As a former employee of Walmart I know first hand the complete devestation of putting in years of hard work only to lose it to cheaper labor and no benefits package.Trust me I am and will remain..pissed off!
Donna Finger
· 4 years ago
As a former employee of Walmart I know first hand the complete devestation of putting in years of hard work only to lose it to cheaper labor and no benefits package.Trust me I am and will remain..pissed off!
Carman Gentile
· 4 years ago
Mr. Greenwald,
I have just returned from watching "Wal-Mart the High Cost of Low Price." It was shown here in Eureka, CA which is one of the towns who successfully prevented the building of a Wal-Mart store. Your message was mostly well received and I have some comments.
I would like to have seen how Wal-Mart stacks up against other big discount stores like Target, K-Mart and other major retail boxes in terms of employee pay and benefits and the conditions in the foreign factories. Also, I was disturbed by the sensationalistic reports of crime in Wal-Mart parking lots. I , for one, blame the criminals themselves for their acts and not the owners of the parking lots. And again, you made no comparisons with crimes on the properties of other retailers.
Otherwise your point was made.
Carman Gentile Eureka, CA
Edward M.Jobin
· 4 years ago
I haven't had the opportunity to view your film yet but am eagerly waiting. I'm am glad to see someone speaking out about the abuse that goes on. I am in the process of writing some of my own experiances after having worked a night shift for 4 and one half years. It was common for management to approach employees and ask them to find out what people were saying and report back to them. I also worked with some real characters. Like the guy who talked about coming in with his ak and having his fifteen minutes of fame, who claimed he lft his last job because they wanted him to work on star trek night, and when asked his views on drug use answered in his monotone voice what do o care if I puff on a dooby? I'm not that stupid I would do it while I'm working. At times this guy was hilarious, at times frightening, and when he stood up to management heroic. He was the one other person who joined me in refusing to thier cheer as he likened it to the clapping of the trained seals.
Edward M. Jobin
· 4 years ago
I should add the night I started we were told that they hired too many and would be letting some of us go, this was effective in creating a cut throat climate. We were locked in over night until someone apparently phoned the police and was informed, if it wasn't a paid lunch they couldn't lock the door. On a couple of occasions I was frisked by one of their over zealous greeters. The operation methods they employed seemed to make no sense. They would drag out over an hundred skids and stage tons of freight even though there was no place on the shelf for it. Then at the end of the night they would load much of it back on only to have it return and be staged a few more nights. My job was to try and run a malfunctioning floor scrubber through this obstical course. When I started I worked shifts of ten, eleven, or twelve nights in a row and when my supervisor found out that a group of us went over his head to get our schedule altered he started a witch hunt that ended with one of our group quitting in the middle of his shift.
Sherry
· 4 years ago
Our church hosted a viewing of the film yesterday and held a forum afterwards. I was excited by how much the movie made everyone want to DO SOMETHING! Also impressive was the cross-section of the community this event drew. We stayed for an hour afterwards discussing what we can do, collectively and individually. I would suggest to others hosting a showing this week to have plenty of handouts and action ideas ready.
Anonymous
· 4 years ago
I saw the movie on Sunday. As an economist and investor (not in Wal-Mart), it finally drove home to me that the lowest wages possible aren't the best for the country. Sure, Wal-Mart wins short-term, and they can even claim that they're helping everyone by keeping prices low. But the real concern for consumers is how low prices are relative to their wages. The secondary effect of Wal-Mart's low employee wages is that everyone else in the industry (from those selling groceries, housewares, oil changes, tires, guns, plumbing, etc.) has to cut their employee wages to keep up ... so the low prices become less low (relative to the new wage scale) over time.
This means that any economic study of Wal-Mart's effect on the local economy will vary based on the time period it studies -- so expect any study about economic health of communities to be short-term studies.
Meanwhile, Wal-Mart's low wages were subsidized by your tax dollars (because so many of their employees are on state and/or federally-provided health care). After all is said & done, we've funded (through taxes) some portion of the profits of Wal-Mart while it has pushed down the average retail wage. A bad deal for the country, but a good deal for Wal-Mart.
Time to reconsider sending those taxes!
Anonymous
· 4 years ago
In the above post, I meant to say: "This means that any economic study of Wal-Mart's effect on the local economy will vary based on the time period it studies -- expect any study about economic health of communities near a new Wal-Mart store that is * talked about by Wal-Mart executives * to be a short-term study."
Joe
· 4 years ago
When any of us take a job we are contracting our labor for compensation. It is up to us to decide if we want to do whatever is asked and what we are willing to recieve in return. Part of the reason so many people are cranky is because they expect others to take care of their interests for them, instead of making wise decisions for themselves. I respect people's right to boycott WalMart, but the reasons being used are of ignorance. I am an unskilled laborer in Toledo, Ohio. I have no formal education. Yet because I take responsibility for myself and don't wait for others to take care of me, I have a solid job in sales and open my own doors. Stop whining about who is hurting you and start bettering yourself. You have one life to live. You can waste years whining or get started now in educating yourself and striving.
Mark Moshay
· 4 years ago
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Our nation is in a shambles politically and economically. WalMart is the epitomy of NeoCon politics.
Last week they cut out many of the services (food stamps, school lunches, etc.) that many Americans NEED. Ironically, many of those Americans are WalMart workers.
BUT the BLAME goes to the American Public for continuing to shop there! SHAME!
What we need is a consumer pledge to shop at mom & pop businesses and also unionized retailers that pay their employees a decent wage!
Thanks Again Mr. G. your film might just be the catalyst for a change in SHAMEMART!
Benjamin Melançon
· 4 years ago
Dear Robert Greenwald, Please release this movie for showing on community access cable. It will greatly magnify the impact of the film-- everyone who has heard about it but not seen it will then be able to see it, even if they didn't get to a house party or theater. Equally important, it will alert many more people to the potential of their local access cable channel. This is a critical time for community access television, as I hope many already know.
It seems simple to me: let perhaps millions more get to see the film, and increase its impact on Wal-Mart (and Wal-Mart wannabes) that much more, and show millions the use and value of community TV-- for, in addition, showing your film will surely stimulate discussion shows on public access cable. (It is standard for local channels to show anything they legally can, when sponsored by one community member.) Am I missing anything?
Thanks for reading. Please, if it is at all in your power, release "The High Cost of a Low Price" for local public access. I saw you at the National Conference for Media Reform, and though I haven't seen the film I am sure you did your part: making it entertaining at the same time it educates, informs, and activates. Now help the many of us get it out to the most people.
Hi! I saw the premier viewing of Wal-Mart: The High cost of Low Prices last evening @ church of christ @ Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH last evening.
There was a shooting @ Wal-Mart in West Lebanon parking lot yesterday.
Film excellent in making one aware of injustices, but a bit too long. Same message could have been done in 1 hour time
Edward M.Jobin
· 4 years ago
response to anonymous Joe: It's always reccomendable to improve yourself in whatever condition you are in but I find your stop whining remarks a little tright. Things don't usually change by accident but when enough people whine. It's obvious there grass roots aren't listening so people use other forums to air complaints.
James Kebinger
· 4 years ago
I liked the movie, but there's no context to any of the statistics. Where there were stats on Walmart workers on welfare by state, there was no comparison with other retail chains by percent in those states. I felt like all the numbers were manipulative at some level - even when talking about subsidies given to walmart in one town, the movie made a point of spelling out $300k as $300,000.00. Note the cents, to add zeros, where as the figures in the millions were just $1.2 million. I don't doubt the underlying truth to these numbers, but don't treat the audience like simpletons. At least some of us like our numbers in context, where they are arguably more powerful. On crime, I'm sure there's crime in other retail parking lots. Show us those. At the end, I'm pretty sure some of the same towns were mentioned more than once in the lists that scrolled by of towns that were victorious.
B Rainville
· 4 years ago
Just bought the movie, watched it, loved it, & I'm showing it in my High School Business classes tomorrow. It will now become part of my teaching curriculum each semester.
B Rainville
· 4 years ago
One final note - I purchased the DVD today at Best Buy. If you can't find it, ask a sales person !
Laura
· 4 years ago
Great movie, wasn't shopping at Walmart before it, and now for sure WON'T be shopping at Walmart EVER again after it AND I will encourage EVERYONE I know NOT to shop there. I was born in India and it pissed me off to see the West in a corporatized form now instead of colonialist, stealing from the East once again in the name of "lower prices". Not to mention as an American feeling extreme sadness at the loss of the small town communities which are fading rapidly and descending into ghost towns.
Kevin
· 4 years ago
Tuesday the 15th is the BIG day for the retail release of the Wal-Mart DVD! Please work to make this a BIG seller! PLEASE support your local retailer... the little guys!
In the Seattle area there will be a big Air America Radio push on AM1090 to get your copy of the Wal-Mart DVD at Easy Street Records and Scarecrow Video. ... http://www.dailykos.com/...
I am noticing a big build up for the viewing parties and this is being pushed by Greenwald and others and I think this is great. The only potential problem I see coming is that there are a lot of independant record and movie stores that are buying a lot of the "Wal-Mart" DVDs and doing some big push advertising to get the word out. They may be hurt by low sales if people only see it through the viewing parties and if they make copies instead of buying the DVD. This may cause them to not want to take a chance on something like this again. They may choose to stay "safe" next time. ....
So... my rant about this is to encourage all of you to make this "Wal-Mart / The High Cost Of Low Price" DVD a BIG seller (similar to what we all did for Michael Moore's F-911) and get it some press. Even if the media only reports about the huge viewing parties and the HUGE sales, that will draw other peoples attention into checking out this DVD.
Great Movie, and I voted for President Bush twice. walmart practices a perverted form of capitalism where America's manufacturing base and its' quality jobs are lost to low cost foreign markets. walmart is the lead cause of this decline in America's standard of living. Attention h. lee scott want me to shop at your stores, stock made in The USA goods. It's just that simple. Should your CEO compensation ever be linked to stock performance you would be making less than the meager wages paid to your workers.
Bringing down the wall one brick at a time.
Chris Robson
· 4 years ago
As a grassroots activist and fan of all your other movies, I found Wal-Mart the High Cost of Low Price a compelling documentary of corporate greed, corruption and deception.
Critically, however, I think there should have been better editing. Several sequences included unrelated, and unnecessary footage and commentary to make a point.
As an activist organizer, I find the attention span of many of our even most stalwart volunteers limited. The film needs to "grab" the audience earlier and keep building the enormity of Wal-Mart's offenses.
Thank you,
Chris Robson So Cal Grassroots Central Committee CDP California
Chris Robson
· 4 years ago
As a grassroots activist and fan of all your other movies, I found Wal-Mart the High Cost of Low Price a compelling documentary of corporate greed, corruption and deception.
Critically, however, I think there should have been better editing. Several sequences included unrelated, and unnecessary footage and commentary to make a point.
As an activist organizer, I find the attention span of many of our even most stalwart volunteers limited. The film needs to "grab" the audience earlier and keep building the enormity of Wal-Mart's offenses.
Thank you,
Chris Robson So Cal Grassroots Central Committee CDP California
Bruce Hillberry
· 4 years ago
THE WAYS WAL-MART ABUSES YOU THAT YOU MAY NOT EVEN REALIZE The holiday season is quickly approaching, and this is the time that Wal-Mart steps up its illegal loss prevention techniques…at your expense. There is nothing wrong with a retailer being careful to minimize its losses from fraud and shoplifting, as long as they follow state laws. BEEN STOPPED AT THE DOOR EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVEN’T STOLEN ANYTHING? On the way out of most Wal-Mart stores, there is usually a Wal-Mart employee at the exit. They stop customers to compare their receipts against what is in the cart or bags. In upper income areas, they do not do it as often, but it goes on everywhere. Don’t fool yourself. They are looking for thieves! Do you enjoy being searched like a criminal? In Kentucky, the law is clear that people are not required to routinely have their bags inspected. The retailer must have probable cause to detain you. The following is a taken from the publication: Shoplifting:An Informational Handbook for Retailers by the Kentucky Retail Federation and the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General from the Question and Answers Section. “Does a merchant have the right to inspect a customer’s packages for concealed merchandise? If a merchant has probable cause to suspect that a customer has unlawfully concealed merchandise with the intent to deprive the owner thereof, he may detain the suspect in an attempt to recover the goods. KRS 433.236. The merchant may open a package and remove his or her merchandise if the merchant knows that the goods are in a particular package. A merchant cannot set up rules or regulations which would conflict with the personal liberty of the customer. Therefore, posting a sign in the store stating ‘The management reserves the right to inspect all packages’ does not give the merchant the authority to do so. Furthermore, if a merchant detains a person without probable cause, he could be liable for false imprisonment.” You may read the entire handbook at http://www.kyretail.com/shoplifting_handbook.pdf Next time they stop you, politely refuse. HAVE YOU BEEN CARDED EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE USING A SIGNED VISA CARD? Have you ever used your Visa credit or debit card at Wal-Mart, only to be asked to show your identification? That is prohibited by the contract Wal-Mart has with Visa. One of the main reasons touted by Visa to use their card is for privacy protection. Do you know what a savvy clerk is able to do with your personal info? http://www.advertisementave.com/tv/ad.asp?u_pla... If there is a question about identity, Wal-Mart should call Visa. Read the back for a copy of a letter from Visa to a customer who was denied the right to purchase at a Wal-Mart Store because he didn’t have his I.D. on him. Now you may be thinking to yourself that stopping at the door is no big deal or you don’t mind showing your I.D. Well, think of all the retailers who follow the laws and the Visa contract. They honor their commitment to the law and to their customers. Wal-Mart is gaining an unfair business advantage; unfair and illegal. Their actions make it harder for other retailers to compete. Do you really want to give your money to a company who eyes you as a thief or a fraud? Consumers must demand respect. It is a privilege for a retailer to earn your business. Make them earn it. If Wal-Mart asks you to stop and prove you purchased what in your bag, simply say you’d rather not. It’s your right. If they insist or grab you, contact the Attorney General to complain. Send letters to: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Suite 118, 700 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-3449 or call 1-888-432-9257 to report them. If they ask for ID when you use your signed Visa card, Visa Debit or Visa Check Card, you have the right to refuse to show it. If they do not sell to you, file a complaint with Visa by writing: VISA, PO Box 649, Owings Mills, MD 21117-0649 THE FIGHT AGAINST WAL-MART’S WICKED WAYS! There is a lawsuit in Court over these two violations by Wal-Mart. During the course of the suit entitled Bruce Hillberry v. Wal-Mart, the Plaintiff alleged that he has been robbed of his constitutional rights and has learned first hand how Wal-Mart enjoys protections from the Federal Courts. To learn more about the lawsuit and to see the corruption yourself, go to: www.imsuing.com . The site contains letters and court documents, and more are coming soon! The webmaster invites you to check it out and post your comments to show your support. In fact, if you have questions or would like to learn more from Mr. Hillberry, we will forward all inquires. Please email us at info@imsuing.com or call Mr. Hillberry at 502-367-1983 Louisville, KY
If you have video of Wa-Mart stopping anybody at the door or any other helpful information please send it to: Bruce Hillberry 3723 Cliff Av Louisville, KY 40215
The statements made in this notice are the opinions of the writer. Please view the information yourself and form you own opinion.
Regina Courtney
· 4 years ago
I work at Wal-Mart in Fort Worth, TX and currently waiting to see if my manager lets me go home to California for Christmas. My mother has heart failure and I have sent in my request for this hoiday a month in advance. My store manager like ALL MANGERS at Wal-Mart thinks the he is god, waiting till the last moment to tell me and therefore make it unaffortable.
I have worked for Wal-Mart for 6 years and this is not my first fight with the Wal-Mart system, in May of 2004 I was fired for using the Weingarden Rule and after I complained and threated to get an attorney, home office hired me back.
I look forward to owing the movie and showing it to as many of my co-workers as I can.. Before the ax fall's again.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Why does the anti-Wal-Mart movie lie about H&H; Hardware?
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Why does the film lie about H&H; Hardware? The store didn't close because Wal-Mart moved in.
jgilliam
· 4 years ago
The film doesn't say that. It says the Hunters were not given a chance to compete with Wal-Mart because the bank devalued the property when Wal-Mart started construction on its store. They explicitly stated it was because Wal-Mart was coming to town and they knew there were going to be a bunch of empty stores soon.
You obviously haven't seen the movie, so I will point you to this page here for more details on the Hunter story:
Thank you for telling this story. Because of a local "field producer" here on the California Central Coast, the film premiered 48 hours prior to a city council meeting where slick Wal-Mart reps came to push their agenda and try to get the zoning code changed to allow for a bloated Supercenter. Many of the film attendees (maybe 100) filled the chamber quarters at the meeting, and Wal-Mart failed to get the council members approval, with a vote of 5 - 0. This is in a town that hasn't elected a democrat since the 80s. You guys rock. Grassroots rocks!
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Quit playing little games. Without a doubt the film provides a very strong visual image that Wal-Mart was responsible for the demise of H&H.; The picture the movie attempted to paint is simply not true. The owner himself has stated that the movie's implication is not true. That's straight from the horses mouth. You are perpetuating a manipulation and distortion of reality. Your depreciation claim is also bogus, as the financial woes and decline of H&H; started long before Wal-Mart broke ground.
The lie in the movie:
The 10-minute Middlefield segment in the movie begins with images of the tranquil town. Hunter talks about opening in a storefront in 1962. He says the business grew and eventually built along Ohio 608. The cameras follow workers as they open the store.
Then ominous music plays and a giant message fills the screen: "Wal-Mart descends on Middlefield." H&H; employees describe Wal-Mart as an economic monster rampaging through the American economy. Hunter expresses disdain for the chain, which he blames for the closing of numerous Ma-and-Pa stores across the nation.
Hunter's son, Jon, laments that he can't get a bank loan for a new business plan, and that appraisers devalued the H&H; building because of Wal-Mart coming to town. The elder Hunter chokes up wondering if the store can survive Wal-Mart.
The next image provides an answer, as an orange sign hangs on H&H;'s door. "Inventory Closeout Sale," it says. "After 43 Years, H&H; Hardware Is Closing."
There's no mention of the timing of H&H;'s closing relative to Wal-Mart's opening.
------- I don't know what credible banks do in your neck of the woods, but the banks around here tend not to make bad loans to failing businesses. Please also note that the hardware store has since re-opened UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.
Don's quote, which the latter you folks seem to have a tough time with......
"I think Wal-Mart hurts a lot of small businesses," said Don Hunter, who started H&H; in 1962 and is featured in the soon-to-be-released documentary. "But it's not the reason we closed. Absolutely not."
1. The story is an emotionally charged piece of rhetoric, void of specifics such as how long the hardware store had been in decline. 2. Walmartmovie.com wants us to feel sorry for Jon, not ask questions about poor business practices which is the REAL cause for demise, not that a Wal-Mart moved in. 3. The bank didn't want to give money to a business that wasn't making money.....Imagine that! 4. The hardware store has since re-opened UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. Why won't you anti-Wal-Marters acknowledge that huh?
Roger Bates
· 4 years ago
Why attack just Wal-Mart. There are other companies and organizations that treat their employees worst. Heck, the federal government is just as bad. Replacing people with computers to teach our military.
Paul Brannigan
· 4 years ago
Spin like beauty can and usually is in the eye of the beholder. Had walmart not built in H&H; Hardware's backyard their commercial building would likely not have been devalued. Could the business loan that Jon Hunter sought have been approved if he had more equity in the property? I don't know and neither do you. Were the Esry's with 3 IGA supermarkets poor businessmen? I would tend to think they were not. Does walmart suck the commercial viability out of a community? I would tend to agree with most studies, including walmart's own, that conclude that they do. It's not all about cheap made in china underwear to me and for the continued economic health of our country it shouldn't be for any American.
A Lou Dobbs republican, NRA member, two times President Bush voting American who refuses to shop the wall until their race to the bottom American job outsourcing policies change dramatically.
Jerry
· 4 years ago
I am elated to see someone finally bringing the atrocities Wal-Mart commits to light. I haven't see the movie yet, but I'm going to do so soon. Does the movie detail anything about the counterfeit goods Wal-Mart was selling? In an article in Oct. 14, 1998 edition of Women's Wear Daily, it details the case before a federal district judge in Manhattan, NY who ordered Wal-Mart to recall all counterfeit Tommy Hilfiger products sold on it's website, Wal-Mart stores, and Sam's Clubs. Later Wal-Mart was found selling counterfeit jeans and windsuits bearing the labels of Fubu, Nautica, & Polo Ralph Lauren. The judge called Wal-Mart's conduct "deliberate, willful, and purposeful" and ordered the chain to mail notices to customers to inform them of a recall, as well as post signs in all store locations. This type of conduct on the part of Wal-Mart has been ongoing since 1994.
Judge John E. Sprizo, a U.S. District Judge held Wal-Mart in contempt of a 1996 court order mandating that the discounter stop infringing on Hilfiger trademarks.
These are the actions of a company who has it's own best interests at heart.
Val
· 4 years ago
I STRONGLY recommend any of you reading "Sickofspin"'s comments to click on her hyper-link and read....you can then breathe a big sigh of relief, and once again thank God for this film and pass it on to all of your friends.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Paul Brannigan wrote:
‘Had walmart not built in H&H; Hardware's backyard their commercial building would likely not have been devalued.’ Is that all the better you can do? Ifs, ands, buts? The fact remains, the owner of H&H; has publicly refuted the notion that Wal-Mart put him out of business, in his words, “Absolutely not.” So then why do you pretend you can defend the indefensible? I throw a concrete statement from the horses mouth in your face and instead of acknowledging the truth, you go into a schpeel of re-direct and transference. Pathetic.
By the way, IGA is not small business.
Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Val,
I welcome all to read my views and comment! I do note that you failed to note anything specific in your apparent objection to my posts. Why the lack of substance in your response?
sick of "sickofspin"
· 4 years ago
"sickofspin":
way to present your opinion in a mature and intelligent manner...next time do your research better and if you're smart you'de sound rational with your complaints...why argue when you know you're wrong?
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
I note that 'sick of sickofspin' did not refute any of my charges, then claims I need to do better research..... Perhaps the direct quotes (links provided) from the owner of H&H; Hardward saying that Wal-Mart had NOTHING to do with his demise isn't straight forward enough for you?
Exactly which complaints of mine have you objected to with any substance? Answer: NONE.
That you resort to personal attack in lieu of substance is noted.
Student
· 4 years ago
If you ask me, Wal-Mart is pretty okay corporation. They provide fairly quality stuff at really cheap prices. Families with low income can afford to buy sneakers, clothing, food, and toys for their children if they shop at Wal-Mart. Besides supplying families with these luxuries, Wal-Mart also provides over a million jobs. No one is being "forced " to work at Wal-Mart. Simply put, working at Wal-Mart is a great opportunity for low skilled workers. People work there because it is their best alternative as a source of income. Are some of you suggesting that we shut down Wal-Mart and put all of these people out of work? Do you think they will find somewhere that they can make more money and have more happiness? If they could, they wouldn't work at Wal-Mart. It seems to me like many of you are just looking for something to crusade about.
geoffrey torkington
· 4 years ago
i am so so pleased with the movie and this opportunity to meet with my neighbors. a lot of us want to continue doing something and to create a little momentum, many of us will be buying the movie, discounted at the box set of 30, dividing it between us, and educating others through it. 'waking up' is truly the great adventure of this generation.
CJ
· 4 years ago
Saw the movie last night. While I do agree the movie has a slant, I also think the bottom line remains the same...that these big corporations are reaping profits at the expense of fellow humans. It's disgusting.
Everyone needs to make their own decisions in life. I for one prefer to have a clear conscious rather than a slightly smaller shopping bill. These products are cheap for a reason.
I would also like to note that I too took a quick look at "sickofspin's" website. I find it rather ironic that someone claiming to set the record straight on liberal views & opinions would have Fox news as the first link in their news section. Talk about a biased source of sensationalized information!
As for Student's comments...you are correct no one is being forced to work at Walmart but the fact is that Walmart is cleary taking advantage of the people in our society that are already disadvantaged. The company realizes that these people do not have many if any other employment options....especially when many of the other business close once Walmart moves into town. Coincidence that both of the Walmart stores that have managed to certify a union have been closed down? I think not. A union would force better (reasonable!) pay, health benefits and humane working conditions - something Walmart is obviously not interested in providing for it's "associates".
Keep up the fight people...we can make a difference.
Student
· 4 years ago
CJ... If there were better jobs for the people working at Wal-Mart, these people would already work at the other jobs. Are you assuming that the people working at Wal-Mart do not know what is best for them?
Also, do you know how much Wal-Mart pays? It is not minimum wage.
And what do you mean "Keep up the fight"? Maybe, by not shopping at Wal-Mart, you can all put the company out of business. And then all of the poor, oppressed workers will now have...
no job. That will be so much better for them.
A union would force Wal-Mart to treat its workers differently. This is true. Providing health benefits would essentially mean that each working at Wal-Mart will be getting paid more. So now, every worker receiving health care will have to have skills that are worth this extra pay. Less people will be able to have jobs at Wal-Mart. The workers are the ones who will suffer from this.
Bob Greenwell
· 4 years ago
Robert and Others, Do you know of this allegation from Fox News and from National Review? Following is copied from the Fox News website and is transcript of part of program aired by Brit Hume on 11/17/05:
Byron York of National Review has been looking into the film. Byron, what did you find out? BYRON YORK, NATIONAL REVIEW: Well, the story of H&H; Hardware didn’t actually happen precisely as it is depicted in the picture. The store did close, but it closed three months before Wal-Mart actually opened its doors. And I talked to Don Hunter, the man you saw in the film there, who founded H&H; in 1962, and he said that the coming of Wal-Mart had nothing to do with the decision to close the store. HUME: Where is Middlefield, by the way? I know it’s in Ohio. YORK: It’s a small rural town in Amish country, in Ohio. And other people I talked to said H&H; had been troubled for several years. There was an economic downturn in Ohio. It suffered from that. In addition, there were some management — poor decisions made by management. And for those reasons, it went out of business. HUME: And then three months later Wal-Mart finally opened? YORK: And then three months later, Wal-Mart opened its doors, yes. HUME: And the guy says — the guy says to you that Wal-Mart is coming and the anticipation of its opening affect...? YORK: He said very specifically, and I quote him in an upcoming article, there was no connection. He doesn’t like Wal-Mart. He says a number of very negative things about Wal-Mart, and he believes it does destroy businesses around the country. But he says in his case, there was no connection. [END OF TRANSCRIPT FROM FOX] Maybe the film is wrong in this instance? Fox would like that to mean that the film is therefore wrong in all instances, which of course does not follow. Anyone have information or evidence pertaining to this instance or this allegation?
CJ
· 4 years ago
Student, I by no means claim to know what is best for the Walmart employees. All I'm saying is that if there was no Walmart these people would be employed in other jobs that would at the very least give them a shred of self respect and dignity and who knows maybe even enough to live on. I realize that these employees make more than minimum wage, not that it makes any difference because they still aren't able to make ends meet. Minimum wage is not meant to support a family.
When the government is forced to compensate employees (in health care, food stamps, etc) due to a company's (Walmart or otherwise) lack of reasonable wages and affordable health benefits there is something seriously wrong with the system.
I choose to not shop at Walmart because I don't feel my money should be profiting the Walton family and it's puppets. For a family that is each worth over $18 billion each you'd think there would be some room to give back to those that are the front line of their business.
By keep up the fight I mean people need to stand up for what is right. There is much that is wrong in this world. Choosing to turn a blind eye to it is pathetic and frankly very sad. It's people like you that these corporations rely on to enable them to make more money and continue this vicious cycle. Way to go!
You just keep on shopping there and doing your part to allow the "poor, oppressed workers" to have a job. (funny, you refer to them as poor despite having jobs yet you don't have the compassion to choose not to take part in their exploitation). Unlike me, you obviously know what is best for them.
I'm curious how you reason that the workers would suffer from having livable wages and health care? Sounds pretty awful to me.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
There's no such thing as a livable wage and health care is an individual responsibility, not a corporate one.
It gets back to: 1. If you don't like Wal-Mart's products and/or services - don't shop there. 2. If you don't like the job offerings at Wal-Mart, don't work there.
The volume of those two elements (shoppers & workers), not outside 'influence' will dictate how Wal-Mart runs its business.
June
· 4 years ago
Thanks for making this movie. Unfortunately, the sound track of the music was louder than the sound track of the voices and it was difficult to hear all of the words in the interviews because of the distracting music. Perhaps this is a technical problem that can be fixed in future copies of the DVD.
Polrbear007
· 4 years ago
Wow, this is all very interesting. I have spent the last 30 minutes looking over this site, the links to other sites and the preview to the film, which I have not seen yet. There are a lot of opposing views here, but it seems a few things are clear. The closing of the H&H; store was soley the fault of Wal-MArt. I think they had a hand in it, meaning the thought of trying to get out of a bad financial situation when you have athe "king" or discount retailers right around the corner could be a very frightful task to take on. Closing would be the best option
The people that work at Wal-Mart, they are there becasue they want to be. Every one has a choice...you can work there or not work there. Sure Wal-mart provides a lot of jobs to some areas that would not have any jobs to offer without Wal-Mart's presence, but it is still the choice of the employee to fill out that application and say "yes" when offered the job. I am sure some of them had an idea of what they would be getting into before they applied.
The conversations about how powerful and overwhelming Wal-Mart can be and is has been going on for a long time. They have had documentaries about how businesses lose money to have their goods sold at Wal-Mart and how businesses have lost income due to Wal-Mart, but people still shop there. Why? Becasue they want to.
I want to see this movie, and I look forward to it, but I can not say that I will stop shopping at Wal-Mart becasue of it. I have reduced significantly they amount of money I spend in Wal-Mart (I basically just go for an oil change now) becasue they Wal-Marts in my area (Western MA/CT) have become "dirty" and poorly managed (there is never a manager/supervisor around to process a refund or they tend to shut down most registers at the same time most people are getting out of work and come into the stores on their way home) and I do not feel I should "reward" that type of store with my business.
There are alternatives (Target, K-Mart, etc) and in many cases their prices are either lower or comparable to that of Wal-Mart., and the stores are "cleaner" and are managed better.
How long before society turns their eyes on these alternatives and go ofter them? Who knows...maybe once they are tired of the Wal-Mart hunt.
I feel for those people that work and have worked at Wal-Mart and "suffer" these indecencies, but I also wonder, why stay there? Wal-Mart can'r run if no one is there to work. Low prices may make you walk in, but good customer service makes you come back. If the workers leave and they get "scabs" to come in, I know the service quality will go down, and then the customers would leave.
This movie I think needs to be shown (in secret) to the employees of Wal-Mart. To empower them to make the changes needed. Only then will any real change take place.
polrbear007
· 4 years ago
I meant to say the closing of H&H; was NOT soley....damn typos...
commonsense
· 4 years ago
I saw the movie and was floored at the blatant manipulation and deception tactics used by WalMart in their quest to rule the retail world.
Some people "get it" and some do not. Narrow minded folks like sickofspin are not capable of seeing the bigger picture. Individuals like this are the food that feeds the monsters. Uneducated narrow minds are tastey vittles to manipulative machines. Other people do "get it" and see the underlying issues that create such problems when big-box stores muscle their way into a town or city and begin their onslaught of eventual ruination of the existing retail market and inevitable destruction of local economies.
Students and other low income people THINK they are getting a great deal. Gee, if I can save $10.00 on a pair of jeans...$8.00 on shoes and get my bumwipe for half price, I must be saving money. If only everyone could open their eyes wide enough to let in some light. Maybe then people would see that they are paying dearly to have such retail giants in their town. The hidden costs are enormous and staggering if not crippling. Yet as long as Sally Student THINKS they are saving a buck, they continue to feed the giant...unknowingly playing into their own demise...rather self destructive if you can focus on the bigger picture...
Then there are those who will adopt the attitude of "What effect will it have if I stop shopping there? None."...I reply to such comments with my own opinion. Given a choice, would you rather be known as a part of the solution, or a part of the problem? Personally I want to be known as a part of the solution. Keeping that in mind, I make my own conscious decision not to support WalMart, the Walton family of greed, or the society such corporate giants are developing. I may pay a bit more for the products I purchase, but I sleep well at night knowing I am not living lies and hypocracies just to save a buck ON THE BACKS OF SWEAT SHOP WORKERS.
All of you that support such models as WalMart, Home Depot and the many other corporate giants that use cheap foreign labour are as guilty as the guard that cracks the whip and beats the workers into submission. You are inadvertently leading the pack. You may not have a whip in hand, but it is YOUR greed and blind ignorance that drives the factories. It is YOU that kills youth and causes repression in third world countries. It is YOU and your narrow minded thinking that will set the stage for generations to come. It is YOU that will be to blame when the system implodes and takes your own down with it. Then who will you run to for a shoulder to cry on? You will have nobody to blame but yourselves. All in the name of the all-mighty buck...be proud...be very proud...
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
To the previous poster: You've been duped. You've bought into all the half-truths, the lies, the distortions of reality and the manipulations of truth. H&H; Hardware for example - the owner has publicly stated that Wal-Mart had nothing at all to do with the closure of his business. That's straight from the horses mouth. However you continue to perpetuate the anti-Wal-Mart B.S. Name for me some small businesses that have actually been directly put out of business by Wal-Mart. You can't. State for me specifically how Wal-Mart wages are somehow 'sub-standard' to other area companies with like employment. You can't. Quit taking the anti-Wal-Mart disinformation at face value.
Talk about a narrow mind.
The anti-Wal-Mart charges are bogus, period. You anti-Wal-Marters can't deal in reality, let alone the truth.
I'm involved in retailing and I've seen firsthand how Wal-Mart forces it's vendors into giving discounts to them for their business. They're vicious and have forced many, many American companies out of business. Wal-Mart also has a hand in the weakening of thousands of small towns across America by forcing many "Mon & Pops" out of business with unfair competition. The situation is much the same as it was in the 1940/50's when the "Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co." was dominating the grocery business. There were anti-trust laws enacted by Congress to protect the consumer and perserve competition. These laws are still the law of the land, but a pretty much routinely ignored by the FTC.
To Wal-Mart's defense, they do provide jobs for people who might not ordinarily be able to find work or who want supplemental income.
The real sad part of the whole story is the fact that we, as Americans, want our people to be well paid, we want them to have fringe benefits, we want clean air and water, and we want jobs for Americans. But, as consumers, we're not willing to pay for those things (they do come with a price). So manufacturers and retailers are forced to source their goods in countries like China who could cares less if their people are paid well, have health care, and certainly don't give a flip about the envoirnment.
Just remember....there are still no free lunches.
commonsense
· 4 years ago
Sickofspin, your ignorance and uneducated opinions are entertaining...keep up the good work. At least you have a place in society...we all need jesters to keep us entertained...and so far you seem to fit that position quite well. Good on ya!
If you think for one second, let alone an entire minute, that no small retailers have been hurt or even shut down as a direct result of WalMart moving into the area...then you are not only blind...but very very ignorant as well. I know of several local stores that have suffered greatly as a result of WalMart moving into the area. I am not at liberty to disclose the names of these retailers as it is not my place to publicize their demise...but I can say that if you do minimal research and allow your narrow mind to open ever so slightly, you MUST see the letters on the wall so to speak. If you are in fact so out of touch that you truley believe that no small retailers have suffered against the mighty giant, then all I can say for you is, "Go back to school."
I do not single out WalMart as the only corporate giant to have such an effect. The fact remains however that WalMart IS the biggest corporation in the world at this time...and they ARE setting trends among other big box outlets and corporate giants. This leadership role they are playing may not have been the intention of the Walton family, but it has become an unforseen responsibility with such growth. The WalMart corporation is closing their eyes to this responsibility and ignoring the pleas of their employees. I don't see alot of positives to this type of leadership...unless your intent is truley to run the entire show...which seems to be the aim of such corporations. Squeeze the little guy enough and eventually they will cave in.
Keep up the jestering Sickofspin, I look forward to your next line of entertainment. While your at it why not bring up H&H; hardware again...you haven't quite beat that dead horse enough...mind you, if that ONE instance is all you have to work with...I suppose one cannot blame you for using the line over and over and over again...So let's hear it Sickofspin. Let's hear about H&H; hardware and let's ignore all other cases until you really HAVE beaten that dead horse to a pulp. Cheers to ya Sickofspin. Entertain us more please.
P.S. Your website is sadly lacking in intellectual nourishment, but then again, with FOXnews as one of your main sources, it's no wonder. I sure hope you have access to better education venues, as you seemingly need to upgrade. Cheers and good luck with school next season. ; )
afraid
· 4 years ago
sicko:
Has it ever occurred to you there might be a reason Don Hunter changed his tune from what they said in the film? Like, I dunno, fear and intimidation in a small town now dominated by Wal-Mart?
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
You people are ALL mouth and personal attack, you don't WANT to acknowledge the truth if it's contrary to your agenda. NAME a small business that has been put out of business by Wal-Mart! WHERE'S THE BEEF! You're 'they put small businesses out of business because I say so' tripe just doesn't cut it. Simply put, if you're going to make a claim, back it up.
You're trash talkers, and unlike Terrill Owens, you can't back it up.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
So you attackers without substance out there, you say I have no credibility because my blog contains a link to FoxNews. Is that all you've got? You sure haven't pointed to any specifics, no mention of anything erroneous. If there's a story on my blog that you find to be factually incorrect, then point it out. You haven't done any such thing so far.
You're pathetic.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Posted by request!
As first reported in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, H&H; Hardware closed down nearly three months before Wal-Mart opened its store around the corner.
“I think Wal-Mart hurts a lot of small businesses,” Don Hunter told the Plain Dealer earlier this month. “But it’s not the reason we closed. Absolutely not.”
According to the paper, Hunter told the filmmaker NOT to tie H&H;’s closing to Wal-Mart.
Greenwald’s film intentionally obscures the timeline. In fact, the visual picture the movie creates paints a direct (but totally inaccurate) tie between Wal-Mart's opening and H&H;'s closure.
That's a blatant lie folks.
The fact is H&H; Hardware had been experiencing financial difficulties years before Wal-Mart arrived in mid-May of 2005. H&H; closed down in February - and only five months after Wal-Mart arrived, a new hardware store opened in H&H;’s old location. Imagine that.....
WakeUpWalMart lies and 'Higher Costs For Lower Prices' lies.
If those two organizations can't be straight with you, why should you support them?
commonsense
· 4 years ago
Perfect...the jester arrived just on time...and once again "by request" beat up on that poor dead horse.
I told you in my previous post that I am not in a position to list the local retailers that have been directly affected by WalMart...If you cannot understand my point or my respect to those shop owners, then it just goes to show once more how blatantly ignorant and uneducated you really are.
As for your lame-ass blog and the FOXnews sources you use...I am not about to spend the time to pick holes in anything fox says...their reputation speaks volumes on its' own...as your own reputation is doing for you.
Have you enrolled yet?
dan
· 4 years ago
I am curious how much money was made off of this movie? Also how much of the money was contributed to needy causes such as the hurricane or homeless people. It appears that a lot of people have viewed the movie and given a lot of money to Mr. Greenwald, what is he doing with it? Laughing it up or using it to help improve the lives of the people he claims to be helping. Some of you might what to do a little background research on the saint you praise.
commonsense
· 4 years ago
Uh...I didn't pay a cent to watch this flick. The actual charge was nil, but a donation of food was accepted and encouraged...so my friends and I gathered enough food items to feed a small army. As for throwing money at Greenwald...not likely...although I appreciate the time and effort he put into his film, I am not about to toss money at his feet, nor do I suspect others to do the same. If I were to make a contribution anywhere as a sign of appreciation, I would most certainly continue my donations to needy causes and not stuffing a wallet.
Who should be doing the research here? Who is praising Mr. Greenwald on a saintly level? I see some appreciation for his enlightening delivery of the facts we are all aware of and have been for some time. I learned very little from this movie that I did not already know through various sources excluding FOXnews (lol). The one thing I appreciated about this film was the way they brought it altogether. Instead of thinking of the bigger picture in segments, I am now able to see the bigger picture with more clarity and definition. The real people stories also brought it to a more personal level that I have thus far been skirting unintentionally...but now that I have faces to put to instances, it makes the wounds more "real" and easier to identify with as a human being. Thankfully I am not so overpowered by the magnetism of greed to think that the existing corporate design is flawless and healthy for society and economies in general. I can only hope that others will open their eyes before it's too late to fix the flaws.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
To commonsense,
In other words, you've got nothing.
You wrote:
"I told you in my previous post that I am not in a position to list the local retailers that have been directly affected by WalMart...If you cannot understand my point or my respect to those shop owners, then it just goes to show once more how blatantly ignorant and uneducated you really are."
Translation: 'I lied and I'll be damned if I'm going to provide any substance to my bogus claim.'
You wrote:
"As for your lame-ass blog and the FOXnews sources you use...I am not about to spend the time to pick holes in anything fox says...their reputation speaks volumes on its' own...as your own reputation is doing for you."
Translation: 'I'm saying your blog is lame-ass but I don't want to put up any examples as to why - I hate substance, I'm just into name calling. As far as FoxNews goes, again, I don't have any examples as to why they are not credible. I'm don't like substance to refute why/what might be wrong with any story links that might be posted on your blog. I just heard a leftist say Fox was bad so I'm jumping on that lefty bandwagon - who needs substance anyway?"
KSmith
· 4 years ago
We've boycotted Walmart for more than 5 years. My family lives in the rural midwest and we've watched their thriving locally -owned businesses dwindle and fall away. It's funny, my folks have a sticker on their cars saying "Talk our town up" to promote those local businesses. Walmart has created a ghost town of the lovely downtown shopping district. Gas stations have closed up, in leu of the 'low prices' that Walmarts gas station offers. Members of my familie's church, who were business owners, now work at the Walmart that forced them to close their business. Someone posted that 'no one HAS to work at Walmart'. Well, that's not really true. The employee's of many closed local businesses, often have no choice. We know a pharmacist who owned his own pharmacy. Walmart came in and undercut his business until he had to close.He works in the pharmacy there, at much less pay. His son's stock shelves for Walmart to make ends meet.
Even though, my family KNOWS, that Walmart has killed their town, they go to the SuperCenter EVERY SINGLE DAY. They say, "Well, we SHOULD boycott them too, but we need our things". The OLD Walmart Building sits empty one mile from the SuperCenter, with it's optical center, it's gas station. My mom uses her Walmart credit card, to purchase her items, because they give her a little discount. She uses the Walmart optical department, because it's cheaper than their local eye doctor she's gone to for 20 years. . but...my 96 year old grandmother refuses to get her grocery items at the Supercenter, even though my family tries to make her. She told me "If I buy my milk at Walmart, then the Piggly Wiggly will close. I like the Piggly Wiggly. They know me there. I know my way around and I don't want them to go away." She's 96 and she gets it.
We took a driving vacation this summer and counted all the Walmarts we passed on our way through 5 states.. From our route we saw over 30 Walmarts, more than 2/3rds were Super Centers. Gas at the Walmart gas stations was on average 3 cents lower per gallon than the stations in the vicinity. You see, the Walmart Gas stations were posistioned at the edge of the Walmart lot but right next to the local stations. We started seeing gas stations that had signs of $1.23 a gallon. Shockingly, they were CLOSED!. Guess what was right down the way from them.
On a very personal note... My other grandmother lived in a tiny rural area and she worked in a factory sewing on clothing lables for many, many years. Walmart shipped their factories over seas and everyone lost their jobs. Believe me, that factory was ALL there was for those people to work for. My grandma had to go on public assistance and work for the Sheltered workshop program because there was nothing left for her. She could not pick up and move, she'd lived in one house for 40 years. Her little job kept her self sufficient, paid her medical insurance and gave her self worth.
Walmart made millions by saying their products are 'American' made! Made by little ladies like my sweet grandmother. Their greed cost America so much and they act so proud. It's shameful on so many levels.
commonsense
· 4 years ago
There ya go Sicko...is that personal enough for you?...is KSmith's story not "real" enough for you? You are a dork Sicko...plain and simple...you ARE the reputation Americans have...it is people like YOU Sickofspin, that create the blemishes on the American namesake and all your flag and anthem stand for...it is YOU Sickofspin that drives the forces that will in time be the demise of your people...think about it for a minute before you write anything more down...
As for my choice not to list local's that have been shut down...that's not a difficult task, but out of respect for those people I choose not to name them or their businesses...that's called respect Sickofspin...And as for my comment on your use of FOXnews as a mainstay in your blog activity. Wake the hell up and smell the coffee. FOXnews has a reputation built on years of dramatic misrepresentation and intentional slander. If you really require me to give particular instances, then you are as narrow minded as any characture could ever showcase.
Use your mellon for something more than a hatrack Sickofspin, and for the sake of the rest of the USA, stop embarassing your fellow citizens and start making some sense...I am through talking with you...I am convinced there is no reasoning with you and refuse to waste my time answering your petty needs and wants...don your hockey helmut and head for the sandbox special boy...you're on your own.
Tom Boese
· 4 years ago
I can no longer sit on the sideline and watch Sickofspin spew forth with constant diatribes about the H & H segment in Robert Greenwald’s film, WAL-MART: The High Cost of Low Price. I’m going to attempt something the rest of you have also tried, but so far have been unsuccessful at—getting Sickofspin to shut his piehole once and for all about the H & H story. I will most likely fail in this attempt, because as we all know by now, Sicko gets his information filtered through FOX News, and also from the professional spin doctors working in the Bentonville “war room.”
Please allow me to frequently quote you Sicko. “You people are ALL mouth and personal attack:” Hmmm…You’re the one with 12 posts to this blog Sicko. Who is “ALL mouth? You don’t even have the integrity to post with your real name.
“Name a small business that has been put out of business by Wal-Mart:” I’ll do even better than this Sicko. Come to Wisconsin and I’ll show you two of them and introduce you to the former owners. If this isn’t enough for you, take a drive through Iowa, or drop in on Kirksville, Missouri and talk to the business community there.
“You’ve been duped. You’ve bought into the half truths, the lies, the distortions of reality and the manipulation of the truth.” Are you referring here to the typical keynote speeches Lee Scott gives at the Wal-Mart annual shareholder meetings, or to the “news” you get from FOX News and people like Bill O’Reilly? Speaking of “wild Bill,” he’s rarely worth quoting, but he said this recently on a Talking Points segment in reference to extremists: “They really don’t want to hear anything other than the conclusion they’ve arrived at, no matter what the evidence suggests.” Are you an extremist Sicko? Huh? How come you’ve become fixated on H & H Hardware, and conveniently ignore the other 75-80 minutes in the film?
Unless you’ve been running a highly successful business of your own for more than 30 years (I highly doubt it), don’t make anymore of your unctuously superior posts where you accuse the Hunters of utilizing “poor business practices” or having “financial difficulties for years.” Are you a banker or CPA Sicko? Are you thoroughly familiar with margins, inventory management and dealing with multiple vendors?
It seems to me you are trying to confuse two separate issues here. One is the decline of H & H’s business, and the other is their decision to close. OK…so what if the financial challenges H& H was facing weren’t directly attributable to Wal-Mart? If we give you this one…will you just go away Sicko? As for me, I don’t see much difference between a business that closes 3 months before Wal-Mart opens or 3 months after. Isn’t the net affect on the local economy the same? There was devaluation of commercial business properties in Middlefield following the arrival of Wal-Mart. This is a fact. Would Jon Hunter have gotten a business loan had this not occurred? We may never know. I think the Hunters saw the future though and knew when to get out.
One final thing—how come you don’t talk about the other businesses in Middlefield Sicko? Are you aware there are 3 smaller grocery stores there, Sparkle Market, Sav-A-Lot Foods, and Giant Eagle. One of these stores told me business is down 25% since Wal-Mart arrived. It’s still too soon to tell. Wal-Mart has only been in Middlefield for 6 months. Let’s check back in a year and see just how good Wal-Mart is for the small local community.
Tom Boese Field Producer – Wisconsin Brave New Films
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
I'll quite posting when you arrogant defenders of the film finally admit to the blatant lie I've been throwing in your faces...
When asked if Wal-Mart had anything to do with the closure of H&H; Hardware, Don Hunter the owner said, "Absolutely not.”
And so instead of acknowledging that stark reality, you disengenuous people try to spin things with that 'property devaluation' crap.
You're pathetic.
Hey, a Super Wal-Mart went up in Coralville, Iowa some years back, look at the ECONOMIC BOOM the area is going under, neighboring towns as well.... North Liberty, Tiffin....... Iowa City has a Wal-Mart, they're experiencing growth as well, heck, all kinds of small businesses are popping up! BUT OH, YOU DON'T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, YOU JUST WANT NEGATIVE STORIES TO BE TOLD!
Cherry picking hypocrites!
commonsense
· 4 years ago
Sicko...you are living up to your abbreviated name... It's not that anyone is disregarding that H&H; hardware stated that WalMart wasn;t the only cause of their demise...nor are we all ignoring your point...but the fact remains that property value DID decrease as a result of WalMart buying into the community. That's not an unfair statement NOR an overlooked probability, but rather an just and factual statement. PERIOD. There, are ya happy someone acknowledged your petty point?
As for other communities that have prospered after the introduction of WalMart in the area, that's bound to be the case in some instances. I don;t however see any proof that WalMart is the reason for this community and/or economic growth, but rather a sign of the times in ALL areas of economic growth and community development. For some cities, towns, etc. there is likely not one single corporation, chain or supplier that can change that growth. That is however not to say that WalMart had a positive effect, but rather merely that WalMart did NOT sink that town, city or commercial center. Is this a fair statement to make Sicko? Perhaps you would rather focus all your attention on the fact that some places aren't "hurting" because of WalMart and maybe you'll even capitalize on that to an extent...and if I know your style (from previous posts) I am sure you WILL "spin" your own thread and weave another basket made of silk...silk baskets sure are pretty, but they don't hold much...much like your previous "points" and grasps on proverbial "short straws". Keep it up jester, I am entertained thus far.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Common 'sense' wrote: "I don;t however see any proof that WalMart is the reason for this community and/or economic growth, but rather a sign of the times in ALL areas of economic growth and community development."
Translation: I don't see any proof because I haven't really looked, to do so would be contrary to my anti-Wal-Mart agenda. God forbid I discover the other side of the coin.
So according to this liberal hypocrite, if things are negative, it's absolutely to be blamed on Wal-Mart. But if things are positive, in growth mode, then by God Wal-Mart WILL NOT be given any credit. We can blame a poor economy on them, but we cannot give credit for anything that might be good....
You see, you liberal folks want to have it both ways......You moan and cry foul over what you perceive to be negatives, but you'll be damned if you'll acknowledge positives for balance.
Truly pathetic.
commonsense
· 4 years ago
Ya see the entertainment value you deliver? LOL
as for your assumtion that I haven't done any research...uh...I'm not as narrow minded as you...I HAVE looked into the subject at hand and I HAVE NOT found any evidence that WalMart has actually boosted ANY economic growth for ANY centers. So...dimwit, I must say that your lame ass perception of what I have or have not looked into is nothing more than MORE of your jestering entertainment. Keep it up Sicko, you're batting average needs work.
You go on to say that my liberal viewpoints focus on nothing but the negatives...well sunshine, I once AGAIN have to point a finger at you and state that your pathetic narrow mind has once more shown itself to be capable of ATTEMPTING to put words in my proverbial mouth...but in fact I DO see economic growth as a positive in many ways...but I see NO proof whatsoever that WalMart has directly affected any region in a positive way...That being said, I would like to prompt your sorry ass to do a bit of REAL research of your own and find me ONE instance where without a doubt, WalMart is the sole reason for an area to have grown economically...and just to make all fair in love and war, how bout we omit small towns on the outskirts of larger epicenters, because....it is often the case that when a larger center refuses to allow the WalMart bullies into their area, WalMart often opens shop in a nearby town...of course that town will thrive as all the people from other areas INCLUDING the center that refuses them go to WalMart to shop for cheap crap made in chinese sweat shops. If you use a bit of your obvious limited sensibility, you too will realize that showing such stats is more biased than a Floridian vote. Now run along little pawn and see what you can find. Keep the ball rolling Sicko, I need more giggles before the day ends.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Commonsense,
Wow, that's a lot of chest beating and you really didn't say anything. You're good at talking trash without backing it up. About the only thing you 'back up' the lack of substance with is personal attack.
Despite all the hot air you spewed, you didn't even address the charge I issued.......
Why is it that you can only find negatives regarding Wal-Mart, and refuse to acknowledge any positives?
You saying that positives don't exist.....We're supposed to just leave it at that? Oh, no positives exist because YOU say so? LOL! Now THAT's entertainment! Your dog don't hunt son.
Tom Boese
· 4 years ago
Sicko and Commonsense: Why don't you two just kiss...and either part as adversaries, or just "get a room" somewhere. Both of your "acts" are getting a little stale and quite honestly--BORING!
Sicko: maybe Commonsense would acknowledge the "positives" of Wal-Mart if there were a few more! How come YOU don't acknowlege the other 75 minutes in the film and are only hung up on the 1st 15 minutes or so? I don't believe you have actually seen the film. If you did, are you trying to say that Wal-Mart wasn't actually fined multiple times in many different states for environmental infractions or that almost 1.6 million women are not currently a party to what could become the largest class action discrimination lawsuit in history?
You either live under a rock somewhere, or you are even dumber than Commonsense has portrayed you!
Tom Boese Field Producer Brave New Films
commonsense
· 4 years ago
I'd make a comment...but don't want to cause any boredom. ;)
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Tom Boese,
Any number of corporate organizations are fined and/are otherwise found guilty of one infraction or another. I'm not trying to say that because one company is busted that it makes another's infraction 'ok', but I am saying that you folks have an obvious hell-bent agenda and that to single out Wal-Mart is a complete farce.
Wal-Mart has plenty of positives, you simply refuse to acknowledge them - it's contrary to your agenda. That's a pathetic stance on your part and is very telling that you don't give a shit about painting a fair picture.
Wal-Mart is not the only corporation that pays less than Utopian wages and provides less than Utopian health care benefits. Yes, I've used the Utopian label on purpose, because that's another one of your angles, to falsely establish a high standard so as to paint Wal-Mart all the worse.
You don't compare apples to apples and you don't tell whole stories. You can't and you won't because doing so would't allow you to paint Wal-Mart as inherently evil.
THAT'S THE TRUTH.
commonsense
· 4 years ago
For myself, I try to make conscious decisions regarding goods I purchase. I do not intentionally support Nike products either. I also no longer support Coca-Cola as I once had. There are others as well, but that's not my point. I am also fully aware that Coca-Cola, for one, distributes products under different labels as a way to steer marketing of those products. I am likely often in possession of products made by corporations I no longer wish to support, but if I am aware, I make a choice based on the values I believe in.
I am not out to single out WalMart as much as shed some of my opionion regarding one of the largest trend setters in the corporate world. With the obvious size and economic success such corporations have had, it is no big secret that others will jump on the proverbial coat tails of such giants and mimic alot of the styles of managment that have been shown to work...for one thing...and one thing only...to build the corporation.
It is my freedom that allows me to make conscious choices where I see fit...supporting WalMart does not fall within those ethics, values and morals I have along my own bumpy road through life. Once again I stress...they aren't the only ones. As time goes on and I educate myself more about the products I buy, I will likely drop more and more off my list. I am quite comfortable paying a little more for the products I need if it means supporting sources I believe in.
Tom
· 4 years ago
Sicko-- There is no reasoning with you...you are in your extreme state of denial when it comes to Wal-Mart. OK...I'll throw you a bone. I'll grant you that Wal-Mart's response to Katrina was better than Washington's response. That wasn't too hard considering how massive the government failure was. Besides, hasn't Wal-Mart milked this for all the PR they could get?
You stated: "You don't compare apples to apples..." I don't want to compare "apples to apples," but I will compare Wal-Mart to horse apples...either way you're talking about a big pile of crap!
Tom Boese Field Producer - Wisconsin Brave New Films
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Tom,
You simply don't WANT to reason. Proof is in the pudding in that you 'managed' to find a negative even in a positive, Wal-Mart's relief efforts in reponse to Katrina. No, you couldn't do the honorable thing and just give credit where credit is due.... You took it upon yourself to FIND a negative in it.... You couldn't resist the agenda after all.....
Pathetic.
Your attitude and 'reasoning' are both very telling. Your words: "I don't want to compare "apples to apples..."
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Wal-Mart better at the government’s job than the government is....
But liberals don’t’ care…..
Liberals love to have us all believe that they’re all about helping the less fortunate in obtaining the basic needs in life. It’s a noble cause to help those that don’t have jobs but want work. It’s honorable to seek health care for those in need. It’s admirable to look for programs offering retirement benefits. It’s also commendable to make demands for goods and services at a reasonable price.
That being said, you'd think liberals would LOVE Wal-Mart because the company does all the things the liberals supposedly support. The company now employs over 1.1 million people and is the nation’s largest private employer. The retailer provides goods and services that are less expensive than competitors, thus increasing a person's buying power. Employees can take advantage of opportunities for advancement, they can address health care needs, participate in a retirement program and utilize other benefits. At the very least, a hard working productive person can use Wal-Mart as a stepping-stone to a better job. Make no mistake, Wal-Mart is far from being ideal or a cure-all ills employer (not to be confused with liberal Utopia) but the company does in fact cover basic elements that can and do contribute to an improved lifestyle for many people.
Does that not outline the goals of government programs related to employment, job assistance, health care, and retirement? Given the government’s lack of success in these endeavors, shouldn’t liberals then embrace Wal-Mart’s obvious success?
Sicko: I've learned a very valuable lesson through my recent experience with posting to various blogs... there is NO reasoning with trolls! Now go find some other blog to haunt!
Tom Boese Field Producer - Wisconsin Brave New Films
commonsense
· 4 years ago
Obviously sicko, you haven't even seen the movie...that shows loud n clear in your last post...I shall not be bothered going into explainations, however must point out that this entire quote,
"The retailer provides goods and services that are less expensive than competitors, thus increasing a person's buying power. Employees can take advantage of opportunities for advancement, they can address health care needs, participate in a retirement program and utilize other benefits. At the very least, a hard working productive person can use Wal-Mart as a stepping-stone to a better job. Make no mistake, Wal-Mart is far from being ideal or a cure-all ills employer (not to be confused with liberal Utopia) but the company does in fact cover basic elements that can and do contribute to an improved lifestyle for many people. "
is false. Not one line in this writing is the truth. If you do some research you can find all the facts you need to disprove every single statement in that quote. You are obviously reading the water temperature at the surface...go a bit deeper than the surface to really get an idea...you'll see for yourself...if you care enough to take the time. But I doubt that...you'd seemingly rather "troll" about in blogs pertaining to subject which you have no part...haven't seen the movie...don;t have an opinion about it if ya haven't seen it...isn't that so?
commonsnese
· 4 years ago
Obviously sicko, you haven't even seen the movie...that shows loud n clear in your last post...I shall not be bothered going into explainations, however must point out that this entire quote,
"The retailer provides goods and services that are less expensive than competitors, thus increasing a person's buying power. Employees can take advantage of opportunities for advancement, they can address health care needs, participate in a retirement program and utilize other benefits. At the very least, a hard working productive person can use Wal-Mart as a stepping-stone to a better job. Make no mistake, Wal-Mart is far from being ideal or a cure-all ills employer (not to be confused with liberal Utopia) but the company does in fact cover basic elements that can and do contribute to an improved lifestyle for many people. "
is false. Not one line in this writing is the truth. If you do some research you can find all the facts you need to disprove every single statement in that quote. You are obviously reading the water temperature at the surface...go a bit deeper than the surface to really get an idea...you'll see for yourself...if you care enough to take the time. But I doubt that...you'd seemingly rather "troll" about in blogs pertaining to subject which you have no part...haven't seen the movie...shouldn't have an opinion about it if ya haven't seen it...isn't that so?
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
The credibility of the movie is questionable at best. Any corporation can fall victim to slant tactics such as what has been used in the anti-Wal-Mart 'documentary', a documentary done in Michael Moore fashion and completely fails to present a balanced story. Fairness and balance was never intended. Cherry picking items in the creation of a 'documentary' is a completely dishonest thing to do.
One doesn't have to smoke to know that cigarettes cause cancer. One doesn't have to learn the fish is bad by eating it when the bad odor tells the story. So no, I haven't seen the movie nor do I have to to know you and your ilk don't paint a fair picture. You don't care to. Your posting history plays that out and so does Greenwald's history. And like this movie should be considered the 'bible' of this issue? HARDLY! There is wealth of information out there that you folks are totally ignoring.
There are many positives to Wal-Mart. There are many facts out there contrary to your point of view that paint a more complete and favorable picture than you are trying to paint. You choose to ignore any facts that don't fit your agenda.
You throw out bad things about Wal-Mart, I and others throw out good things (which you choose to ignore). Points are made on both sides. The good and the bad can be found in everyone, everything. The problem is you want to focus only on the bad. To counter that, I try to get you to focus on some good.
The difference between you and me is, I acknowledge that Wal-Mart is not to be mistaken for an exemplary company but I do give credit where credit is due. You on the other hand will only play with that 'Wal-Mart is inherently evil' card. And that's simply a dishonest thing to do.
yep...good reading...entertaining at least...so back to the movie...you didn't see it...thats only too obvious now...and you obviously haven't followed up on any of the comments you previously posted regarding all the positives you imply (as well as this new link you posted) because iof you had done so...you would see another side to all these pumped up plusses...but no...you haven't...and won't...not usual "troll" behavior...I am not going to post links to the sources I have researched...I am not into spoon feeding others...but I shall rest knowing that you have stated your points and given back more entertainment value than most...and for that I will thank you and bid you farewell.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Thanks for proving my point, you don't WANT to acknowledge any positives... You don't WANT to see that some of the hype being 'promoted' by your side is wrong.
Pathetic.
commonsense
· 4 years ago
farewell sicko...thanks for the entertainment.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
Concession noted.
Sickofspin
· 4 years ago
I want to make an announcement (drum roll. please)..........I HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT......This morning I decided to get off my butt, stop monitoring the WakeUpWalMart.com comment board and I call Bentonville and told them I quit! I admit that I did work for the evil Wal Mart, I want to repent and ask for forgiveness. Please accept my apology. I finally realized what the good people of WakeUpWalMart.com have been talking about; I went to the pharmacy to get my "blue pill" rx refilled and the pharmacist told me that I was no longer covered for drug benefits. I need my "blue pill" so I am asking if any of the Halloween candy sale money is still available, so that I can apply for assistance. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for everything you do WakeUpWalMart.com.....I love you!
Tom
· 4 years ago
OK...Sickofspin! Now you are on my turf! Don't post references to Stoughton, WI unless you really know what's going on there. YOU are no authority on Stoughton. I was there for their screening that night...YOU weren't.
Furthermore: Stop hiding behind "Sickofspin." Post with your real name...it might give you some semblance of credibility. We all know who you are:
According to Sickos own website:
"My name is Mike Thayer, I'm a staunch Conservative with a capital 'C'." Mike Thayer alias Sickofspin is from Iowa.
Here's what his "friends" on other blogs have to say about him:
"Matt Thayer is the most despised human being in a VERY small corner of Iowa."
"(Knocking on Sickofspin's head) HELLO, McFly! ANYONE HO-O-OME!"
"Sickofspin...you are one deluded f***ing moron!!"
"Sicko/Spin went to the bathroom to 'load up' on some new ammo!"
Tom Boese Field Producer - Wisconsin Brave New Films
commonsense
· 4 years ago
wow...stepping on your turf is obviously not worth the results...lol...good on ya Tom.
Sick of Sick
· 4 years ago
Dear Mr. Greenwald,
Thanks for your thought-provoking film and your blog that allows the exchange of information.
And also some antisocial people, like Sick of Spin, a chance to work out some of his hostility.
If you search around for Mike Thayer or Sick of Spin, you'll see his trail. He likes to troll left-leaning sites and spew all sorts of nonsense.
Don't try to out Thayer Thayer, it's not possible. Nor desirable.
Sick's got statements on the web that support U.S. torture of "detainees". Isn't that special!
By his own claims, Sick says that he is a veteran of the USAF.
I wonder what theatre that veteran served in?
... and that he's married with 3 kids.
I doubt it, or at least that he still has custody.
Sick says that healthcare is an individual's responsibility. Not quite Mr. Sick. The U.S. government -- read us taxpapers -- pay for approximately 1/2 of all health expenditures through medicare and medicaide.
Since WalMart's health care options are so limited, We the Taxpayers are subsidizing WalMart, as they dump their responsbility onto the American Taxpayers lap.
Okay, poor people on welfare suck, but corporate welfare is just dandy, huh? Man, your value system is really yucky.
You would think some anti- type guy like Sick would be protesting the use of so much tax money on our rapacious health care system.
But since any health-care reform smacks of liberalism, Top Gun Sick is all against it.
Alex
· 4 years ago
Is the film about Walmart available in Canada? I would love to see it. I will not give 1 dime of business to this retailer after what they did to the unionized store in Quebec. In fact I am so angry I dish this company every chance I get with whoever will listen.
Steve
· 4 years ago
Haven't seen your movie, unfortunate on my part. Comments on wether or not working at Wal-mart makes good economic sense don't really square with the ultimate outcome. What we are facing here is the worst of capitalism. In America we eliminated slavery, probably because it was to expensive in the long run when dealing with capitalism. Slave owners were responsible for their slaves the same as they would be for their livestock, that meant they would have to feed, cloth and house them. We switched to wages and then made the wages so low the individuals couldn't feed, cloth or house themselves. The reformers tried to turn this around. Unfortunately there are many more who truly believe the hokum of capitalism and are again chasing this every man can be a rich man sort of dream. The truth is someone has to give it up so the richman can have it all. That is where the pension plans went, the health insurance, the decent wages and all the rest. That is what makes Wal-Mart so successful, they know best how to take and not give back in any meaningful way, both from their customers and their employees. If you want to see how it can change, look at Costco. A reasonable profit, a reasonable wage scale for every person in the company, a decent health care package and happy workers and happy customers, but they aren't the love of Wallstreet because they don't gouge like Wal-Mart.
David J Adelman
· 3 years ago
I usually do not get involved in the anti WAL-MART debates, simply because 90% of the people are ex employees, or people just wanting to rave. But enough rambling how many times has Lowe's or Home Depot ruined small time hardware store? hmmm... that has nothing to do with WAL-MART right, how fast did mom and pop stores send financial relief, or food and water to hurricane sites, i'm right again. I see no talk of that though, but then again it was just $20,000,000.00 dollars plus see how when you use all numbers instead of saying $20million see how it puts more impact into it. What about the people like me that pay there bills with a wal-mart paycheck. How many jobs do you know of that you will get in trouble if you do not take your break on time. Oh yeah how about 75 % of management were promoted from hourly associate, how far you go with the company just depends on you. And last but not least I say we raise the prices to offset higher labor incentitives for the employee's, but then consumers would say price gouging was taking effect to pay the high cost of labor. Oh yeah BURGER KING just starts out at 7.00 an hour is that not worthy of an investigation? Check your local school and see how much WAL-MART has donated, or with the local childrens miracle network and see how much WAL-MART and associates have donated.
guest
· 3 years ago
Steve, some of your comments leap out when taken in context of the entire message:
"We switched to wages and then made the wages so low the individuals couldn't feed, cloth or house themselves."
Please tell me what percent of Wal-Mart's workers are starving, naked, and homeless. If your argument has anything to do with reality, there have to be some. For that matter, what percent of people in America, where people for the most part are paid the wage value of their work, are people starving, naked, and homeless.
"Unfortunately there are many more who truly believe the hokum of capitalism"
Are you a Stalinist or something? Typically, those who oppose capitalism want to replace it with some sort of fascist, totalitarian economics. Capitalism has been proven to bring more prosperity to more people than any other system.
"The truth is someone has to give it up so the richman can have it all. "
Actually....this is not true at all. The vast majority of the rich are rich through their own work, not from others "giving it up". The rich actually own only that which they earned, someone willingly gave to them (inheritance from parents), or that which they freely trade for.
(Your statement, however, does fit socialism: where everyone gives it up so the ruling elites can have it all).
That is what makes Wal-Mart so successful, they know best how to take and not give back in any meaningful way, both from their customers and their employees. "
''Opposite of true'' is the best way to describe your statement. Customers pay less and get more at WMT. Workers are paid well: people that other places won't even hire AT ALL are making $8 an hour there. The starting pay there is well above the typical wage at the "mom and pop" places that WMT supposedly replaces.
I"f you want to see how it can change, look at Costco."
This company bullies some of its workers into paying hundreds of dollars to political parties. That is not fair to the workers, nor is it sustainable. For this reason alone, I hope WMT eats Costco for lunch.
"but they aren't the love of Wallstreet because they don't gouge like Wal-Mart."
What was that again? How does a place gouge by charging less? Wall Street also, doesn't care about gouging. They care about a good return on their investment. It seems you know nothing about Wall-Street, Wal-Mart, or "the rich". I hope you don't vote: such ignorance can be dangerous at the polling station.
Edward M. Jobin
· 3 years ago
I consider myself a realist. I acknowledge there are good points about wal-mart as well as bad. I am neither pro-union or against them. Both again have their pros and cons. It is true that if you are seriously dissastisfied with wal-mart you can work or shop elsewhere, however for those who chose to work their they shouldn't have to just quit if they don't like it. Hopefully wal-mart like other corporations can change but probably won't unless enough people speak up. I can honestly say I had a few decent managers among the many who weren't. Unfortunately too many were chasing the carot dangling before them and chose rather to conceal serious problems and give the appearance of a smooth running operation. And some chose to climb the totem pole by appealing to the lower nature. It was all to common for managers to approach employees asking them to find out what people were saying and report back. I don't think wal-mart is alone in this kind of behaviour however it does say something about those who can't climb the ladder without resorting to these kind of tactics. Again these kind of problems are universal but each company needs to do it's part in trying to treat people right.
Imelda
· 3 years ago
There are no good points about wall-mart we all need to stop shopping at wall-mart. If wall-mart closed down our contry would be free again. They are a monopoly ! We have to bring them down. Now they want to open banks! are we just going to let them keep robing our poor! Lets stop debating over who is right about the facts and do something to stop these monsters from destroying our contry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
K. Payne
· 3 years ago
Joe, thank you for being a small shining light in a place where everyone strives to be offended instead of opening their own doors. Trite responses are apparently against the rules when you don’t fall in line and agree with the obviously trite comments. Since when was it your “grass roots” responsibility to listen and take of your problems? Oh right… never. Imelda- nice plan. Throw the silly old debate out and just jump on the bandwagon, huh? Again Joe, Thank you.
durkdurka
· 3 years ago
"Hey, a Super Wal-Mart went up in Coralville, Iowa some years back, look at the ECONOMIC BOOM the area is going under, neighboring towns as well.... North Liberty, Tiffin....... Iowa City has a Wal-Mart, they're experiencing growth as well, heck, all kinds of small businesses are popping up! BUT OH, YOU DON'T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, YOU JUST WANT NEGATIVE STORIES TO BE TOLD!"
There is also a much larger Coralridge Mall in Coralville as well as a very large city known as Iowa City that borders Coralville. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/... A nice ol walmart story.
Kerry Candaele
· 3 years ago
Dear durkdurka,
As a producer for Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, I am familier with a wide range of studies from small buiness alliances, community groups, environmental organizations, and numerous scholars within the academy which demonstrate conclusively the following: Wal-Mart drives down wages and benefits both locally and regionally wherever it appears; undermines small buinesses; creates environmental problems from congestion to the "strip mall" phenomenon. Add to this the enormous tax breaks and other public subsidies the company receives, money that could go to local schools and other underfunded local infrastructure, and the picture of Wal-Mart's impact is bleak indeed. Here are some places to go for further research on Wal-Mart and its impact both in the U.S. and worldwide: American Independent Business Alliance, Good Jobs First, UC Berkeley Labor Cener, LA Alliance For A New Economy, Wal-Mart Watch, and many other organizations and individuals.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I spent months getting to know Wal-Mart employees who talked of the personal impact of Wal-Mart policies on their lives, from not being paid enough to feed their families, to having no health care for themselves and their children. Everyone I spoke to knows Wal-Mart up close and personal, and almost all of them were frieghtened to speak out on film for fear of Wal-Mart retribution. This may be the most damning fact of all.
Sincerely,
Kerry Candaele Producer, Brave New Films
RAYLENE GIBSON
· 2 years ago
I'm a Walmart shopper , many stores just stock clones, WM stocks a well thought out variety of products. & the help & checkstands are well staffed. A larger building would feel safer because this one is bursting at the seams. Over the years I've worked for the government & a well known company, as far as I can tell they hired immigrants because of a program that subsidized the wages & benefits. Walmart (correct me if I'm wrong) hired & trained Immigrants, welfare, low income & senior citizens & used that same program. Now their danged if they did & danged if they didn"t. Work is work, take your skills that you learned while getting paid for it at WM, & you might find out the grass isn't any greener in any another store!!
debbie
· 2 years ago
I am shocked that some Wal-Marts are deciding to discontinue carrying cloth and craft items. I do a lot of sewing and will have to travel 50 miles to obtain a piece of cloth. Please continue to carry this please. Thanks! Debbie
Dominique
· 2 years ago
I have not seen the film. But I say Walmart realy needs a wake up call. I worked for walmart for over 5 years. When I asked for resonable accomidations due to a Genetic Disorder. They started holding me accountable for anything they could find. Three months later I am fired. And mine isn't the only case. The discriminated against the disabled and I know of cases of discrimination due to weight. This company needs to see what they are doing.
All Comments
I have just returned from watching "Wal-Mart the High Cost of Low Price." It was shown here in Eureka, CA which is one of the towns who successfully prevented the building of a Wal-Mart store. Your message was mostly well received and I have some comments.
I would like to have seen how Wal-Mart stacks up against other big discount stores like Target, K-Mart and other major retail boxes in terms of employee pay and benefits and the conditions in the foreign factories.
Also, I was disturbed by the sensationalistic reports of crime in Wal-Mart parking lots. I , for one, blame the criminals themselves for their acts and not the owners of the parking lots. And again, you made no comparisons with crimes on the properties of other retailers.
Otherwise your point was made.
Carman Gentile
Eureka, CA
This means that any economic study of Wal-Mart's effect on the local economy will vary based on the time period it studies -- so expect any study about economic health of communities to be short-term studies.
Meanwhile, Wal-Mart's low wages were subsidized by your tax dollars (because so many of their employees are on state and/or federally-provided health care). After all is said & done, we've funded (through taxes) some portion of the profits of Wal-Mart while it has pushed down the average retail wage. A bad deal for the country, but a good deal for Wal-Mart.
Time to reconsider sending those taxes!
"This means that any economic study of Wal-Mart's effect on the local economy will vary based on the time period it studies -- expect any study about economic health of communities near a new Wal-Mart store that is * talked about by Wal-Mart executives * to be a short-term study."
Our nation is in a shambles politically and economically. WalMart is the epitomy of NeoCon politics.
Last week they cut out many of the services (food stamps, school lunches, etc.) that many Americans NEED. Ironically, many of those Americans are WalMart workers.
BUT the BLAME goes to the American Public for continuing to shop there! SHAME!
What we need is a consumer pledge to shop at mom & pop businesses and also unionized retailers that pay their employees a decent wage!
Thanks Again Mr. G. your film might just be the catalyst for a change in SHAMEMART!
Please release this movie for showing on community access cable. It will greatly magnify the impact of the film-- everyone who has heard about it but not seen it will then be able to see it, even if they didn't get to a house party or theater. Equally important, it will alert many more people to the potential of their local access cable channel. This is a critical time for community access television, as I hope many already know.
It seems simple to me: let perhaps millions more get to see the film, and increase its impact on Wal-Mart (and Wal-Mart wannabes) that much more, and show millions the use and value of community TV-- for, in addition, showing your film will surely stimulate discussion shows on public access cable. (It is standard for local channels to show anything they legally can, when sponsored by one community member.) Am I missing anything?
Thanks for reading. Please, if it is at all in your power, release "The High Cost of a Low Price" for local public access. I saw you at the National Conference for Media Reform, and though I haven't seen the film I am sure you did your part: making it entertaining at the same time it educates, informs, and activates. Now help the many of us get it out to the most people.
Anyone who wants can contact me through my web design site's contact form, http://bemweb.com/contact/.
I saw the premier viewing of Wal-Mart: The High cost of Low Prices last evening @ church of christ @ Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH last evening.
There was a shooting @ Wal-Mart in West Lebanon parking lot yesterday.
Film excellent in making one aware of injustices, but a bit too long. Same message could have been done in 1 hour time
I don't doubt the underlying truth to these numbers, but don't treat the audience like simpletons. At least some of us like our numbers in context, where they are arguably more powerful.
On crime, I'm sure there's crime in other retail parking lots. Show us those.
At the end, I'm pretty sure some of the same towns were mentioned more than once in the lists that scrolled by of towns that were victorious.
In the Seattle area there will be a big Air America Radio push on AM1090 to get your copy of the Wal-Mart DVD at Easy Street Records and Scarecrow Video.
...
http://www.dailykos.com/...
I am noticing a big build up for the viewing parties and this is being pushed by Greenwald and others and I think this is great. The only potential problem I see coming is that there are a lot of independant record and movie stores that are buying a lot of the "Wal-Mart" DVDs and doing some big push advertising to get the word out. They may be hurt by low sales if people only see it through the viewing parties and if they make copies instead of buying the DVD. This may cause them to not want to take a chance on something like this again. They may choose to stay "safe" next time.
....
So... my rant about this is to encourage all of you to make this "Wal-Mart / The High Cost Of Low Price" DVD a BIG seller (similar to what we all did for Michael Moore's F-911) and get it some press. Even if the media only reports about the huge viewing parties and the HUGE sales, that will draw other peoples attention into checking out this DVD.
more here...
http://www.dailykos.com/...
foreign markets. walmart is the lead cause of this decline in America's standard of living. Attention h. lee scott want me to shop at your stores, stock made in The USA goods. It's just that simple. Should your CEO compensation ever be linked to stock performance you would be making less than the meager wages paid to your workers.
Bringing down the wall one brick at a time.
Critically, however, I think there should have been better editing. Several sequences included unrelated, and unnecessary footage and commentary to make a point.
As an activist organizer, I find the attention span of many of our even most stalwart volunteers limited. The film needs to "grab" the audience earlier and keep building the enormity of Wal-Mart's offenses.
Thank you,
Chris Robson
So Cal Grassroots
Central Committee CDP
California
Critically, however, I think there should have been better editing. Several sequences included unrelated, and unnecessary footage and commentary to make a point.
As an activist organizer, I find the attention span of many of our even most stalwart volunteers limited. The film needs to "grab" the audience earlier and keep building the enormity of Wal-Mart's offenses.
Thank you,
Chris Robson
So Cal Grassroots
Central Committee CDP
California
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and this is the time that Wal-Mart steps up its illegal loss prevention techniques…at your expense. There is nothing wrong with a retailer being careful to minimize its losses from fraud and shoplifting, as long as they follow state laws.
BEEN STOPPED AT THE DOOR EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVEN’T STOLEN ANYTHING?
On the way out of most Wal-Mart stores, there is usually a Wal-Mart employee at the exit. They stop customers to compare their receipts against what is in the cart or bags. In upper income areas, they do not do it as often, but it goes on everywhere. Don’t fool yourself. They are looking for thieves! Do you enjoy being searched like a criminal? In Kentucky, the law is clear that people are not required to routinely have their bags inspected. The retailer must have probable cause to detain you. The following is a taken from the publication: Shoplifting:An Informational Handbook for Retailers by the Kentucky Retail Federation and the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General from the Question and Answers Section.
“Does a merchant have the right to inspect a customer’s packages for concealed merchandise?
If a merchant has probable cause to suspect that a customer has unlawfully concealed merchandise with the intent to deprive the owner thereof, he may detain the suspect in an attempt to recover the goods. KRS 433.236. The merchant may open a package and remove his or her merchandise if the merchant knows that the goods are in a particular package. A merchant cannot set up rules or regulations which would conflict with the personal liberty of the customer. Therefore, posting a sign in the store stating ‘The management reserves the right to inspect all packages’ does not give the merchant the authority to do so. Furthermore, if a merchant detains a person without probable cause, he could be liable for false imprisonment.” You may read the entire handbook at http://www.kyretail.com/shoplifting_handbook.pdf Next time they stop you, politely refuse.
HAVE YOU BEEN CARDED EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE USING A SIGNED VISA CARD?
Have you ever used your Visa credit or debit card at Wal-Mart, only to be asked to show your identification? That is prohibited by the contract Wal-Mart has with Visa. One of the main reasons touted by Visa to use their card is for privacy protection. Do you know what a savvy clerk is able to do with your personal info? http://www.advertisementave.com/tv/ad.asp?u_pla...
If there is a question about identity, Wal-Mart should call Visa. Read the back for a copy of a letter from Visa to a customer who was denied the right to purchase at a Wal-Mart Store because he didn’t have his I.D. on him.
Now you may be thinking to yourself that stopping at the door is no big deal or you don’t mind showing your I.D. Well, think of all the retailers who follow the laws and the Visa contract. They honor their commitment to the law and to their customers. Wal-Mart is gaining an unfair business advantage; unfair and illegal. Their actions make it harder for other retailers to compete.
Do you really want to give your money to a company who eyes you as a thief or a fraud? Consumers must demand respect. It is a privilege for a retailer to earn your business. Make them earn it.
If Wal-Mart asks you to stop and prove you purchased what in your bag, simply say you’d rather not. It’s your right. If they insist or grab you, contact the Attorney General to complain. Send letters to:
Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Suite 118, 700 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-3449 or call 1-888-432-9257 to report them.
If they ask for ID when you use your signed Visa card, Visa Debit or Visa Check Card, you have the right to refuse to show it. If they do not sell to you, file a complaint with Visa by writing:
VISA, PO Box 649, Owings Mills, MD 21117-0649
THE FIGHT AGAINST WAL-MART’S WICKED WAYS!
There is a lawsuit in Court over these two violations by Wal-Mart. During the course of the suit entitled Bruce Hillberry v. Wal-Mart, the Plaintiff alleged that he has been robbed of his constitutional rights and has learned first hand how Wal-Mart enjoys protections from the Federal Courts. To learn more about the lawsuit and to see the corruption yourself, go to: www.imsuing.com . The site contains letters and court documents, and more are coming soon! The webmaster invites you to check it out and post your comments to show your support. In fact, if you have questions or would like to learn more from Mr. Hillberry, we will forward all inquires. Please email us at info@imsuing.com or call Mr. Hillberry at 502-367-1983 Louisville, KY
If you have video of Wa-Mart stopping anybody at the door or any other helpful information please send it to:
Bruce Hillberry
3723 Cliff Av
Louisville, KY 40215
The statements made in this notice are the opinions of the writer. Please view the information yourself and form you own opinion.
god, waiting till the last moment to tell me and therefore make it unaffortable.
I have worked for Wal-Mart for 6 years and this is not my first fight with the Wal-Mart system, in May of 2004 I was fired for using the Weingarden Rule and after I complained and threated to get an attorney, home office hired me back.
I look forward to owing the movie and showing it to as many of my co-workers as I can.. Before the ax fall's again.
You obviously haven't seen the movie, so I will point you to this page here for more details on the Hunter story:
http://www.walmartmovie.com/jon_hunter.php
The lie in the movie:
The 10-minute Middlefield segment in the movie begins with images of the tranquil town. Hunter talks about opening in a storefront in 1962. He says the business grew and eventually built along Ohio 608. The cameras follow workers as they open the store.
Then ominous music plays and a giant message fills the screen: "Wal-Mart descends on Middlefield." H&H; employees describe Wal-Mart as an economic monster rampaging through the American economy. Hunter expresses disdain for the chain, which he blames for the closing of numerous Ma-and-Pa stores across the nation.
Hunter's son, Jon, laments that he can't get a bank loan for a new business plan, and that appraisers devalued the H&H; building because of Wal-Mart coming to town. The elder Hunter chokes up wondering if the store can survive Wal-Mart.
The next image provides an answer, as an orange sign hangs on H&H;'s door. "Inventory Closeout Sale," it says. "After 43 Years, H&H; Hardware Is Closing."
There's no mention of the timing of H&H;'s closing relative to Wal-Mart's opening.
-------
I don't know what credible banks do in your neck of the woods, but the banks around here tend not to make bad loans to failing businesses. Please also note that the hardware store has since re-opened UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.
Don's quote, which the latter you folks seem to have a tough time with......
"I think Wal-Mart hurts a lot of small businesses," said Don Hunter, who started H&H; in 1962 and is featured in the soon-to-be-released documentary. "But it's not the reason we closed. Absolutely not."
Got that anti-Wal-Marters? "Absolutely not."
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index...
http://www.walmartmovie.com/jon_hunter.php
1. The story is an emotionally charged piece of rhetoric, void of specifics such as how long the hardware store had been in decline.
2. Walmartmovie.com wants us to feel sorry for Jon, not ask questions about poor business practices which is the REAL cause for demise, not that a Wal-Mart moved in.
3. The bank didn't want to give money to a business that wasn't making money.....Imagine that!
4. The hardware store has since re-opened UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. Why won't you anti-Wal-Marters acknowledge that huh?
A Lou Dobbs republican, NRA member, two times President Bush voting American who refuses to shop the wall until their race to the bottom American job outsourcing policies change dramatically.
Judge John E. Sprizo, a U.S. District Judge held Wal-Mart in contempt of a 1996 court order mandating that the discounter stop infringing on Hilfiger trademarks.
These are the actions of a company who has it's own best interests at heart.
‘Had walmart not built in H&H; Hardware's backyard their commercial building would likely not have been devalued.’
Is that all the better you can do? Ifs, ands, buts? The fact remains, the owner of H&H; has publicly refuted the notion that Wal-Mart put him out of business, in his words, “Absolutely not.” So then why do you pretend you can defend the indefensible? I throw a concrete statement from the horses mouth in your face and instead of acknowledging the truth, you go into a schpeel of re-direct and transference. Pathetic.
By the way, IGA is not small business.
Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
I welcome all to read my views and comment! I do note that you failed to note anything specific in your apparent objection to my posts. Why the lack of substance in your response?
way to present your opinion in a mature and intelligent manner...next time do your research better and if you're smart you'de sound rational with your complaints...why argue when you know you're wrong?
Exactly which complaints of mine have you objected to with any substance? Answer: NONE.
That you resort to personal attack in lieu of substance is noted.
Everyone needs to make their own decisions in life. I for one prefer to have a clear conscious rather than a slightly smaller shopping bill. These products are cheap for a reason.
I would also like to note that I too took a quick look at "sickofspin's" website. I find it rather ironic that someone claiming to set the record straight on liberal views & opinions would have Fox news as the first link in their news section. Talk about a biased source of sensationalized information!
As for Student's comments...you are correct no one is being forced to work at Walmart but the fact is that Walmart is cleary taking advantage of the people in our society that are already disadvantaged. The company realizes that these people do not have many if any other employment options....especially when many of the other business close once Walmart moves into town. Coincidence that both of the Walmart stores that have managed to certify a union have been closed down? I think not. A union would force better (reasonable!) pay, health benefits and humane working conditions - something Walmart is obviously not interested in providing for it's "associates".
Keep up the fight people...we can make a difference.
If there were better jobs for the people working at Wal-Mart, these people would already work at the other jobs. Are you assuming that the people working at Wal-Mart do not know what is best for them?
Also, do you know how much Wal-Mart pays?
It is not minimum wage.
And what do you mean "Keep up the fight"?
Maybe, by not shopping at Wal-Mart, you can all put the company out of business. And then all of the poor, oppressed workers will now have...
no job.
That will be so much better for them.
A union would force Wal-Mart to treat its workers differently. This is true. Providing health benefits would essentially mean that each working at Wal-Mart will be getting paid more. So now, every worker receiving health care will have to have skills that are worth this extra pay. Less people will be able to have jobs at Wal-Mart. The workers are the ones who will suffer from this.
Do you know of this allegation from Fox News and from National Review? Following is copied from the Fox News website and is transcript of part of program aired by Brit Hume on 11/17/05:
Byron York of National Review has been looking into the film. Byron, what did you find out?
BYRON YORK, NATIONAL REVIEW: Well, the story of H&H; Hardware didn’t actually happen precisely as it is depicted in the picture. The store did close, but it closed three months before Wal-Mart actually opened its doors. And I talked to Don Hunter, the man you saw in the film there, who founded H&H; in 1962, and he said that the coming of Wal-Mart had nothing to do with the decision to close the store.
HUME: Where is Middlefield, by the way? I know it’s in Ohio.
YORK: It’s a small rural town in Amish country, in Ohio. And other people I talked to said H&H; had been troubled for several years. There was an economic downturn in Ohio. It suffered from that. In addition, there were some management — poor decisions made by management. And for those reasons, it went out of business.
HUME: And then three months later Wal-Mart finally opened?
YORK: And then three months later, Wal-Mart opened its doors, yes.
HUME: And the guy says — the guy says to you that Wal-Mart is coming and the anticipation of its opening affect...?
YORK: He said very specifically, and I quote him in an upcoming article, there was no connection.
He doesn’t like Wal-Mart. He says a number of very negative things about Wal-Mart, and he believes it does destroy businesses around the country. But he says in his case, there was no connection.
[END OF TRANSCRIPT FROM FOX]
Maybe the film is wrong in this instance? Fox would like that to mean that the film is therefore wrong in all instances, which of course does not follow.
Anyone have information or evidence pertaining to this instance or this allegation?
When the government is forced to compensate employees (in health care, food stamps, etc) due to a company's (Walmart or otherwise) lack of reasonable wages and affordable health benefits there is something seriously wrong with the system.
I choose to not shop at Walmart because I don't feel my money should be profiting the Walton family and it's puppets. For a family that is each worth over $18 billion each you'd think there would be some room to give back to those that are the front line of their business.
By keep up the fight I mean people need to stand up for what is right. There is much that is wrong in this world. Choosing to turn a blind eye to it is pathetic and frankly very sad. It's people like you that these corporations rely on to enable them to make more money and continue this vicious cycle. Way to go!
You just keep on shopping there and doing your part to allow the "poor, oppressed workers" to have a job. (funny, you refer to them as poor despite having jobs yet you don't have the compassion to choose not to take part in their exploitation). Unlike me, you obviously know what is best for them.
I'm curious how you reason that the workers would suffer from having livable wages and health care? Sounds pretty awful to me.
It gets back to:
1. If you don't like Wal-Mart's products and/or services - don't shop there.
2. If you don't like the job offerings at Wal-Mart, don't work there.
The volume of those two elements (shoppers & workers), not outside 'influence' will dictate how Wal-Mart runs its business.
The people that work at Wal-Mart, they are there becasue they want to be. Every one has a choice...you can work there or not work there. Sure Wal-mart provides a lot of jobs to some areas that would not have any jobs to offer without Wal-Mart's presence, but it is still the choice of the employee to fill out that application and say "yes" when offered the job. I am sure some of them had an idea of what they would be getting into before they applied.
The conversations about how powerful and overwhelming Wal-Mart can be and is has been going on for a long time. They have had documentaries about how businesses lose money to have their goods sold at Wal-Mart and how businesses have lost income due to Wal-Mart, but people still shop there. Why? Becasue they want to.
I want to see this movie, and I look forward to it, but I can not say that I will stop shopping at Wal-Mart becasue of it. I have reduced significantly they amount of money I spend in Wal-Mart (I basically just go for an oil change now) becasue they Wal-Marts in my area (Western MA/CT) have become "dirty" and poorly managed (there is never a manager/supervisor around to process a refund or they tend to shut down most registers at the same time most people are getting out of work and come into the stores on their way home) and I do not feel I should "reward" that type of store with my business.
There are alternatives (Target, K-Mart, etc) and in many cases their prices are either lower or comparable to that of Wal-Mart., and the stores are "cleaner" and are managed better.
How long before society turns their eyes on these alternatives and go ofter them? Who knows...maybe once they are tired of the Wal-Mart hunt.
I feel for those people that work and have worked at Wal-Mart and "suffer" these indecencies, but I also wonder, why stay there? Wal-Mart can'r run if no one is there to work. Low prices may make you walk in, but good customer service makes you come back. If the workers leave and they get "scabs" to come in, I know the service quality will go down, and then the customers would leave.
This movie I think needs to be shown (in secret) to the employees of Wal-Mart. To empower them to make the changes needed. Only then will any real change take place.
Some people "get it" and some do not. Narrow minded folks like sickofspin are not capable of seeing the bigger picture. Individuals like this are the food that feeds the monsters. Uneducated narrow minds are tastey vittles to manipulative machines. Other people do "get it" and see the underlying issues that create such problems when big-box stores muscle their way into a town or city and begin their onslaught of eventual ruination of the existing retail market and inevitable destruction of local economies.
Students and other low income people THINK they are getting a great deal. Gee, if I can save $10.00 on a pair of jeans...$8.00 on shoes and get my bumwipe for half price, I must be saving money. If only everyone could open their eyes wide enough to let in some light. Maybe then people would see that they are paying dearly to have such retail giants in their town. The hidden costs are enormous and staggering if not crippling. Yet as long as Sally Student THINKS they are saving a buck, they continue to feed the giant...unknowingly playing into their own demise...rather self destructive if you can focus on the bigger picture...
Then there are those who will adopt the attitude of "What effect will it have if I stop shopping there? None."...I reply to such comments with my own opinion. Given a choice, would you rather be known as a part of the solution, or a part of the problem? Personally I want to be known as a part of the solution. Keeping that in mind, I make my own conscious decision not to support WalMart, the Walton family of greed, or the society such corporate giants are developing. I may pay a bit more for the products I purchase, but I sleep well at night knowing I am not living lies and hypocracies just to save a buck ON THE BACKS OF SWEAT SHOP WORKERS.
All of you that support such models as WalMart, Home Depot and the many other corporate giants that use cheap foreign labour are as guilty as the guard that cracks the whip and beats the workers into submission. You are inadvertently leading the pack. You may not have a whip in hand, but it is YOUR greed and blind ignorance that drives the factories. It is YOU that kills youth and causes repression in third world countries. It is YOU and your narrow minded thinking that will set the stage for generations to come. It is YOU that will be to blame when the system implodes and takes your own down with it. Then who will you run to for a shoulder to cry on? You will have nobody to blame but yourselves. All in the name of the all-mighty buck...be proud...be very proud...
Name for me some small businesses that have actually been directly put out of business by Wal-Mart. You can't. State for me specifically how Wal-Mart wages are somehow 'sub-standard' to other area companies with like employment. You can't. Quit taking the anti-Wal-Mart disinformation at face value.
Talk about a narrow mind.
The anti-Wal-Mart charges are bogus, period. You anti-Wal-Marters can't deal in reality, let alone the truth.
http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...
To Wal-Mart's defense, they do provide jobs for people who might not ordinarily be able to find work or who want supplemental income.
The real sad part of the whole story is the fact that we, as Americans, want our people to be well paid, we want them to have fringe benefits, we want clean air and water, and we want jobs for Americans. But, as consumers, we're not willing to pay for those things (they do come with a price). So manufacturers and retailers are forced to source their goods in countries like China who could cares less if their people are paid well, have health care, and certainly don't give a flip about the envoirnment.
Just remember....there are still no free lunches.
If you think for one second, let alone an entire minute, that no small retailers have been hurt or even shut down as a direct result of WalMart moving into the area...then you are not only blind...but very very ignorant as well. I know of several local stores that have suffered greatly as a result of WalMart moving into the area. I am not at liberty to disclose the names of these retailers as it is not my place to publicize their demise...but I can say that if you do minimal research and allow your narrow mind to open ever so slightly, you MUST see the letters on the wall so to speak. If you are in fact so out of touch that you truley believe that no small retailers have suffered against the mighty giant, then all I can say for you is, "Go back to school."
I do not single out WalMart as the only corporate giant to have such an effect. The fact remains however that WalMart IS the biggest corporation in the world at this time...and they ARE setting trends among other big box outlets and corporate giants. This leadership role they are playing may not have been the intention of the Walton family, but it has become an unforseen responsibility with such growth. The WalMart corporation is closing their eyes to this responsibility and ignoring the pleas of their employees. I don't see alot of positives to this type of leadership...unless your intent is truley to run the entire show...which seems to be the aim of such corporations. Squeeze the little guy enough and eventually they will cave in.
Keep up the jestering Sickofspin, I look forward to your next line of entertainment. While your at it why not bring up H&H; hardware again...you haven't quite beat that dead horse enough...mind you, if that ONE instance is all you have to work with...I suppose one cannot blame you for using the line over and over and over again...So let's hear it Sickofspin. Let's hear about H&H; hardware and let's ignore all other cases until you really HAVE beaten that dead horse to a pulp. Cheers to ya Sickofspin. Entertain us more please.
P.S.
Your website is sadly lacking in intellectual nourishment, but then again, with FOXnews as one of your main sources, it's no wonder.
I sure hope you have access to better education venues, as you seemingly need to upgrade. Cheers and good luck with school next season. ; )
Has it ever occurred to you there might be a reason Don Hunter changed his tune from what they said in the film? Like, I dunno, fear and intimidation in a small town now dominated by Wal-Mart?
You're trash talkers, and unlike Terrill Owens, you can't back it up.
If there's a story on my blog that you find to be factually incorrect, then point it out. You haven't done any such thing so far.
You're pathetic.
As first reported in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, H&H; Hardware closed down nearly three months before Wal-Mart opened its store around the corner.
“I think Wal-Mart hurts a lot of small businesses,” Don Hunter told the Plain Dealer earlier this month. “But it’s not the reason we closed. Absolutely not.”
According to the paper, Hunter told the filmmaker NOT to tie H&H;’s closing to Wal-Mart.
Greenwald’s film intentionally obscures the timeline. In fact, the visual picture the movie creates paints a direct (but totally inaccurate) tie between Wal-Mart's opening and H&H;'s closure.
That's a blatant lie folks.
The fact is H&H; Hardware had been experiencing financial difficulties years before Wal-Mart arrived in mid-May of 2005. H&H; closed down in February - and only five months after Wal-Mart arrived, a new hardware store opened in H&H;’s old location. Imagine that.....
WakeUpWalMart lies and 'Higher Costs For Lower Prices' lies.
If those two organizations can't be straight with you, why should you support them?
I told you in my previous post that I am not in a position to list the local retailers that have been directly affected by WalMart...If you cannot understand my point or my respect to those shop owners, then it just goes to show once more how blatantly ignorant and uneducated you really are.
As for your lame-ass blog and the FOXnews sources you use...I am not about to spend the time to pick holes in anything fox says...their reputation speaks volumes on its' own...as your own reputation is doing for you.
Have you enrolled yet?
Who should be doing the research here?
Who is praising Mr. Greenwald on a saintly level?
I see some appreciation for his enlightening delivery of the facts we are all aware of and have been for some time. I learned very little from this movie that I did not already know through various sources excluding FOXnews (lol). The one thing I appreciated about this film was the way they brought it altogether. Instead of thinking of the bigger picture in segments, I am now able to see the bigger picture with more clarity and definition. The real people stories also brought it to a more personal level that I have thus far been skirting unintentionally...but now that I have faces to put to instances, it makes the wounds more "real" and easier to identify with as a human being. Thankfully I am not so overpowered by the magnetism of greed to think that the existing corporate design is flawless and healthy for society and economies in general. I can only hope that others will open their eyes before it's too late to fix the flaws.
In other words, you've got nothing.
You wrote:
"I told you in my previous post that I am not in a position to list the local retailers that have been directly affected by WalMart...If you cannot understand my point or my respect to those shop owners, then it just goes to show once more how blatantly ignorant and uneducated you really are."
Translation: 'I lied and I'll be damned if I'm going to provide any substance to my bogus claim.'
You wrote:
"As for your lame-ass blog and the FOXnews sources you use...I am not about to spend the time to pick holes in anything fox says...their reputation speaks volumes on its' own...as your own reputation is doing for you."
Translation: 'I'm saying your blog is lame-ass but I don't want to put up any examples as to why - I hate substance, I'm just into name calling. As far as FoxNews goes, again, I don't have any examples as to why they are not credible. I'm don't like substance to refute why/what might be wrong with any story links that might be posted on your blog. I just heard a leftist say Fox was bad so I'm jumping on that lefty bandwagon - who needs substance anyway?"
Even though, my family KNOWS, that Walmart has killed their town, they go to the SuperCenter EVERY SINGLE DAY. They say, "Well, we SHOULD boycott them too, but we need our things". The OLD Walmart Building sits empty one mile from the SuperCenter, with it's optical center, it's gas station. My mom uses her Walmart credit card, to purchase her items, because they give her a little discount. She uses the Walmart optical department, because it's cheaper than their local eye doctor she's gone to for 20 years. . but...my 96 year old grandmother refuses to get her grocery items at the Supercenter, even though my family tries to make her. She told me "If I buy my milk at Walmart, then the Piggly Wiggly will close. I like the Piggly Wiggly. They know me there. I know my way around and I don't want them to go away." She's 96 and she gets it.
We took a driving vacation this summer and counted all the Walmarts we passed on our way through 5 states.. From our route we saw over 30 Walmarts, more than 2/3rds were Super Centers. Gas at the Walmart gas stations was on average 3 cents lower per gallon than the stations in the vicinity. You see, the Walmart Gas stations were posistioned at the edge of the Walmart lot but right next to the local stations. We started seeing gas stations that had signs of $1.23 a gallon. Shockingly, they were CLOSED!. Guess what was right down the way from them.
On a very personal note...
My other grandmother lived in a tiny rural area and she worked in a factory sewing on clothing lables for many, many years. Walmart shipped their factories over seas and everyone lost their jobs. Believe me, that factory was ALL there was for those people to work for. My grandma had to go on public assistance and work for the Sheltered workshop program because there was nothing left for her. She could not pick up and move, she'd lived in one house for 40 years. Her little job kept her self sufficient, paid her medical insurance and gave her self worth.
Walmart made millions by saying their products are 'American' made! Made by little ladies like my sweet grandmother.
Their greed cost America so much and they act so proud. It's shameful on so many levels.
You are a dork Sicko...plain and simple...you ARE the reputation Americans have...it is people like YOU Sickofspin, that create the blemishes on the American namesake and all your flag and anthem stand for...it is YOU Sickofspin that drives the forces that will in time be the demise of your people...think about it for a minute before you write anything more down...
As for my choice not to list local's that have been shut down...that's not a difficult task, but out of respect for those people I choose not to name them or their businesses...that's called respect Sickofspin...And as for my comment on your use of FOXnews as a mainstay in your blog activity. Wake the hell up and smell the coffee. FOXnews has a reputation built on years of dramatic misrepresentation and intentional slander. If you really require me to give particular instances, then you are as narrow minded as any characture could ever showcase.
Use your mellon for something more than a hatrack Sickofspin, and for the sake of the rest of the USA, stop embarassing your fellow citizens and start making some sense...I am through talking with you...I am convinced there is no reasoning with you and refuse to waste my time answering your petty needs and wants...don your hockey helmut and head for the sandbox special boy...you're on your own.
Please allow me to frequently quote you Sicko. “You people are ALL mouth and personal attack:” Hmmm…You’re the one with 12 posts to this blog Sicko. Who is “ALL mouth? You don’t even have the integrity to post with your real name.
“Name a small business that has been put out of business by Wal-Mart:” I’ll do even better than this Sicko. Come to Wisconsin and I’ll show you two of them and introduce you to the former owners. If this isn’t enough for you, take a drive through Iowa, or drop in on Kirksville, Missouri and talk to the business community there.
“You’ve been duped. You’ve bought into the half truths, the lies, the distortions of reality and the manipulation of the truth.” Are you referring here to the typical keynote speeches Lee Scott gives at the Wal-Mart annual shareholder meetings, or to the “news” you get from FOX News and people like Bill O’Reilly? Speaking of “wild Bill,” he’s rarely worth quoting, but he said this recently on a Talking Points segment in reference to extremists: “They really don’t want to hear anything other than the conclusion they’ve arrived at, no matter what the evidence suggests.” Are you an extremist Sicko? Huh? How come you’ve become fixated on H & H Hardware, and conveniently ignore the other 75-80 minutes in the film?
Unless you’ve been running a highly successful business of your own for more than 30 years (I highly doubt it), don’t make anymore of your unctuously superior posts where you accuse the Hunters of utilizing “poor business practices” or having “financial difficulties for years.” Are you a banker or CPA Sicko? Are you thoroughly familiar with margins, inventory management and dealing with multiple vendors?
It seems to me you are trying to confuse two separate issues here. One is the decline of H & H’s business, and the other is their decision to close. OK…so what if the financial challenges H& H was facing weren’t directly attributable to Wal-Mart? If we give you this one…will you just go away Sicko? As for me, I don’t see much difference between a business that closes 3 months before Wal-Mart opens or 3 months after. Isn’t the net affect on the local economy the same? There was devaluation of commercial business properties in Middlefield following the arrival of Wal-Mart. This is a fact. Would Jon Hunter have gotten a business loan had this not occurred? We may never know. I think the Hunters saw the future though and knew when to get out.
One final thing—how come you don’t talk about the other businesses in Middlefield Sicko? Are you aware there are 3 smaller grocery stores there, Sparkle Market, Sav-A-Lot Foods, and Giant Eagle. One of these stores told me business is down 25% since Wal-Mart arrived. It’s still too soon to tell. Wal-Mart has only been in Middlefield for 6 months. Let’s check back in a year and see just how good Wal-Mart is for the small local community.
Tom Boese
Field Producer – Wisconsin
Brave New Films
When asked if Wal-Mart had anything to do with the closure of H&H; Hardware, Don Hunter the owner said, "Absolutely not.”
And so instead of acknowledging that stark reality, you disengenuous people try to spin things with that 'property devaluation' crap.
You're pathetic.
Hey, a Super Wal-Mart went up in Coralville, Iowa some years back, look at the ECONOMIC BOOM the area is going under, neighboring towns as well.... North Liberty, Tiffin....... Iowa City has a Wal-Mart, they're experiencing growth as well, heck, all kinds of small businesses are popping up! BUT OH, YOU DON'T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, YOU JUST WANT NEGATIVE STORIES TO BE TOLD!
Cherry picking hypocrites!
It's not that anyone is disregarding that H&H; hardware stated that WalMart wasn;t the only cause of their demise...nor are we all ignoring your point...but the fact remains that property value DID decrease as a result of WalMart buying into the community. That's not an unfair statement NOR an overlooked probability, but rather an just and factual statement. PERIOD. There, are ya happy someone acknowledged your petty point?
As for other communities that have prospered after the introduction of WalMart in the area, that's bound to be the case in some instances. I don;t however see any proof that WalMart is the reason for this community and/or economic growth, but rather a sign of the times in ALL areas of economic growth and community development. For some cities, towns, etc. there is likely not one single corporation, chain or supplier that can change that growth. That is however not to say that WalMart had a positive effect, but rather merely that WalMart did NOT sink that town, city or commercial center. Is this a fair statement to make Sicko? Perhaps you would rather focus all your attention on the fact that some places aren't "hurting" because of WalMart and maybe you'll even capitalize on that to an extent...and if I know your style (from previous posts) I am sure you WILL "spin" your own thread and weave another basket made of silk...silk baskets sure are pretty, but they don't hold much...much like your previous "points" and grasps on proverbial "short straws". Keep it up jester, I am entertained thus far.
"I don;t however see any proof that WalMart is the reason for this community and/or economic growth, but rather a sign of the times in ALL areas of economic growth and community development."
Translation: I don't see any proof because I haven't really looked, to do so would be contrary to my anti-Wal-Mart agenda. God forbid I discover the other side of the coin.
So according to this liberal hypocrite, if things are negative, it's absolutely to be blamed on Wal-Mart. But if things are positive, in growth mode, then by God Wal-Mart WILL NOT be given any credit. We can blame a poor economy on them, but we cannot give credit for anything that might be good....
You see, you liberal folks want to have it both ways......You moan and cry foul over what you perceive to be negatives, but you'll be damned if you'll acknowledge positives for balance.
Truly pathetic.
as for your assumtion that I haven't done any research...uh...I'm not as narrow minded as you...I HAVE looked into the subject at hand and I HAVE NOT found any evidence that WalMart has actually boosted ANY economic growth for ANY centers. So...dimwit, I must say that your lame ass perception of what I have or have not looked into is nothing more than MORE of your jestering entertainment. Keep it up Sicko, you're batting average needs work.
You go on to say that my liberal viewpoints focus on nothing but the negatives...well sunshine, I once AGAIN have to point a finger at you and state that your pathetic narrow mind has once more shown itself to be capable of ATTEMPTING to put words in my proverbial mouth...but in fact I DO see economic growth as a positive in many ways...but I see NO proof whatsoever that WalMart has directly affected any region in a positive way...That being said, I would like to prompt your sorry ass to do a bit of REAL research of your own and find me ONE instance where without a doubt, WalMart is the sole reason for an area to have grown economically...and just to make all fair in love and war, how bout we omit small towns on the outskirts of larger epicenters, because....it is often the case that when a larger center refuses to allow the WalMart bullies into their area, WalMart often opens shop in a nearby town...of course that town will thrive as all the people from other areas INCLUDING the center that refuses them go to WalMart to shop for cheap crap made in chinese sweat shops. If you use a bit of your obvious limited sensibility, you too will realize that showing such stats is more biased than a Floridian vote. Now run along little pawn and see what you can find. Keep the ball rolling Sicko, I need more giggles before the day ends.
Wow, that's a lot of chest beating and you really didn't say anything. You're good at talking trash without backing it up. About the only thing you 'back up' the lack of substance with is personal attack.
Despite all the hot air you spewed, you didn't even address the charge I issued.......
Why is it that you can only find negatives regarding Wal-Mart, and refuse to acknowledge any positives?
You saying that positives don't exist.....We're supposed to just leave it at that? Oh, no positives exist because YOU say so? LOL! Now THAT's entertainment! Your dog don't hunt son.
Sicko: maybe Commonsense would acknowledge the "positives" of Wal-Mart if there were a few more! How come YOU don't acknowlege the other 75 minutes in the film and are only hung up on the 1st 15 minutes or so? I don't believe you have actually seen the film. If you did, are you trying to say that Wal-Mart wasn't actually fined multiple times in many different states for environmental infractions or that almost 1.6 million women are not currently a party to what could become the largest class action discrimination lawsuit in history?
You either live under a rock somewhere, or you are even dumber than Commonsense has portrayed you!
Tom Boese
Field Producer
Brave New Films
Any number of corporate organizations are fined and/are otherwise found guilty of one infraction or another. I'm not trying to say that because one company is busted that it makes another's infraction 'ok', but I am saying that you folks have an obvious hell-bent agenda and that to single out Wal-Mart is a complete farce.
Wal-Mart has plenty of positives, you simply refuse to acknowledge them - it's contrary to your agenda. That's a pathetic stance on your part and is very telling that you don't give a shit about painting a fair picture.
Wal-Mart is not the only corporation that pays less than Utopian wages and provides less than Utopian health care benefits. Yes, I've used the Utopian label on purpose, because that's another one of your angles, to falsely establish a high standard so as to paint Wal-Mart all the worse.
You don't compare apples to apples and you don't tell whole stories. You can't and you won't because doing so would't allow you to paint Wal-Mart as inherently evil.
THAT'S THE TRUTH.
I am not out to single out WalMart as much as shed some of my opionion regarding one of the largest trend setters in the corporate world. With the obvious size and economic success such corporations have had, it is no big secret that others will jump on the proverbial coat tails of such giants and mimic alot of the styles of managment that have been shown to work...for one thing...and one thing only...to build the corporation.
It is my freedom that allows me to make conscious choices where I see fit...supporting WalMart does not fall within those ethics, values and morals I have along my own bumpy road through life. Once again I stress...they aren't the only ones. As time goes on and I educate myself more about the products I buy, I will likely drop more and more off my list. I am quite comfortable paying a little more for the products I need if it means supporting sources I believe in.
You stated: "You don't compare apples to apples..." I don't want to compare "apples to apples," but I will compare Wal-Mart to horse apples...either way you're talking about a big pile of crap!
Tom Boese
Field Producer - Wisconsin
Brave New Films
You simply don't WANT to reason. Proof is in the pudding in that you 'managed' to find a negative even in a positive, Wal-Mart's relief efforts in reponse to Katrina. No, you couldn't do the honorable thing and just give credit where credit is due.... You took it upon yourself to FIND a negative in it.... You couldn't resist the agenda after all.....
Pathetic.
Your attitude and 'reasoning' are both very telling. Your words: "I don't want to compare "apples to apples..."
But liberals don’t’ care…..
Liberals love to have us all believe that they’re all about helping the less fortunate in obtaining the basic needs in life. It’s a noble cause to help those that don’t have jobs but want work. It’s honorable to seek health care for those in need. It’s admirable to look for programs offering retirement benefits. It’s also commendable to make demands for goods and services at a reasonable price.
That being said, you'd think liberals would LOVE Wal-Mart because the company does all the things the liberals supposedly support. The company now employs over 1.1 million people and is the nation’s largest private employer. The retailer provides goods and services that are less expensive than competitors, thus increasing a person's buying power. Employees can take advantage of opportunities for advancement, they can address health care needs, participate in a retirement program and utilize other benefits. At the very least, a hard working productive person can use Wal-Mart as a stepping-stone to a better job. Make no mistake, Wal-Mart is far from being ideal or a cure-all ills employer (not to be confused with liberal Utopia) but the company does in fact cover basic elements that can and do contribute to an improved lifestyle for many people.
Does that not outline the goals of government programs related to employment, job assistance, health care, and retirement? Given the government’s lack of success in these endeavors, shouldn’t liberals then embrace Wal-Mart’s obvious success?
www.sickofspin.com
Tom Boese
Field Producer - Wisconsin
Brave New Films
"The retailer provides goods and services that are less expensive than competitors, thus increasing a person's buying power. Employees can take advantage of opportunities for advancement, they can address health care needs, participate in a retirement program and utilize other benefits. At the very least, a hard working productive person can use Wal-Mart as a stepping-stone to a better job. Make no mistake, Wal-Mart is far from being ideal or a cure-all ills employer (not to be confused with liberal Utopia) but the company does in fact cover basic elements that can and do contribute to an improved lifestyle for many people. "
is false. Not one line in this writing is the truth. If you do some research you can find all the facts you need to disprove every single statement in that quote. You are obviously reading the water temperature at the surface...go a bit deeper than the surface to really get an idea...you'll see for yourself...if you care enough to take the time. But I doubt that...you'd seemingly rather "troll" about in blogs pertaining to subject which you have no part...haven't seen the movie...don;t have an opinion about it if ya haven't seen it...isn't that so?
"The retailer provides goods and services that are less expensive than competitors, thus increasing a person's buying power. Employees can take advantage of opportunities for advancement, they can address health care needs, participate in a retirement program and utilize other benefits. At the very least, a hard working productive person can use Wal-Mart as a stepping-stone to a better job. Make no mistake, Wal-Mart is far from being ideal or a cure-all ills employer (not to be confused with liberal Utopia) but the company does in fact cover basic elements that can and do contribute to an improved lifestyle for many people. "
is false. Not one line in this writing is the truth. If you do some research you can find all the facts you need to disprove every single statement in that quote. You are obviously reading the water temperature at the surface...go a bit deeper than the surface to really get an idea...you'll see for yourself...if you care enough to take the time. But I doubt that...you'd seemingly rather "troll" about in blogs pertaining to subject which you have no part...haven't seen the movie...shouldn't have an opinion about it if ya haven't seen it...isn't that so?
One doesn't have to smoke to know that cigarettes cause cancer. One doesn't have to learn the fish is bad by eating it when the bad odor tells the story. So no, I haven't seen the movie nor do I have to to know you and your ilk don't paint a fair picture. You don't care to. Your posting history plays that out and so does Greenwald's history. And like this movie should be considered the 'bible' of this issue? HARDLY! There is wealth of information out there that you folks are totally ignoring.
There are many positives to Wal-Mart. There are many facts out there contrary to your point of view that paint a more complete and favorable picture than you are trying to paint. You choose to ignore any facts that don't fit your agenda.
You throw out bad things about Wal-Mart, I and others throw out good things (which you choose to ignore). Points are made on both sides. The good and the bad can be found in everyone, everything. The problem is you want to focus only on the bad. To counter that, I try to get you to focus on some good.
The difference between you and me is, I acknowledge that Wal-Mart is not to be mistaken for an exemplary company but I do give credit where credit is due. You on the other hand will only play with that 'Wal-Mart is inherently evil' card. And that's simply a dishonest thing to do.
http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...
Pathetic.
Furthermore: Stop hiding behind "Sickofspin." Post with your real name...it might give you some semblance of credibility. We all know who you are:
According to Sickos own website:
"My name is Mike Thayer, I'm a staunch Conservative with a capital 'C'."
Mike Thayer alias Sickofspin is from Iowa.
Here's what his "friends" on other blogs have to say about him:
"Mike Thayer of Iowa! Welcome to NewsHounds! People don't seem to like you very much on your own blog, but we'll take GOOD care of you here!"
http://www.newshounds.us/2005/11/21/softening_t...
"Matt Thayer is the most despised human being in a VERY small corner of Iowa."
"(Knocking on Sickofspin's head)
HELLO, McFly! ANYONE HO-O-OME!"
"Sickofspin...you are one deluded f***ing moron!!"
"Sicko/Spin went to the bathroom to 'load up' on some new ammo!"
Tom Boese
Field Producer - Wisconsin
Brave New Films
Thanks for your thought-provoking film and your blog that allows the exchange of information.
And also some antisocial people, like Sick of Spin, a chance to work out some of his hostility.
If you search around for Mike Thayer or Sick of Spin, you'll see his trail. He likes to troll left-leaning sites and spew all sorts of nonsense.
Don't try to out Thayer Thayer, it's not possible. Nor desirable.
Sick's got statements on the web that support U.S. torture of "detainees". Isn't that special!
By his own claims, Sick says that he is a veteran of the USAF.
I wonder what theatre that veteran served in?
... and that he's married with 3 kids.
I doubt it, or at least that he still has custody.
Sick says that healthcare is an individual's responsibility. Not quite Mr. Sick. The U.S. government -- read us taxpapers -- pay for approximately 1/2 of all health expenditures through medicare and medicaide.
Since WalMart's health care options are so limited, We the Taxpayers are subsidizing WalMart, as they dump their responsbility onto the American Taxpayers lap.
Okay, poor people on welfare suck, but corporate welfare is just dandy, huh? Man, your value system is really yucky.
You would think some anti- type guy like Sick would be protesting the use of so much tax money on our rapacious health care system.
But since any health-care reform smacks of liberalism, Top Gun Sick is all against it.
I will not give 1 dime of business to this retailer after what they did to the unionized store in Quebec. In fact I am so angry I dish this company every chance I get with whoever will listen.
"We switched to wages and then made the wages so low the individuals couldn't feed, cloth or house themselves."
Please tell me what percent of Wal-Mart's workers are starving, naked, and homeless. If your argument has anything to do with reality, there have to be some. For that matter, what percent of people in America, where people for the most part are paid the wage value of their work, are people starving, naked, and homeless.
"Unfortunately there are many more who truly believe the hokum of capitalism"
Are you a Stalinist or something? Typically, those who oppose capitalism want to replace it with some sort of fascist, totalitarian economics. Capitalism has been proven to bring more prosperity to more people than any other system.
"The truth is someone has to give it up so the richman can have it all. "
Actually....this is not true at all. The vast majority of the rich are rich through their own work, not from others "giving it up". The rich actually own only that which they earned, someone willingly gave to them (inheritance from parents), or that which they freely trade for.
(Your statement, however, does fit socialism: where everyone gives it up so the ruling elites can have it all).
That is what makes Wal-Mart so successful, they know best how to take and not give back in any meaningful way, both from their customers and their employees. "
''Opposite of true'' is the best way to describe your statement. Customers pay less and get more at WMT. Workers are paid well: people that other places won't even hire AT ALL are making $8 an hour there. The starting pay there is well above the typical wage at the "mom and pop" places that WMT supposedly replaces.
I"f you want to see how it can change, look at Costco."
This company bullies some of its workers into paying hundreds of dollars to political parties. That is not fair to the workers, nor is it sustainable. For this reason alone, I hope WMT eats Costco for lunch.
"but they aren't the love of Wallstreet because they don't gouge like Wal-Mart."
What was that again? How does a place gouge by charging less? Wall Street also, doesn't care about gouging. They care about a good return on their investment. It seems you know nothing about Wall-Street, Wal-Mart, or "the rich". I hope you don't vote: such ignorance can be dangerous at the polling station.
There is also a much larger Coralridge Mall in Coralville as well as a very large city known as Iowa City that borders Coralville. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/... A nice ol walmart story.
As a producer for Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, I am familier with a wide range of studies from small buiness alliances, community groups, environmental organizations, and numerous scholars within the academy which demonstrate conclusively the following: Wal-Mart drives down wages and benefits both locally and regionally wherever it appears; undermines small buinesses; creates environmental problems from congestion to the "strip mall" phenomenon. Add to this the enormous tax breaks and other public subsidies the company receives, money that could go to local schools and other underfunded local infrastructure, and the picture of Wal-Mart's impact is bleak indeed.
Here are some places to go for further research on Wal-Mart and its impact both in the U.S. and worldwide: American Independent Business Alliance, Good Jobs First, UC Berkeley Labor Cener, LA Alliance For A New Economy, Wal-Mart Watch, and many other organizations and individuals.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I spent months getting to know Wal-Mart employees who talked of the personal impact of Wal-Mart policies on their lives, from not being paid enough to feed their families, to having no health care for themselves and their children. Everyone I spoke to knows Wal-Mart up close and personal, and almost all of them were frieghtened to speak out on film for fear of Wal-Mart retribution. This may be the most damning fact of all.
Sincerely,
Kerry Candaele
Producer, Brave New Films
stock clones, WM stocks a well thought out
variety of products. & the help & checkstands
are well staffed. A larger building would feel
safer because this one is bursting at the seams. Over the years I've worked for the
government & a well known company, as far as I can tell they hired immigrants because of a program that subsidized the wages & benefits. Walmart (correct me if I'm wrong)
hired & trained Immigrants, welfare, low income & senior citizens & used that same program. Now their danged if they did & danged if they didn"t. Work is work, take your skills that you learned while getting paid for it at WM, & you might find out the grass isn't any greener in any another store!!
Debbie