out our new question, which pertains to budgeting during the holidays.
Because the unions are threatened by their success. — Chuck Brook, Medford
Wal-Mart embodies corporate subversion of democracy — low wages, dead-end jobs — symbolized by a Smiley Face concealing the big lie: Wal-Mart serves the public good. — Pamela Niles, Brookings
I'll tell you why. Theworld's largest corporation — with $286 billion in annual sales and 1.2million employees in the US — cost American taxpayers over $1.5 billion in2004. Our public funds are padding their corporate profit by taking
ontheir responsibilities as an employer. Taxpayers are paying for the healthcare, child care, housing and other assistance for countless Wal-Martemployees. In exchange for cheap goods, Americans (8 in 10 of whom willshop at Wal-Mart this year) are picking up the tab
for health care, schoollunches and affordable public housing that Wal-Mart should provide. Wereally can't afford the high cost of low prices. — Wes Brain, Ashland
People are finding out that Wal-Mart's low prices are at the cost of our communities, our government resources, the environment, and their own workers. Our country is paying the high cost of low prices. — Carrie Prechtel,
Phoenix
Provides good stuff at good prices. Destroys Downtown Businesses. Drive thru any Texas town to see results. — Charles Elson, Medford
The company seems to move in where they want, whether or not people want them. — Wil Scarrow, Gold Hill
Wal-Mart is a threat to small business, has questionable employment practices, takes the charm out of communities and is too aggressive when building new stores. — C. Elliot, Medford
The "Wal-Martization" of America is ruining our country. Wal-Mart destroys communities like ours. The cost is far greater than what the tag says. — Janet Ouellette, Central Point
This week’s question
Price check on aisle 5! Hey, if you’re ready for the holidays, you must be ready to spend some dough.
We asked:
"Are you able to stick to a budget when it comes to holiday shopping and spending?"
Please keep your answers brief and on the issue at hand. Responses received without your name and town can not be considered for publication. All responses will appear on the Web site a week from today.
You may submit your answer by using the form here on the Web site, or you may respond directly to
weasked@mailtribune.com
|
