[Physicist]

it is the responsibility of business to maintain a strong middle-class.

I agree. And the best way for Wal-Mart to do that is to make the middle-class consumer's dollar stretch farther.

Pop quiz: If Wal-Mart could provide the same service with, say, a third of the employees they use right now, would it be better or worse for the economy? If we didn't need Wal-Mart at all, but were magically able to buy directly from each of Wal-Mart's suppliers, would it be better or worse for the economy?

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

If we didn't need Wal-Mart at all, but were magically able to buy directly from each of Wal-Mart's suppliers, would it be better or worse for the economy?

Nicely put.

This post reminds me of the friend who advocated that it wasn't right for any employer not to pay for all employee's health insurance. My question was, "do you pay for anyone else's health insurance? Do you have any intention of hiring anyone else?"

Her answer was no - but she still thought it was her business to demand that others bear burdens that she wouldn't touch with her little finger. Sigh . . . some Christians are like that!

[freedomfiter2]

And the best way for Wal-Mart to do that is to make the middle-class consumer's dollar stretch farther.

Exactly, I don't see how paying more for my office supplies would help my business.