You're right on "Target". Wal-Mart is not distinctly different in its source of merchandise than any other major retailer. To assert otherwise is simply bullsh*t.
""If the left hates WalMart there must be a reason to shop there. And I will. It's sad to see so many FReepers jump on the bandwagon with leftist union organizers."
Those Freepers have "drunk the Kool-Aid" (bought into the propaganda). I watched the process when a Wal-Mart moved into a small town in South Louisiana, and the effects were overwhelmingly positive. Sure, some small businesses got displaced (a couple of pharmacies)--but those business sites didn't "disappear"---they were replaced with OTHER (and currently still successful) businesses.
I have sinced moved to another small town of similar size (but much more liberal politics)in Washington state, and they have been fighting (successfully, unfortunately) to keep Wal-Mart out. Ironically, they are actively working to attract a Costco.
Well well well....guess which company also happens to be a Biiiig DNC supporter!?!?!? Maybe someone can help me find the link of the two companies contributions in the recent presidential elections.
The thing is, the owner of that mom-and-pop hardware becomes the Hardware Dept manager at a Wal-Mart. Ditto for the pharmacist who now works in the Wal-Mart Pharmacy Dept.
At the same time, their businesses are replaced with more highly efficient, niched shops that usually spring up next to a new Wal-Mart. The Wal-Mart I shop at has a sporting goods store next to it that puts the Sporting Goods Dept in Wal-Mart to shame.