grumpy-mart
August 3, 2008
For quite some time David and I have discussed making what we write on here more overtly political. Sometimes we think we shouldn't, because while I'm all about breaking down an open door, as the Italians say, I also don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. But then something comes to light, like Wal-Mart's latest shenanigans (thank you, Taylor), and I decide that since such things make me extremely uncomfortable, being overtly political is not just okay, but required.
So take the plunge with us and read the article. Just lovely, isn't it?
Sickening.
I'm glad that you decided to post that. I wish that more was being said about these sorts of games that Wal-Mart is playing. I live in a rural area that, while being almost disgustingly safe for my children and visually appealing, continues to be dominated by Wal-Mart. We are surrounded in all directions, each within 15 miles. In talking to friends and family, it seems to be a matter of convenience that they still shop there. While they don't approve of the going-ons behind closed doors, since they feel it doesn't affect them directly they continue to shop there. I'd rather drive the extra few miles and shop at the farmer's market and the resale shops. I'd like to think that I'm sending a message, helping the environment and saving money too!
This turned in to more of a rant that a comment, eh?! Keep posting...whatever the message! Take care.
Just gotta say here, as one who tried to "teach" his children to be independent in their thinking and approach(s), that Mama and I DO NOT shop at Wal-Mart for other reasons - they way it treats its employees is one, but also because we find such stores to be soul-destroying temples of everything bad about capitalism run amuck (trust no one finds that too much of a redundancy). They keep their prices low at individual stores only until they have driving out the "little guy" competitors, then they raise that store's prices so that they can ruin other stores in other markets. I hope to never live in a society where my choices are between 3 or 4 huge shopping arenas and not any of the poky little places where one can make "finds" or where locally produced wares are available to those who seek them.
Papa, the grumpy.
