Does Wal-Mart Destroy Communities?

Club For Growth ^ | [Posted May 31, 2004] | William L. Anderson

[Conspiracy Guy]

Where were yall when I was getting flamed as a commie for not shopping at WalMart?

[Conspiracy Guy]

It was worth saying more than once.

[Huck]

It's not even a matter of having an objection. I don't know the first thing about Taiwan. As I said, I'd like all the world to get with the program, but exactly what I should authorize our gubmint to do about it, and what I should do about it, are not questions I have ready made answers for.

Walmart is the #1 retailer. There is no boycott. Nothing any individual does on his own in that regard amounts to spit. Maybe if there were some kind of movement to pressure China to be more free or something, but in the meantime, I haven't got a clue what impact my shirt buying has. How do I know it's not opening up channels with the east? How do I know it's not helping? Beats the hell out of me. I am happy enough to find something in my size that I can wear. The shirt on right now is from Bangladesh. I have no idea, none at all, about the political implications. I just know it's my trusty red flannel I got at wal mart.

[jpsb]

Ok, that I can understand. I urge you to educate yourself a little on China, most intelligent people think that China represents the greatest threat to US security that the US has ever faced.

There are two competing theories on how to deal with China, one theory is to deal with China in the same manner we dealt with the USSR. The other theory, the one currently in use, is to use "constructive engagement" (trade) in an attempt to bring reform and civil liberties to China. The problem with constructive engagement is that China, PLA grows stronger everyday, and reforms (real reforms) are not happening. If constructive engagement fails, we will have created a monster that may very well destroy us, just like they that they would if we oppose there stated goal of over throwing the republic of Taiwan, which we have an hard commitment to protect.

[sinkspur]

This really is a serious issue because Wal-Mart is so big that if it goes under, as most discount stores eventually do, it would hurt the economy.

Wal-Mart is not going under, in our lifetimes.

Has Sears gone under? Except for appliances and tools, Sears is the nastiest chain of stores in America, yet they're still around.

I don't think Wal-Mart is "going to heck" at all. They've just put in self-check at all of the Wal-Marts in my neighborhood, and that's the icing on the cake, for me.

[pbmaltzman]

Eminent domain is an issue both of government gone amok and of certain commercial entities who take the bait. They are often offered land for virtually nothing, in exchange for their future tax revenues. I fault both the government and the businesses, one for offering the eminent domain, the other for taking the bait.

[nyconse]

The problem with American jobs vs global economy has nothing to do with Walmart. Clothing makers began leaving this country years ago. Walmart did in fact buy American when they first opened, but the pool of American products was shrinking. Also, American made often meant in recent years -sweatshops employing illegal aliens in big cities like New York. Georgia lost it's entire garment industry before Walmart became popular. I have concerns about the "global economy". However, I will say this. I have never seen such a sustained economic growth before. You want to see real economic problems; go back to the 1970's and early 1980's. The stockmarket was down for ten years, gas prices were about $1.50 per gallon at the height of the energy crisis (people made a fracton of what they make today),inflation caused fear that today's young people can not understand, interest rates were 21% in 1980. People considered unemployment rates of 7 and 8 % full employment 20 and 30 years ago. Most people bought their first homes in their 30's. Today, many 20 somethings own their own homes. I don't like to see American companies sending jobs overseas, but what should we do? Should we pass laws that force companies to do business in a certain way? I am a conservative. I can not believe regulation is the answer. Believe me "freezing wages" in the 70's and price controls did not work.

As for older people being "selfish". Quit complaining and whining about how tough you have it and expecting people to make it easy on you. You have it much easier than plenty of these "selfish" older people did. Get on with you life and make the most of it. Believe me when I say; life passes too quickly. Look at the pictures of a young Ronald Reagan, George Bush or Bob Hope. They were young just like you...time passes. Get busy and and make a life for yourself.