[Il Duce]

The price has gone downhill, too, and that's the point. It gives people an option. I don't buy many clothes from Wal-Mart, but I bought a sweater there for $8 one time. It's not a great sweater, but it's $8 worth.

That's the decision that people make. If you want a great sweater, you don't shop at Wal-Mart. The thing is, though, a lot of people don't have the luxury to have the option to shop at Brooks Brothers or whatever, and a lot of those people are the blue collar type folks that live in the small towns that Wal-Mart generally goes into. So Wal-Mart provides decent (but not spectacular) clothing at a low price. People who can't afford anything better can shop at Wal-Mart and be clothed, and people who can afford better can shop at Wal-Mart or Jermyn Street, whichever they choose. Everyone wins.

[international american]

I suppose you are right. Now Wall Mart is trying to take over the local banking business, by seeking a charter, paying lobbiests millions to garner the rights. They will probably get it, as they have enormous borrowing power....next, all the local mom and pop banks will close, as Wall Mart will set the credit ratings, and the rates.