don't forget a major contributor to sad situation like this is Wallstreet. It pushes companies to try out of necessity to make their numbers. Looking at both WM balance sheet and recent income statements, they are a seriously healthy company.
But they have to close stores, cut employees, raise prices here and their to make their WS numbers. The country needs to take a serious look at the role Wall Street plays in the everyday economy.
Private companies, such as Mars Candy, stay private because they don't have to deal with WS. In a downturn they can lower prices, make a smaller profit but overall they still have a healthy balance sheet and don't have to take drastic measures like WM is. Nobody is saying the stores they are closing are losing money, just not making enough to help their bottom line.
Wallstreet has always been a major villain in the economy. The following article is how WS banks totally broke Jefferson County, Alabama with ways that would make Greek Bankers proud
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/looting-main-street-20100331