Conservatives Mobilize Against Wal-Mart

CNS News ^ | 11/09/06 | Susan Jones

[Froufrou]

Wal-Mart, long pummeled by the political left, is taking additional flak from the right.

A conservative activist group is trying to recruit one million families who will refuse to shop at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, traditionally two of the busiest shopping days of the year.

The American Family Association is furious with Wal-Mart for reaching out to homosexual advocacy groups that support same-sex marriage.

The criticism began when Wal-Mart announced it would join the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. And now Wal-Mart has made a deal with the Washington DC Center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People, agreeing to donate 5 percent of the sales made through the group's website to the Center.

"Every purchase made online for books, music, videos, clothing and accessories, children's clothing and toys, and electronics at the site will automatically send 5% of the sales to the CCBLBT People," the AFA said in a message to its supporters.

"The agreement is an indication that Wal-Mart is totally committed to supporting the homosexual movement," the AFA said.

The conservative advocacy group complains that Wal-Mart also gave a "generous cash donation" to the Northwest Arkansas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center, helping to provide a place where homosexuals can come together to "socialize."

The AFA says Wal-Mart should have remained neutral in the cultural battle over homosexual marriage.

It says Wal-Mart made an "ideological" decision, not a business decision.

[Lokibob]

My local Wal Mart give thousands of $$$ to the local boy scouts in both cash and donations.

If people continue to attack them for donations, they will cut off all donations.

Be very careful what you ask for, because you might get it.....Bob

[Froufrou]

That was nice, Echo. Bob is right; they do many good things in the communities they serve.

[oblomov]

It is apparently just 5% on purchases made through a link on the gay advocacy group's site.

[Old_Mil]

I am so sick of people who search for reasons to get their panties in a wad about Wal-Mart. I hope this thing falls flat on its face.

In other words, you're happy about the fact that Wal-Mart is going to donate (what 5%?) of post holiday sales to gay groups? Or perhaps you oppose the right of individuals to make decisions in the free market and convince others of the validity of those decisions?

[billybudd]

agreeing to donate 5 percent of the sales made through the group's website to the Center.

"Every purchase made online for books, music, videos, clothing and accessories, children's clothing and toys, and electronics at the site will automatically send 5% of the sales to the CCBLBT People," the AFA said in a message to its supporters.

So freaking what? As stated in the quote above, the agreement is basically a commission for sales coming through this gay group's website. Who cares? It's their site! These idiots want to makes it seem as if *all* online purchases will result in a donation, which is false.

These people need to be shouted down and dismissed. If they are allowed to speak for conservatives, maybe next time a real issue arises, Wal-Mart will give us a big F U.

[Long Island Pete]

I dont shop at Wal-Mart because everything is made in China right down to the Christmas decorations. China has religious freedoms, dont they?

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Goofballs like these are part of the reason why the Republicans lost the elections.

Tell 'em they can get their cheap imported crap somewhere else if they like; I'll shop where I please.

[scottdeus12]

"China has religious freedoms, dont they?"

Um, no they don't......

[HEY4QDEMS]

So freaking what? As stated in the quote above, the agreement is basically a commission for sales coming through this gay group's website. Who cares? It's their site! These idiots want to makes it seem as if *all* online purchases will result in a donation, which is false.

Spot on, If you have to tell a lie to support your position, then it's not a strong position to begin with.

[Xenalyte]

As if filthy, crowded, noisy stores aren't enough reason to avoid Wal-Mart.

[Froufrou]

I'm glad you pointed that out! I misread it to mean that the 5% was to come from sales at Wal-mart's site. I was thinking, "big deal, I'm sure they sell more at the stores..."

[AnotherUnixGeek]

I am so sick of people who search for reasons to get their panties in a wad about Wal-Mart.

Exactly. Wal-Mart does far more good than harm by lowering prices on consumer goods for everyone whether they shop there or not - it's a chain of stores and an employer of thousands of Americans. Last I checked, it didn't volunteer to be the point-man for unionists demanding increased benefits, socialists decrying big business, or social-conservatives opposing gay rights.

[Gabz]

WalMart Ping.


This has nothing to do with me not shopping in WalMart the weekend after Thanksgiving.............I refuse to shop ANYWHERE that weekend.

[Echo Talon]

the old guy was really nice and he thanked me for helping him. :)

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Or perhaps you oppose the right of individuals to make decisions in the free market and convince others of the validity of those decisions?

Obnoxious, self-important wierdos like you can do anything you please, the further away from me the better.

[Lokibob]

Unbeleivable. My local Wal Mart is clean. Crowded, yes. Not more noisy than any other busy store, however.

I have noticed that if you ask a Wal Mart Clerk where something is located, they do NOT point you in the right direction, they accompany you to the section, even if it is across the store. It might be just my local store, or it might be the training.

[Theo]

You seem to get it. I don't know why so many FReepers are so eager to support pro-gay causes with their money, when it'd be simple (and often CHEAPER) to make purchases elsewhere with coupons.

[KoRn]

I hate wal-mart. It's a miserable place to shop.

I'm not in favor of the government cracking down on them, but a company that wealthy paying their full time employees so badly they qualify for government benefits is a joke!

[scripter]

I can understand Walmart doing what they can to generate more business. What retailer wouldn't want more business?

The problem, as I see it, is Walmart getting involved with a hot button issue for social conservatives. Some here have a problem with the actions of the AFA. Perhaps those who disagree with the AFA have a problem with NAMBLA?.

If so, would those who disagree with the actions of the AFA have an issue with Walmart catering to NAMBLA? That is, what if Walmart said they would send 5% of the proceeds of online purchases through the NAMBLA website to the NAMBLA office?

The issue appears to be degrees of tolerance. Many social conservatives have reached their tolerance level for what they find acceptable from Walmart. Others here haven't reached that level.

[scripter]

Or perhaps you oppose the right of individuals to make decisions in the free market and convince others of the validity of those decisions?

Well said.