"The fact that it's actually a political issue is baffling to me. It's a friggin discount retail store. What the hell is the big deal?"
Because of their success, they are a very real reflection of capitalism and the success that the natural economic state can bring. Socialists hate anything that is successful as a result of following the natural economic principle. That is why it is a big deal. If they can destroy capitalist successes, they can destroy America.
I guess, but then why don't they hate Lowe's? Or Starbucks? Or UPS? It just makes no sense. And plus, the socialists have been around for a while. Why didn't they hate K-Mart when they were #1? Do they hate TJ Maxx?