Having Higher Expectations For Wal-Mart

I read this bit on the web about WIC vouchers.
For those not in the know, WIC is administered state by state, and vouchers cannot be used outside of the state they are issued in. The vouchers are nutritional assistance for pregnant women and women with infant children and cover things like milk, some produce, basic proteins like cheese, peanut butter, eggs and beans, and fortified cereals. What’s WIC-approved varies widely from state to state. I think it’s great that they are honoring vouchers from the affected states in these TX stores.

Folks are being sent all over the place, though, aren’t they? If they haven’t already, can they make this happen all over the country?

Ktre.com (East Texas)

Wal-Mart Is Accepting WIC Vouchers From Evacuees
by Jessica Cervantez

Local Wal-Mart’s have jumped on board to help the victims of Katrina.

They are now accepting Women In Children vouchers from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama until September 30th. You can visit the Wal-Mart in Lufkin or Nacogdoches.

After September 30th, you will have to contact the WIC’s corporate office to get the vouchers extended.

...wait. Looked a little further, and it looks like this is up to the State Department of Health & Human Services. But now I’m a bit confused. There are six stores near Nacogdoches according to the store site, five of them Supercenters. Are only the two taking out-of-state WIC? Hey, doesn’t Wal-Mart Watch have some researchers or something?

I read today that other companies are giving their workers far more thatn Wal-mart is. Only 3 days of pay quickly runs out when you have to feed your family and get brand new wardrobes, barand new everything.  I think they can still do more in the wake of this horrible American tragedy.

The premise here is a little much for me.

What WM needs to do to be a good citizen is to first and foremost take care of their own employees which IMO they don’t do a very good job at. Apart from that in respect to Katrina let them give what they feel like---let them decide as any other business would decide on the same issue. All this thread is is PC bulls---.

...and just in case anybody doesn’t know, Larry is usually on the side of Wal-Mart Watch.

I think Wal-Mart should brand their own wrist watch called the “Wal-Mart Watch” and then take this site over using trademark ownership laws so they can sell the watch online.  That’d be sweet.

Today I saw a Wal-Mart commercial urging people to follow Wal-Mart in it’s Katrina Relief efforts.  To date Wal-Mart has donated some 17 million dollars to the relief effort.  Which is great but sadly that is merely 2 and a 1/2 times the amount of the 7 million dollars which the rural America Wal-Mart which I am employed by profited last year.  There are thousands and thousands of Wal-Marts which are probably creating 4-10 million in profits for the company each, and the best they can do is 17 million.  Shame on Wal-Mart, and shame on all people who will continue to preach the good news of the world’s worst company.....

Today while shopping at our local Wal-Mart we had a few people here that the Red Cross had relocated here, without food, few clothes, and had already run out of the basic needs, eg. toothbrushes and toothpaste, they had been told before arriving at our store they would recieve a slight discount off of the nessesities. When the CSM asked the Store MGR he refused to help in any way other then honoring the vouchers they had recieved from the Red Cross. I was ashamed to be shopping in Wal-Mart, and felt sorry for those people. Wal-Mart offers it’s employees 10% discounts, why can they not offer the victims of Katrina the same. After all, if it had happened to any one of the higher ups in Wal-Mart wouldn’t they want the same kind of treatment…

To all you bastards who look at what Wal-Mart has done since the disaster in Louisiana and Mississippi and say “Well, thats nice, but they could have done more.” I say to heck with you.  I suppose it is safe to say that ANYONE could have done more than they have, but _did_ anyone do even nearly as much as Wal-mart has?  Wal-mart was the first company respond to the devastated area, bringing much needed supplies and support, in many cases responding faster than the federal government.
As to their support of their “associates,” Wal-mart has not only continued their pay for three days, but allowed those affected to make a one-time withdrawl out of their Critical Need trust of $1,000 per associate.  To date, those withdrawls have totaled 3.6 million.
As for continuing their employment, if an associate from a closed or affected store shows up at ANY Wal-mart, there will be found meaningful work for them to do, regardless of where they end up.
More than $3 million of product and water (more than 100 trailer loads) has been donated to shelters and others in the impacted areas.
Wal-Mart has donated the use of 17 vacant facilities to various relief agencies.  More buildings are being evaluated for potential uses.  These are free of charge and they are picking up utility costs.

This just barely scratches the surface.  For those intrested in a full list of all ongoing efforts, please visit

http://www.walmartfacts.com/community/article.aspx?id=1331

Yes, it is a Wal-mart site, but the facts are easily verifyable through other sources.

And yes, I am insanely proud to work for them myself.

John

Wal-monopoly has created about eight of the top ten richest people in the world, if my memory is correct or close. This country’s government protected their predatory pricing to become BILLIONAIRES. Why just a paltry 17 million from this monopoly(double check those zeros)? What fractional percentage is that of their annual booty? Let’s all go buy our clorox and baby diapers from Wal-monopoly to donate to the Katrina victims and make them richer. Just the profits off of our purchased and donated merchandise should top 17 million. That cost them nothing to get all this false press on Fox news.

Walmart must be a terrible dissappointment to walmartwatch and Walmart haters.  Their generosity has exceeded all expectations.  They are giving and giving and giving. They have made arrangements for other people to give.  They are giving jobs to any employee who lost their job because of store closures or displacement of the employee themselves.  They are giving cash to employees who have suffered Katrina hardships.  ;D;D

Ben,

The Walton family has 4 of the richest people in America in the Forbes 400 list, plus the family of recently deceased John Walton. Certainly they are wealthy to a degree most of us will never reach. I say, who cares? Many people have class envy built into their system in this country. As long as the Waltons came by their wealth legally, which they did, then it is really none of our business what they do with it. If they want to withdrawl cash each day and use it to light cigars, I could care less. It’s not my money. In any event, the Waltons wealth is 98% in Wal-Mart stock. Stock that this site and the people on it are trying so hard to depress.

As to Wal-Mart being a monopoly, they have less than 30% of the retail market and they have tough competition in every area. They have Target in general merchandise. They have Kroger, Safeway and Albertson’s in grocery. They have Costco in warehouses. They have Dick’s Sporting Goods in sports items. They have Save A Lot in low end grocery. They have Nordstrom’s in high end retail. They have Best Buy and Circuit City in electronics. They have Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, Petland and Petsmart in pet supplies. They have to deal with the mergers of Sears and K-Mart and Federated Department Stores and May Department Stores. All this while putting unions in their place, managing thousands of stores in 8 countries, dealing with liberal (negative) press, getting ridiculed for charity work and oh, managing the world’s largest and most efficient supply chain. After all that, they have to sell about $5.2 billion dollars per week in goods just to pay the bills. Yeah, I’d say they are a complacent monopoly.

Hmm. . .if almost thirty percent is a Monopoly, than I guess General Motors would count as one too.  Captured 27.3% of auto sales in the united states in 2004.  But wait. . .I’ll bet that doesn’t count, since they are staffed by UNION workers. . .hmmm. . . .

From John in Citrus Heights, CA: “Yes, it is a Wal-mart site, but the facts are easily verifyable through other sources.”

Correction in today’s Washington Post:

“Because of incorrect information from a company spokesman, a Sept. 6 Business article about Wal-Mart’s hurricane relief efforts misstated the number of trucks filled with donated merchandise the chain sent to the Gulf Coast. It was about 100, not 1,500.”

WMwatch or not another name can be found. Things must be slow and instead of going with the flow the people here sometimes fling out any idea that comes along. Then we’re supposed to make something out of it. And it doesn’t change my basic outlook. I just don’t want to have my opinions manipulated and in any case like anyone else these people aren’t above criticism. It’s good for them. Like criticism is good for me (sometimes) like it is good for you (?) like it is good for WM.

None one is “ridiculing” Wal-Mart for their contributions and I’ve found other pages on this site that commend them for their generous gifts. But they can afford to do more and should take better care of their 34,000 displaced employees, who went off payroll eight days ago.

I am still waiting for a retraction from Wal-Mart Watch regarding its’ statement that said Wal-Mart is the world’s largest and most powerful company. It may not seem like a major issue to most but I feel this sort of factual error is intentional and is designed to manipulate the masses. People who are manipulated are sheep.  Recent examples of those who follow blindly, without question, are Liberals and Nazis. Waiting impatiently for a correction from Wal-Mart Watch.......................

Perhaps you should also seek a correction from Fortune magazine.

THE 2005 GLOBAL 500

FORTUNE’s annual ranking of the world’s largest corporations.

1 Wal-Mart Stores
2 BP
3 Exxon Mobil
4 Royal Dutch/Shell Group
5 General Motors

Nick and John: Be careful using the mythical 30% figure as a monopoly threshold. Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott tried that last week and got burned.

I think you are wrong. Those who follow blindly are Bush supporters, Fox News watchers and Wal-Mart defenders.

I understand GOP Congressmen Tom Feeney and Jeff Flake asked President Bush to suspend the prevailing wage for reconstruction projects in the disaster zone.  Hopefully their efforts will fail, but I have to ask: Will Wal-Mart do the right thing and pay workers fixing damaged stores the prevailing wage?

Ben,

Wal-Mart Watch did not say"largest in sales” they said “the world’s most profitable and most powerful company”. You should read to blog above. By the way, I did not use 30% as a monopoly threshold. I don’t believe the retail industry has a monopoly threshold because there is no way for a retailer to force you into its’ store. If Wal-Mart had 60% but was still competing against Target and the other retailers I mentioned, they still would not be a monopoly. To be a monopoly, you have to control a product that is crucial to the public, you have to raise prices beyond what they were when you had competition and you have to control something that cannot be purchased or duplicated elsewhere. Standard Oil was an example of a monopoly, though it did maintain stable prices for more than 15 years.
Wal-Mart is NOT a monopoly for the simple reason that Wal-Mart could be stopped cold tomorrow. If customers CHOOSE to stop shopping at Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart would have no way to get their money. Period. Wal-Mart cannot control where its’ customers shop and, therefore, is dependent on customers for steady sales.

Randy-it’s funny that you mentioned that. President Bush won a stunning and convincing victory last November. The Republicans control Congress and 2 Supreme Court nominations. They control a majority of governorships and state legislatures. Fox News is, BY FAR, the #1 rated cable news network in America. CNN is a distant second. Wal-Mart defenders? I am one. Strange, though, that you apply the standard of blind follower to one who supports capitalism and the free market. Why do you not call unions and their officials sheep? Do not union members do what their union bosses tell them to do? Don’t they vote for whom they’re told? Don’t they let the mafia skim their money? All the things you mentioned, President Bush (the Free World), Fox News (Cable News Networks) and Wal-Mart (Retail) rule their respective fields. Democrats, CNN and K-Mart are yesterday’s news, and they have no power. Sheep indeed.

...wait, the MAFIA is skimming our money? Crap. I thought it was poor people and single mothers (eyes roll). A gal can’t win.

...anyway, back to WIC.

According to the Texarkana Gazette, Arkansas is also honoring WIC vouchers from affected areas through the end of September.

This is really not a conversation about viewing habits or political affiliation but you made me want to respond when you put Nazis and liberals in the same sentence. I could go on and on about how Bush is asleep at the wheel and Fox News is biased, but we should be talking about Wal-Mart.

People are so quick to say that anyone who criticizes Wal-Mart is anti-capitalism or anti-free market. Those critical of Wal-Mart would like to see them pay a living wage and provide adequate health care. Considering they make so much money and claim to be a Christian company, it should not be so hard for them.

Nick: We didn’t need your rambling lecture on American antitrust law because I never suggested that a 30% market share constitutes a monopoly… I cautioned against it and called it “mythical.” But Lee Scott tried it and he looked foolish after a lot of media outlets both here and abroad called him out on it.

Lee Scott did look foolish when going after Tesco. He is having problems coming to terms with their lack of success in Germany and GB.

Della,

All Walmarts are honoring WIC Vouchers from LA, MS & AL.  We received instruction on it earlier this week.

YAY! Thanks for the info, Kim.

I think, during this tragic time for the people of the South Coastal US, that we all should pay attention to what we ourselves are prompted and willing to do.  To be critical of someone else because you think they haven’t lived up to your expectations in charitable giving is wrong.  Deal with the log in your own eye.

I wasn’t using 30% as that mythical threshold, just stating if you were to, then GM would fall under the same category.  I’m also not saying I agree with Lee Scott’s stance on Tesco PLC.  With the housing boom in the UK slowing (?) We have fallen on hard times there, and I think he might be looking for the wrong solution.  Take care of the customers, and the rest falls in to place.

On ebay, someone is currently selling a blue walmart vest with a stain on the back under “how may i help you?” of what looks like the devil.  i found it funny thought i’d share.  figure it to be a good and funny conversation piece to have.

Wal-Mart has been pretty generous with providing money and goods to Katrina victims, but I wonder if they’re doing enough.  Yesterday, I saw that Office Depot pledged $18 million to hurricane relief, which is $1 million more than Wal-Mart.  Office Depot is a much smaller company than Wal-Mart.  I mean, Wal-Mart is ranked #1 on the Fortune 500 and Office Depot is #157.

I don’t want to denigrate Wal-Mart’s generosity, but I do think that they could afford to do even more.  If Office Depot can afford $18 million, I think Wal-Mart could manage to top that.

America in a microscope.

If you can’t see it - for what it is ..

At a later date ...

I Shall (1st person singular) explain it to you.

BS

May I throw this out as a conversation piece ? 
How about WM, is indirectly financing the “growing” Chinese military?  Combine that thought with “....We can’t believe this is the strongest and richest America.” as reported in “Wall Street Journal; Hurricane Response Dims Chinese View of the U.S.” 09/07/05 page A14
Thank-you,

A good editorial on looting in New Orleans can be found on
www.fredoneverything.net under freds column & looting in New Orleans. The editorial brings up an interesting prespective.- Enjoy

Nick,
If you go there let me know what you think. I was thinking on posting it here, but didnt have the time.

Could you, Nick, ever forsee yourself as a looter.

Is Halliburton a looter, is Walmart a looter?

Are people who need food, diapers, and welfare looters?
‘

If you were they - would you - too - be a looter (that’s for Zack - the storm is my storm - foreseen).

Here’s an old post - under a different name - “who is who, and who is new - I have always been me - and who are you?”.

Tithing for the church is 10%.

Does Walmart Tithe?

Simple question - require simple yes or no answer.

Walmart has donated 15 million to the clinton/bush campaign for katrina, they have donated 1million to the red cross and 1 million to the salvation army.  They have also donated 3 million dollars worth of supplies(so far). I also beleve they are donating or donated another 3 million, cant quite remember to whom.  Not only that but the Walton foundation(the walton family) has also donated a few million but i cant remember what the amount was.  Plus they are continuing to work with every organization involved with whatever they need.  Which also includes the military and local police departments.  Not only that we are continuing to raise funds publicly in every walmart and sam’s club.  Now as for our employees...they were allowed 250 up front, plus 1000 from our employee emergency fund.  3 days pay scheduled to work or not.  Employment in any store anywhere they were able to evacuate to.  Also, between the associates we collecting money to donate to our employees that have been involved with this.  Not only do we do this but prescriptions have been filled for free if needed( i beleve a weeks worth) Wic and food stamps from those state affected are accepted at any walmart.  Associates have this privlage to.  they have set up a few stores for people as a “campsite” for victims.  Plus their are many other things that they are doing.  So, tell me this...did the company you work for beat the goverment on helping these people as walmart did.  Have the companies that you work for put up this much money or have done as much. Is your company still in force willing to do whatever it takes to take care of all those that fell victim to this disaster for as long as it takes.  Do you realize that walmart was also affected by katrina not only in a huge monitary loss but the loss of some of our walmart families.  It is sad that you people cant just think that what walmart has done so far is great. Trust me they are not done giving this is just beginning.

To Jim Cramer - Specifically.

Tomorrow - all stocks should be sold and bought.  Not Walmart specific - ALL Stocks - Walmart - everything in the NYSE, NAs, ad infinitim - hedge funds - and everything else.

Tabulae Rosa - and start over again.

It would be my definition of america and capitalism - not communism.  Where Americans can be and express themselves as Americans - without 2 strikes agains them.

And where the media - reports - and does not spin.

Otherwise - I’m moving to Canada and shall no longer contribute - to your America - as you profit and define it.

Wrap yourself around the flag walmart shills/trolls.

I had one flag on my house - my grandfather (who I took care of before he died had one on his coffin) and somehow on Sept. 12 it wound up on my house.

That flag meant alot to me.

More than you’ll ever know.

I never profited from it.

You do.

Very good for Office Depot to contribute.  I am still waiting on the union contribution figure.  Can someone please shed some light here.  WM Watch, how much have you donated to the relief??

So many responses and so little time! I can’t place the person with their particular argument without wasting a lot of time so I will address each individual point as best I can. If a repsonse applies to you, feel free to address it. If not, address it anyway.

1. The mafia HAS and still does skim union dues. Welfare mothers skim my tax dollars. There is a difference. Learn it.

2. Looters should be shot on sight. There is nothing more disgusting in America than witnessing one citizen using force to harm someone physically or financially. You have no right to steal from others. Those of you on here blowing the Christian trumpet had better think about that. Many things confuse me about religious nuts. On this point, how can you teach that stealing is wrong yet condone that behavior when you feel it is necessary? Who defines necessity? To some, necessity is food and clothing. To others, it is a new Humvee and a gold chain.

3. I’m so sick of the Halliburton argument. All of you people are mindless sheep Nazis, easily led by stupid propaganda. Look at the FACTS: Halliburton does not research, drill for, extract, ship, refine or sell oil or oil products. Halliburton provides very technical services in the field of drilling equipment. There is only 1 other company on Earth that has similar capabilities. And Halliburton lost more than $800 million last year. If they were looting, shouldn’t they be profiting billions?

4. Who cares what Wal-Mart gives? They pay enough out in taxes. Why are they obligated to give anything? They profit less than 4% of sales but you idiots on this board see “$288 billion in sales” and you think “$288 billion available to spend”. You are morons and you lack the most basic understanding of revenue-costs=profit.

5. Attacking Wal-Mart because they are not “Christian enough”? What about Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Jerry Falwell, Orel Roberts, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Benny Hind and the rest of the multi-millionaire “Christians” who use religion to line their pockets? What are THEY giving to the relief effort, besides hot air?

6. Is Wal-Mart a looter? NO. Would I ever loot? NO! Why not? Because I plan ahead.

Respond if you must.

Nick,

Please refrain from tossing the word “Nazi” out there liberally and indisciminately. It is *extremely* offensive to me to do so. I’m sure you can come up with another metaphor.

Della

Defending Halliburton....lol

Halliburton has deals with Iran and even worked with Saddam. According to the Washington Post, “Halliburton held stakes in two firms that signed contracts to sell more than $73 million in oil production equipment and spare parts to Iraq while Cheney was chairman and chief executive officer.”

I am here to help walmart witch.  They obviously overlooked the following paragraph in an Arkansas Democrat Gazette editorial:

—Wal-Mart . To quote the president of Jefferson Parish, Aaron Broussard, if “the American government would have responded like Wal-Mart has responded, we wouldn’t be in this crisis.” The retail giant and corporate punching bag has donated millions of dollars in cash and millions more in clothes, water, diapers, and other basics. And talk about your first responders: Wal-Mart’s execs had their stores stocked and pallets of essentials ready to go before the storm even hit. Post-storm, Wal-Mart has been equally impressive: Of the company’s 126 stores that closed in the immediate aftermath of Katrina along the Gulf Coast, 109 have already re-opened.

Diana in CA.  Check you facts before posting.  You compared Office Depot’s TOTAL estimate of contribution (merchandise of $13m, only cash of $1m, etc) to Walmart’s CASH contribution of $17m.  A little case of apples vs oranges in your argument.  Go to walmartfacts.com if you want to add everything up to compare to OD.

Walmart should continue to pay full-time pay [and benefits] to it’s hourly wage and salaried employees, who lost thier walmart jobs as a result of Katrina, until those employees can resume work in a walmart store where ever they may settle down.

Interesting Nick. I’ll comment on 5 and 6. Attacking television evangelicals? Lumping left and right wing holy rollers in the same pot? Good work--although I’d like to dump Pat Robertson in with them too. On 6 however you can never plan ahead for everything----you’re a little bit over the top with that. I would not be upset with somebody taking food for themselves or for their kids especially for those remaining in New Orleans that had no one to buy it from anyway. And again shooting people even over television sets is ridiculous--- a television set has a monetary value for sure but what it really comes down to it it’s nothing more than some plastic and wires---that is unless their armed and dangerous. If I were a policeman or a member of the armed forces I would refuse such an order.

We should question Wal-Mart’s seeming gesture of magnanimity: Why would a corporation with the reputation for Scrooge-like parsimony toward its employees suddenly become a paragon of charity and altruism?

This is an anti-government government. FEMA’s feckless performance compared to Wal-Mart’s noble endeavors is a Gover Norquist-esque wetdream. What better way to show the ineffectiveness of a “bloated big-government bureaucracy” opposed to the streamlined, motivated and efficient action of “private enterprise.”

FEMA went into disaster mode August 28. And then proceeded to do nothing. Or so it seems.

Wal-Mart CEO H. Lee Scott, Jr. gets company aid plan rolling August 31.

FEMA Director Michael Brown declares on national television several times on September 1 that the federal government was unaware of situation at New Orleans SuperDome and convention center.

There will be a call from the reactionary right within the next few days or weeks to privatize emergency services.

Conspiracy? Collusion? Remember, one of the major axes of political power runs through Bentonville.

Well E.T. it’s being reported that much of the aid to be provided by the federal govt. for the recovery is going to companies with ties to the White House for instance Haliburton. So it’s more of the same old same old.

i am just curious was this discussion supposed to be about the relief effort. nick the racist here is calling people nazis, which is offensive and rude, shame on you!!! the whole point is that everyone should try to give what they can to help all these people who have nothing. i bet nick has donated 0$ for the fund, so who is the bigger bannana-head. take a minute to let that sink in while you sit in your cushy home, while 500,000 people have no computer, or home for that matter, to voice their opinion.

First, I would like to comment to the person who said that Wal-Mart is the largest most profitable company in the world. I’d really like to know where you get your facts. While Wal-Mart is the largest company in terms of revenue, their cost of doing business is roughly 96%, hardly making it the most profitable operation out there. Wal-Mart’s profits were 4% last year. Sure there are alot of people out there who say Wal-Mart could be doing more, however to date, Wal-Mart has commited over $20 Million to the relief effort. No other company I know of has put up that much cash, merchandise yes, some have come close, but cash no. In addition, Wal-Mart has donated millions of dollars worth of merchandise to the victims of this terrible disaster. Every so often, being a Wal-Mart associate, I become a little disenchanted by all the nay sayers like yourselves, but when something terrible like this happens, Wal-Mart never fails to step up to the plate. I ask you to look in the mirror before you start casting stones, what pray tell, have you done. Today I have never been more proud to be a part of such a fine orginization. Feel free to disagree, but I recognize when people are doing good, just because it is the right thing to do.

I would like to know where your obtaining your “facts” from? we all know that if this hurricane had not happened that it would have been the same old grind at WM,this is somewhat of a publicity stunt as to get some of the heat off of them!We all know that wm would not normally go this far out on a limb to help,but this will be some good PR for them. A lot of companies and organizations have helped with millions of dollars,but who’s getting 90%of the praise for what they’ve done WM,go figure.here’s one that will probably steam all of you,the associate in our jewelery dept. said where a woman was purchasing some rings etc. w/her red cross debit card that was issued to her!she also had a youg child w/her that she bought nothing for!THESE CARDS ARE FOR NESSECITIES, NOT JEWELRY!by the way no one in here has metioned what today is,never forget!

Ok, just a little comment.  Yes, great for Walmart on their relief efforts.  Could they do more?  Probably.  Will they?  We’ll just have to wait and see.  As for the poor family in Kansas, that the store won’t take the vouchers.  Shame on Walmart or that store or any store that doesn’t take the vouchers.  Some one mentioned $1000.  No, its more like $750 or so and the employee has to sign up to even get the money.  And they may not get that amount, it could be alot less.  And I have heard they only got 3 days pay.  Walmart could do better, but then thats why the rest of us aren’t getting our quarterly bonus.

I thought I’d do a little math.... looking up the most current “average” annual income per household for the US in 2004 was approximately $44,000.

After figuring the 20 million dollars in cash and supplies plus the additional 4 million donated to walmart associates… (24,000,000 that WM has donated… it’s about .27% of WM profit).... if you take .27% of the annual household income… it comes out to be about $118 per household...........how much have each of you donated?

If you check all the facts, you will find that wmt gives a lot of money to many different organizations each and every year.

the twenty million figure to help the people down south is not correct, it is a lot higher and getting larger each and every day. it makes me feel good to work for a company that steps up to the plate the way wmt does in the time of need.
if anyone out thare can point out a more generous company, i want to know the name of that company so i can thank them.

Has anyone looked at what JC Penneys has given or how about Target, Pluse I seen a person that came into a store I was at and purchased a $750 Ring and a $230 bracelet with her $1000 red cross check and she spent the rest of the $20 on her kids, notice how I say kidS she had 3, to me that is sick and all the people that can’t put needs first in a situation like that deserve to loose everything, and don’t deserve help. first if the all the weather stations were saying that a cat. 5 storm was rolling my way I would stalk up on things or get out of town and if I didn’t have a car I would grab things I need and start walking to higher ground. So back to JC Penneys and target. Target has a grocery dept in there stores, and I don’t see a web site about them. So far Target has given $1.5 million and JC Penneys has given a whole $350,000 and yes I didnt make an error on the zeros its only 6 numbers and 1 comma. So I say to anyone that dis likes wal-mart and wants them gone. Think of what would happen to your community? my guess is that you would have less money because Wal-mart is the retailer that is keeping the prices down. try go into a Target and buy a gun or something that you need out of there sporting goods dept. if you need chairs or a tent then maybe go to target, if you need anything else you have to go to wal-mart. or if your a high Roller then go to Dicks sporting goods, or gander mountian. so in all if there was no wal-mart then we would be paying full price for all merchandise and the average household would not have any money for things that they wan’t like a vacation or whatever.
This is to the unhappy person in the U.S. how can you sit there and say that Nick is racist? So now no one can say the word NAZI? I don’t understand how that is offensive or rude. let me just say that the contraversy on cnn, or msnbc. about the young black man and the young white couple and how they labeled the black man as a looter and the white couple as gathering things they need. first off let me explaine why they labeled them like that, it is not that they are Racist, the young black man decided to break a window and enter a store and fill up a garbage bag of DVDS and cds and other merchandise but no food or clothes or ANYTHING he needs. the white couple had bread and water and other food, things they need, NOT things they wan’t. Anyway I love wal-mart and I support them and I think wal-mart has done plenty for the relief efferts. I also have to make a comment on lots of people saying that all these people in La and Ms have lost everything and they have nothing, isn’t that temporarily? Because I thought a thing called INSURANCE will cover that and if you live down there and don’t have INSURANCE for that, I have no remorse feelings and it is your fault that you couldn’t plan ahead. I think God did this for a reason and I and millions of others have a feeling why God did this to that area but I’ll type later and please respond to this, because I like to read what some of you Idiots have to type.

Roy,

Thanks for the support and for the common sense. I find it ironic that the same people who complain about us losing our historical perspective (and to some extent I agree) but then engage in blatant PC action. “Nazi is offensive”. Well, Nazis were a political party. Not all Germans belonged to the Nazi party and not all Nazis were anti-semite. A very tiny percentage of Nazi party members were aware that the Holocaust was happening and an even smaller percentage were engaged in the actual murders. I do not condone or defend these actions. I find them pathetic and evil and stupid. Some people have a problem with Jews simply because they are Jewish. Misguided perhaps but not ILLEGAL. However, killing someone because of their religion or lack thereof is sad and it is evil. I am personally sympathetic when it comes to the 6 million Jews and 6 million others who perished in the death camps. But that does not mean I agree with every Israeli action. It does not mean Jewish people should get special privileges. It does not mean we should be giving Israel $3 billion per year in military hardware. And it does not mean the word “Nazi” is illegal. In this country, we have accepted that offensive and illegal are the same things. They are not. Again I am not defending what some Nazi party members did. I am merely exercising my right to be offensive and/or to say the word “Nazi”. It has been my experience that the person pointing the finger and crying “racism” is generally a racist. What do you think? What does this have to do with Wal-Mart? Nothing. I will get back to that later.

Nick, you are officially a total whackjob.

Making an effort to hide your utter lack of social skills and overall offensive stupidity a little better from the rest of society does not equal affording me “special privilege.”

Get a hobby.

...actually, no. I’m not dropping this. I asked you nicely. Being offensive may not be illegal, but I’m pretty sure somewhere on this site are some guidelines.

I lost family in the Holocaust. And it’s not my job to educate you about why tossing the term “Nazi” around is so offensive. Your cultural illiteracy is your own problem to solve. That said, the rest of us needn’t tolerate it from you.

Della,

Did Nazi’s exist? How can we teach the lessons learned from the Holocaust if we can’t say the word “Nazi”? I am sorry you lost family Della and you have my deepest sympathy but I was merely trying to make the point that this country represents freedom, not freedom from offense. I think the Ku Klux Klan is a group of nutjobs but I respect their right to wear their ghost hoods and make fools of themselves. I think Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are a couple of law breaking race pimps but I don’t believe they should be silenced. I think Larry Flynt is a douchebag but I don’t think we should ban Hustler. I despise those who burn the American flag but I respect their RIGHT to do it. I disagree with the right wing preachers who would frighten people into obedience and I disagree with the left wingers who would frighten people into obedience. I think liberal politicians and liberal ideas have ruined this country but I don’t think liberals should not be allowed to state their point of view. In short, being offended is not the same as being illegal. I have absolutely no respect for those who are constantly offended. This touchy feely PC crap is damaging our society. Corporations have to hand out 200-page guides on sexual harassment and ethnic intimidation. They have to conduct “sensitivity” training. The military devotes whole days to explaining why women can’t do as much physical training as men. When I was in basic training, we spent valuable training time discussing sexual harassment instead of how to stay alive in combat. PC standards have dumbed down our schools, damaged our social interactions, made office relationships uncomfortable and weakened our military. You can keep blowing the PC trumpet, Della. The truth is, we have a Constitution in this country and you do not have the right to be free from offense.

Nick, I never said you couldn’t use the word “Nazi.” I aksed you to refrain from tossing it around indiscriminantly in an assinine comparison to those of us that don’t share your viewpoint on assorted social issues.

Kind of like if I likened “Those folks in Wheeling” to “whack-tastic limp-***ed loveless pathetic ****heads” I have a right to say it, but that doesn’t make it the truth, now does it?

well, well. i see nick the racist had something to say. let me tell you something toughguy, i lost 2 family members to the nazis, not to memtion my grandfather, who died fighting the nazis, so you can have the freedom to open your mouth. all i was trying to say was maybe you should talk about how much money wal-mart and everyone was else was donating.
you must be the dumbest person in the world not to understand that. as for roy i say the same to you. i agree that wal-mart has done a lot for these people. you had to go a make it some racist issure about black stealing stuff they don’t need, they are called criminal who are making the rest of the city look bad. but that does not give you the right to condone that word here. it is still offensive no matter how you look at it. you could have gotten your point across just by calling people sheep. not nazi sheep. do you see the difference? of course not your stupid. and to roy. everyone can not afford INSURANCE. if you read up on your facts those areas that were hit are poverty areas, and don’t tell me that were not white people there stealing non-food items either. i saw that with my own eyes. you both need to get a life!!!!!!!!!!!!

How much does a 15 second television advertisement cost? How much “free” advertising has Wal-Mart been given over the last two weeks? Wal-Mart incorporates an employee schedule based on sales, lower sales, less hours to work. If 500,000 Wal-Mart employees, making an average of 10.00 per hour were given reducning work hours by 4 per employee in a 2 week period that would pay for the Katrina donation. Wal-Mart is a sociopathic organization. If it were a person it would have to face court mandated therapy.

E.T. Spoons and everyone else.

A true debate unfolds.

Big words; dictionary words; never midunderstood ...

In this egghead debate.

Welcome to the club.

hello to everyone. i was reading some of the comments on here and i cannot believe some of the things that people are writing on here.to nick and roy, i will say that yes you have the right to be offensive, but that does not give you the right to say it to people, if any jewish orginization saw what you said, you would be tracked down and sued right now.sometimes you have to know better what you say when you make comments. i also noticed that you were evaded the unhappy person’s comment about not donating, by giving a lecture on your rights of free speech, i am guessing that you did not give anything. you remind me of the middle-aged, fat, balding men that go to wal-marts and other stores and pick through rack of toys, so you can add to your collection of “ action figures”.  and to della , good job, you don’t have to put up with his crap. and by the way, good-job to all those, including wal-mart for donating to the relief effort.

by the way nick, the junior rotc does not count as being in the military.

WOW, that was good reading. Now I have read my facts but no one ever commented on how little the others stores have given. WHY?  I understand how the poverty area’s are poverty stricken but do you?  let me say that first most poverty areas are like that because the people that live there are LAZY and don’t want to work and feed off of the government and the money they get from them most of it comes from thats right WAL_MART. Maybe if some people would allow Wal-mart to build more stores it would create more jobs, on average if the store is a normal size like 130,000 sq feet that will provide 250 to 300 new jobs and for the supercenters they are average 205,000 sq feet that would provide about anywere from 500 to 750 new jobs for each store, and depending on location it could be more. so all you WAL-MART haters can still complain because that is your right. I would love to know where most of the people doing the trash talking about the greatest store in the world (WAL-MART) work.
I understand that all races were looting and I say for them they are all scum and should trust in GOD to provide not go and steal it, and if they die waiting for food or things they should have stalked up on. then they would go too and be in a better place, all they have to do is believe in the good lord the father, son and the holy ghost. and be faithful in their life on earth.
Ron, I don’t understand are you saying people should get their hours cut so the company could give more. arn’t most of the Titty baby WAL-MART haters saying that WAL-MART only gives part time positions and cuts hours. please explain what you feel.
thanks to all and have fun because that is what this is.

I also wanted to say that I myself was not saying anything about Jewish people. I just don’t like the fact that some people try to control what words others want to use.
so that is all and again have fun

the whole point of this discussion was suppose to be about the relief efforts, and i am glad that everyone has donated, even if they have not donated as much as wal-mart has, it still the point of giving. i myself work in the law-enforcement area, and we have given money and support to the effort. although we could give 17 million, does that make us bad since we could not give more, no it does not. i must apologize to roy since most of that comment was for nick wheeling, just remember we are the lucky ones who can come on here and make our comments. there are thousands of people down there who can’t anymore. you have to show a little sympathy to them.

Ron in MI,
I’m not sure, but I think you’re trying to say that Wal-Mart is gonna cut every associates hours by 4 per week for a 2 week period to pay for their donation to the hurricane efforts.  Is that correct? Well I think you’re very much mistaken. Our store is taking an associate who has lost their home and job because of the hurricane. Any associate can transfer to another store if their store has been closed due to the hurricane. Do you not think this is causing extra payroll in these stores? None of our hours have been cut and they won’t be to pay for their donation. Dont forget about all the stores that are still closed and not making any money right now. Why do you think the only way Wal-Mart could donate is at the expense of someone else? They are also asking for Pharmacist’s to travel to the south to help dispense needed prescriptions at the various shelters etc. Wal-Mart is paying their travel expenses and wages for them to go. They also have given out free prescriptions for up to a week to thousands of people.  Do you have any idea of what that costs? Don’t forget about the truck drivers they had to pay to deliver all the merchandise they donated. I dont think cutting payroll is one of the top concerns with Wal-Mart at this time, they are more concerned about getting help out to those people who need it right now

I am posting this to see if the reactionary PC people, always offended by everything, have gotten their way. It appears to be the case. Strange that Wal-Mart gets accused of censorship but Wal-Mart Watch is okay with it. A bit hypocritical, no?

cb0366 and Della,

Let some organization read what I wrote and try to sue me. I will countersue for slander and for filing a baseless lawsuit.  My posts are right there for everyone to read. Whether or not you are offended, I could care less. I have always spoken my mind. I didn’t right one single thing that was truly wrong. I stated the following:

1. Liberals are in favor of big government, censorship, gun control, corruption and a secular society. Look up any speech by Bill or Hilary or Howard Dean, Ted Kennedy or KKK Byrd and then look at the Democratic congressional votes. Everything I’ve said is backed up by their own words and votes.

2. You can go online and compare the Presidential Platforms for the 2004 elections and you will see that the Democrats and the Communists are almost exactly the same, word for word.

3. My claims about Nazi Germany are true. Not every German belonged to the Nazi Party. Not every party member knew that the Jews were being executed. A very small number, perhaps less than 10,000 in a nation of more than 80 million people, were actively involved in with the Holocaust. To state that all Germans are murderers would be unfair.

4. I said that I did not agree with giving Israel $3 billion per year in military hardware plus billions more in economic gifts when they are well off enough to defend themselves. The only reason we continue to give them money is because they have a powerful lobby in the US. Any politician who demands that we stop handing over the dough to Israel would be voted out of office. I also said I did not agree with Israel’s actions all of the time and that the Holocaust does not give Israel the right to dictate the actions of the US. These are facts and there are tens of millions of Americans who agree with me.

Now, how was that offensive again? And did you complain when Howard Dean compared the Republicans to Nazis with no supporting evidence?

Actually cb0366,

I spent 4 years in the US Army. I am not middle-aged. And I have donated what I could, through the Salvation Army and directly. I don’t trust the Red Cross or Catholic Charities. But the Salvation Army is a good cause and the United Way is also a well run charitable organization. I would donate to them, too, if I wasn’t out of disposable income for the moment.

Then again................I feel like Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”. Why should we donate to the hurricane victims when 1. They chose to live 20 feet below sea level
2. They had a choice whether or not to buy insurance
3. Their state and local governments, not the feds, are to blame for the failures there.
4. They were generally poor through their own failures and lack of initiative and they proved once again that government wards act like animals when given the opportunity. We’ve been supporting hundreds of thousands of New Orleans residents for years. Why should we keep doing it?
5. I pay taxes. Why should I donate if the government is taking roughly 35% of my income at all levels?

But I still donated.
5.

I am still waiting to hear what the unions and Wal-Mart Watch have donated to the relief cause.  I have posted about this several times and have not heard back.  Can someone please inform me.  They are first to point the finger at WM for not donating enough, but they won’t even tell us what they are doing.  Shameful.

I found this editorial/prespective, the writers name is listed: Enjoy:

An Unnatural Disaster: A Hurricane Exposes the Man-Made Disaster of the Welfare State

by Robert Tracinski
Sep 02, 2005

It has taken four long days for state and federal officials to figure out
how to deal with the disaster in New Orleans. I can’t blame them, because
it has also taken me four long days to figure out what is going on there.

The reason is that the events there make no sense if you think that we
are confronting a natural disaster.

If this is just a natural disaster, the response for public officials is
obvious: you bring in food, water, and doctors; you send transportation
to evacuate refugees to temporary shelters; you send engineers to stop
the flooding and rebuild the city’s infrastructure. For journalists,
natural disasters also have a familiar pattern: the heroism of ordinary
people pulling together to survive; the hard work and dedication of
doctors, nurses, and rescue workers; the steps being taken to clean up
and rebuild.

Public officials did not expect that the first thing they would have to
do is to send thousands of armed troops in armored vehicle, as if they
are suppressing an enemy insurgency. And journalists--myself
included--did not expect that the story would not be about rain, wind,
and flooding, but about rape, murder, and looting.

But this is not a natural disaster. It is a man-made disaster.

The man-made disaster is not an inadequate or incompetent response by
federal relief agencies, and it was not directly caused by Hurricane
Katrina. This is where just about every newspaper and television channel
has gotten the story wrong.

The man-made disaster we are now witnessing in New Orleans did not happen
over the past four days. It happened over the past four decades.
Hurricane Katrina merely exposed it to public view.

The man-made disaster is the welfare state.

For the past few days, I have found the news from New Orleans to be
confusing. People were not behaving as you would expect them to behave in
an emergency--indeed, they were not behaving as they have behaved in
other emergencies. That is what has shocked so many people: they have
been saying that this is not what we expect from America. In fact, it is
not even what we expect from a Third World country.

When confronted with a disaster, people usually rise to the occasion.

They work together to rescue people in danger, and they spontaneously
organize to keep order and solve problems. This is especially true in
America. We are an enterprising people, used to relying on our own
initiative rather than waiting around for the government to take care of
us. I have seen this a hundred times, in small examples (a small town
whose main traffic light had gone out, causing ordinary citizens to get
out of their cars and serve as impromptu traffic cops, directing cars
through the intersection) and large ones (the spontaneous response of New
Yorkers to September 11).

So what explains the chaos in New Orleans?

To give you an idea of the magnitude of what is going on, here is a
description from a Washington Times story:
“Storm victims are raped and beaten; fights erupt with flying fists,
knives and guns; fires are breaking out; corpses litter the streets; and
police and rescue helicopters are repeatedly fired on.
“The plea from Mayor C. Ray Nagin came even as National Guardsmen poured
in to restore order and stop the looting, car-jacking and gunfire....
“Last night, Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco said 300 Iraq-hardened
Arkansas National Guard members were inside New Orleans with
shoot-to-kill orders.  “ ‘These troops are...under my orders to restore order in the streets,’
she said. ‘They have M-16s, and they are locked and loaded. These troops
know how to shoot and kill and they are more than willing to do so if
necessary and I expect they will.’ “

The reference to Iraq is eerie. The photo that accompanies this article
shows National Guard troops, with rifles and armored vests, riding on an
armored vehicle through trash-strewn streets lined by a rabble of
squalid, listless people, one of whom appears to be yelling at them. It
looks exactly like a scene from Sadr City in Baghdad.

What explains bands of thugs using a natural disaster as an excuse for an
orgy of looting, armed robbery, and rape? What causes unruly mobs to
storm the very buses that have arrived to evacuate them, causing the
drivers to drive away, frightened for their lives? What causes people to
attack the doctors trying to treat patients at the Super Dome?
Why are people responding to natural destruction by causing further
destruction? Why are they attacking the people who are trying to help them?

(cont. on next post)

My wife, Sherri, figured it out first, and she figured it out on a sense-of-life level. While watching the coverage last night on Fox News Channel, she told me that she was getting a familiar feeling. She studied architecture at the Illinois Institute of Chicago, which is located in the South Side of Chicago just blocks away from the Robert Taylor Homes,
one of the largest high-rise public housing projects in America. “The projects,” as they were known, were infamous for uncontrollable crime and irremediable squalor. (They have since, mercifully, been demolished.)

What Sherri was getting from last night’s television coverage was a whiff
of the sense of life of “the projects.” Then the “crawl"--the
informational phrases flashed at the bottom of the screen on most news
channels--gave some vital statistics to confirm this sense: 75% of the
residents of New Orleans had already evacuated before the hurricane, and
of the 300,000 or so who remained, a large number were from the city’s
public housing projects. Jack Wakeland then gave me an additional,
crucial fact: early reports from CNN and Fox indicated that the city had
no plan for evacuating all of the prisoners in the city’s jails--so they
just let many of them loose. There is no doubt a significant overlap
between these two populations--that is, a large number of people in the
jails used to live in the housing projects, and vice versa.

There were many decent, innocent people trapped in New Orleans when the
deluge hit--but they were trapped alongside large numbers of people from
two groups: criminals--and wards of the welfare state, people selected,
over decades, for their lack of initiative and self-induced helplessness.

The welfare wards were a mass of sheep--on whom the incompetent
administration of New Orleans unleashed a pack of wolves.

All of this is related, incidentally, to the apparent incompetence of the
city government, which failed to plan for a total evacuation of the city,
despite the knowledge that this might be necessary. But in a city
corrupted by the welfare state, the job of city officials is to ensure
the flow of handouts to welfare recipients and patronage to political
supporters--not to ensure a lawful, orderly evacuation in case of
emergency.

No one has really reported this story, as far as I can tell. In fact,
some are already actively distorting it, blaming President Bush, for
example, for failing to personally ensure that the Mayor of New Orleans
had drafted an adequate evacuation plan. The worst example is an
execrable piece from the Toronto Globe and Mail, by a supercilious
Canadian who blames the chaos on American “individualism.” But the truth
is precisely the opposite: the chaos was caused by a system that was the
exact opposite of individualism.

What Hurricane Katrina exposed was the psychological consequences of the
welfare state. What we consider “normal” behavior in an emergency is
behavior that is normal for people who have values and take the
responsibility to pursue and protect them. People with values respond to
a disaster by fighting against it and doing whatever it takes to overcome
the difficulties they face. They don’t sit around and complain that the
government hasn’t taken care of them. They don’t use the chaos of a
disaster as an opportunity to prey on their fellow men.

But what about criminals and welfare parasites? Do they worry about
saving their houses and property? They don’t, because they don’t own
anything. Do they worry about what is going to happen to their businesses
or how they are going to make a living? They never worried about those
things before. Do they worry about crime and looting? But living off of
stolen wealth is a way of life for them.

The welfare state--and the brutish, uncivilized mentality it sustains and
encourages--is the man-made disaster that explains the moral ugliness
that has swamped New Orleans. And that is the story that no one is
reporting.

Source: TIA Daily—September 2, 2005

Old article, but can’t let above go uncommented-upon. to see complete article, follow the link.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/examiner/article.cgi?year=1997&month=02&day=02&article=NEWS7595.dtl

SF Examiner
Welfare becomes workfare, as society changes
Annie Nakao, OF THE EXAMINER STAFF

Sunday, February 2, 1997

UNITED STATES—When she was 5, Charlotte “Lotte” McFarlane’s family was on government aid. But she’s no statistic in the current battle over welfare.

“After my father was killed in a San Francisco robbery in 1921, my mother got aid - I guess they called it a widow’s pension,” said McFarlane, 80, who lives in Petaluma.

“In those days, it was a form of welfare. But I don’t know if there was any stigma. I was only 5 years old.”

More than three-quarters of a century after the government aided McFarlane’s family, Sonja Taylor, 25, also gets a helping hand from Uncle Sam.

Like signposts in a shifting world, McFarlane and Taylor mirror profound political and demographic changes that have transformed America’s perceptions of the poor and what we are willing to do to help them.

“In recent years we have witnessed a sea change in public attitudes toward poor women and their children,” said Jill Duerr Berrick, professor at UC-Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare.

Every month, Taylor, a single mother of two preschoolers, receives a $350 AFDC check, which supplements her $6-per-hour telemarketing job in San Francisco.

Della

Yes, it’s me again. I don’t know how the article you posted relates to what Combat Vet (a true American) posted but I think your gist is that we are making progress because people used to get welfare for sitting on their duff and now they have to work to get it. Let me tell you from personal experience, there is no big government program as misunderstood as welfare. When I worked with several different grocery stores, one of the stores had a man who came in and used his Access card (a debit card to hold welfare and food stamp money) to buy two dozen rolls of snuff. Another man had an Access card on which was placed $1,400 per month in Food Stamp money and $1,800 per month in welfare money. The man also lived in public housing and he had no dependents. If you add up the value he was receiving, (and assume $300 per month in free housing) he was getting $42,000 per year in handouts-just for himself. And he didn’t work and he wasn’t disabled or handicapped. He was a perfectly healthy man in his mid 30’s. Now if you look at his INCOME, he technically falls below the Federal Poverty Line. Is he actually living in poverty? With $42,000 per year in tax free benefits plus free health care and educational opportunities and utility assistance, I would venture to say that this man, and the dozens of others who lived in the same project, I would venture to say he was not living in poverty. Another time, I was behind a black woman in line at the grocery store. She was well dressed and it looked like she took care of herself. She had nice hair and nice jewelry and she was talking on a cell phone as she checked out. Then she paid with an Access card and pushed her buggy outside to a Toyota 4 Runner SUV. Is she living in poverty? Probably not. A further example deals with many of the people who work in retail grocery. A store I dealt with was surronded by housing projects. Many of these women were forced to go to work by Clinton’s welfare reform (one decent thing from Slick Willie). Only, they had to prove that they were working for at least 2 weeks every 6 months. When their 2 weeks were up, they would quit until 6 months rolled around, at which time they would get another job for 2 weeks. I heard these women joke about it and laugh that they only had to work 1 month a year to “get paid” for a year. Some of them actually complained and were very miserable.

Let me comment on Sonja Taylor above. If she had one child and was making $6 an hour, why did she have a second child and why should I pay for her stupidity? You have the right to have as many children as you want in this country. You do not have the right to expect others to pay for them. I have more to add later on.

Nick, honey, you’re so darn irresistable I can’t help myself.

“Another time, I was behind a black woman in line at the grocery store. She was well dressed and it looked like she took care of herself. She had nice hair and nice jewelry and she was talking on a cell phone as she checked out. Then she paid with an Access card and pushed her buggy outside to a Toyota 4 Runner SUV. Is she living in poverty? Probably not.”

First of all, why is her being black relevant to your point?

Secondly, why is it so strange that she looked like she took care of herself? Do you think poor people are inherently savages? Do you think black people are savages and she’s an exception?

Thirdly, you do not know this individual woman’s story. You have not walked in her shoes. She may have recently divorced. She may have lost her job. Perhaps both. Maybe a health issue bankrupted her family. Maybe she’s committing outrageous welfare fraud. You don’t know.

Nick,
Couldnt make any sense out of Della’s post, so I didnt bother with a response to her.
I was glad to see someone (you) truly understood the editorial I posted that ROBERT TRACINSKI wrote. which was dated Sept 02, 2005.

I also understand & believe your experiences referencing the man & black woman using welfare benefits when maybe they didnt need it or qualify for it. (Welfare fraud).

I have personally witnessed the same. (was in line at the grocery store behind a non english speaking- Vietnamese woman with a cart full of T-Bone, shrimp, NY steaks etc. grocery bill was $614.00 she paid with food stamps then requested help out to her car. (which turned out to be a new Lexus)! It doesnt take a mental giant, to figure out, if you can afford expensive jewelery -a Toyota 4 runner (close to 40K nowadays) a Lexus ( well over 50K) & one is on welfare there might --just --might be some fraud involved. All assets must be listed on the welfare & food Stamp application(s) including vehicles. Omitting any asset is fraud.

No one really knows for sure, but a dollar to a dime bet, would probably win most of the time on Welfare FRAUD in the cases you mentioned. (hypothesis). But, its easier to blame the environment, how you were raised, gender, ancestry, to much TV as a youngster, smokin to much dope & having no brain cells left- etc. etc. etc. than accept blame & consequences for what a person did or did not do.

I wasn’t sure if I should jump in here and talk about WalMart since the subject has gotten far from it but here goes.

I have noticed a lot of insults, accusations, assumptions and other negatives in regards to WalMart and those opinions of it.  Something I have not seen is solutions. 

WalMart could do more? 

Ok, let’s see.

As of a week ago....

They have donated $17M to the relief efforts in cash, PLUS $3M in merchandise. 

Lee Scott has pledged $8M to the Bush and Clinton Fund. 

The Walton Family Foundation gave $4M to the Salvation Army, $2M to America’s Second Harvest, $1M to the Foundation for Mid-South.

All associates affected by the hurricane are eligible to receive $1,000 in assistance.

Any associate can show up at any WalMart and have a job there.

WalMart has provided e-mail facilities via in-store kiosks and other equipment to assist associates and customers in locating family.

1,500 (yes 1,500 not 150) trucks have been delivered in response to the hurricane devistation...Some directly to New Orleans, others to local police departments.  They have been sent to evacuation centers in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.  These shipments included ice, water and other merchandise.

WalMart has supplied food for 100,000 meals to the Salvation Army in Baton Rouge.

They have coordinated delivery of 150 internet-ready computers which were sent to shelters to help evacuees and families find each other through WalMart and RedCross web sites.

Evacuees can receive a 7-day supply of medications even if they do not have copies of their prescriptions.

WalMart has offered a dozen properties for relief efforts - staging areas, shelters, food bank and police command center, etc.

Mini-WalMart stores have been constructed in trucks, tents and other structures to give out free food, bottled water, clothing, baby milk/formula, toothbrushes and bedding.

They continue efforts with their merchandise giving and food/water donations.

The continue raising funds via in-store and online collections from customers and associates.

Instead of hearing that they “could do more”, how about stating “HOW” they could do more?  It’s not like they gave a bit of cash and then walked away.

What more would you have them do?  Should they pull funding from “Picture Them Home”, a program for locating and reuniting kids, who have gone missing, with their families?  Would you have them stop giving to the Children’s Miracle Network and give that money, instead, to the hurricane victims?  Stop construction on new stores (putting those construction workers off-work in the process) so they could donate that money?  Stop paying their bills?

I, for one, think they have done (and continue to do) one HELL of a job.  I know of no other company/corporation/etc who has done as much.  They may be the largest retailer in the country but they are not THAT far ahead.

I made a small cash donation this month and plan to keep doing this every month.  It’s not much and maybe it doesn’t help a whole lot but I am helping.  I cannot afford to give much, seeing how we are a 4 person family with current and old debts to pay.  But I still give what I feel I can afford.

So my question is, to you, what else should they do?  Anyone have any specific suggestions, or just more comments about being more helpful?

Kudos to WalMart for the wonderful job they are doing in helping those affected during this disaster. 

As for the language that some use and that offends others, I would hope that people on here were educated enough to know more tactful words that could perhaps get their point across better and encourage people to listen to their point instead of using language that turns deaf ears to the conversation.

I have seen *children* have more productive debates using far better language than what I have seen on here.

Susan,
maybe you would want to ask or tell the 40 Wal-Mart employees in the ShowLow super center, who just lost their jobs (reasons not given-right to work state) why they are jobless. A house cleaning to off set costs ? Look for more of this in other stores that thrive in right to work states. Maybe thats how Wal-Mart is off setting its donations. Wouldnt suprise me any.

I have not heard anything about this.  Was it in the news? 

What evidence do you have that WalMart is actually off-setting costs for the donations?  Or is that just what you believe is happening?  Just a question.  Because I haven’t seen anything to suggest this and I would like to know about it if it is indeed true.  Are there any links you could post about it?

Are these people fighting this?

Do you know for a fact that this would not have occurred anyway?

I tend to avoid speculating on what might or might not have happened or why because I am not in that situation.  I like to know facts that can be researched/proven.

Also, in each store is a set of managers who run the store separate from upper management.  These lower managers do things the way they want and if that differs from what uppers want, they change when the uppers visit but otherwise conduct business their own way.  If someone is passed up for a promotion at store level, it is that store’s managers who did it.  I would not blame the company on the whole for what one team decided.  Yes, upper management can reverse the decision and make changes to whatever those store managers do, but they need to be aware of it first.  If those associates affected don’t use the open door and seek help, nobody can know they need it.

There was a sexual harassment case in our store a few years ago where several women claimed they were harassed by a department manager.  The store manager put off dealing with it until he got a personal visit from upper management about it.  Do I blame WalMart for the lack of action?  No.  I blame the store manager.

The company usually is not aware of what is not reported. 

Don’t get me wrong, please.  My posts are not to be taken as saying “walmart is great in everything they do”.  They truly do some things that should be done differently, some things shouldn’t be done at all...Other times, they did nothing when they should have done something. 

I agree that some things need dealt with and that walmart may be dragging their collective feet regarding these things. 

However, you won’t hear me stating things as facts unless they truly are.  There is a fine line between stating opinions and slandering.  Just because I believe it doesn’t make it fact.

Just because YOU havent heard of it, doesnt invalidate it.
What evidence do you have that Wal-Mart is not actually off setting costs for their donations?Just because “you havent seen anything to suggest this"doesnt mean that it isnt!
Did you know all the facts about water gate before they came out, Did you know what Clinton was doing with Monica in the white house before it came out? Did you know about the scandal involving Col. Oliver North and the sales of weapons before it was exposed. Did you know Wal-Mart was going to Use Nazi Imagery in their add campaign in Flagstaff, AZ. before they did?

If you werent so bent on defending them you could do the research. If your an employee, use “the open door” & DEMAND answers see how long your still employed! Call the Showlow store, talk to the floor associates, then use the “open door” and DEMAND truthful answers, if you dare.

I never said that it wasn’t true.  I simply asked how you came by the information and if you could share it. 

I don’t think I said anything to earn an attack.

Why are you so angry with me for wanting in on the info?

Perhaps I would find it easier to believe you if you were to actually answer my question rather than attack me with “Did you know” situations.

I would be happy to do some research into what is going on in Showlow.  However, a search on Yahoo came up with nothing as far as news of a dismissal of employees.  I would have to do some searching on the WIRE but I am not back to work until Friday.  No that is not an excuse.  It is accessible only from their terminals and we have to be clocked in to access it.  I’m not sacrificing my time off to look something up for you.

What would you ask of me so that I am not a target of your hostility?

I had thought my questions were fairly simple but apparantly they are too tough as nobody wants to answer them. 

I apologize if my posts come off as though I am praising walmart for everything they do or as though I back them 100%.  That is not my intention.  I would just like to know more about what is going on that walmart will not tell us.  I’m sure you could understand that.  After all, if they are doing all this stuff they are accused of, they wouldn’t be sending out newsletters about it, would they?

I cannot learn of this stuff without some sort of resource and who better to ask than those at WalMartWatch?
Do you know someone in the store?  Are YOU from that store?  I would just like some details but if you cannot provide them, so be it. 

I don’t see why anyone would want to be part of an organization that resorts to anger and attacks when asked the why and how of information gathered.

“ Do I blame Wal -Mart for the lack of action NO-I blame the store manager”

Wal-Mart is responsible for the actions of it managers and directors at every level. Check the LAW. And U.S. court of appeals decisions before you state something that is not fact!

oops I guess that shot the crap out of your earlier statement!
“However you wont hear me stating things as facts unless they truly are”

Get real, you live in Wally World , it appears they have subliminally sabotaged your brains independent thinking & reasoning functions. Get back to isle five for a clean up!, Then make sure the female door greeter in Glendale whos hip was just replaced doesnt sit down for a rest, take her stool away, so the hip replacement fails and she gets crippled while working for Wal-Mart.

(This actually happened, Wal-Mart & their store manager who ordered the womens stool taken away were sued and found LIABLE! )

You probably never heard about this one either! Do some research. I’ll give you a clue the incident was reported by the ARIZONA REPUBLIC.

Remember, just because you are ill informed, or chose to let Wally World pull the chineese (artificial) wool over your eyes doesnt invalidate, WHAT REALLY IS.

I did not say that Walmart could not be held responsible for the actions of their lower level employees.  I simply stated it was those in the store that make the problem causing decisions that later escalate due to the inaction of upper management. 

Do you take pleasure finding fault in everything people say?

I am trying to be kind here and all I get is hostility.

Just because I haven’t heard of these things, does not mean I am ignoring facts or anything.  It just means that I do not have the same resources as you.  I am not in Arizona so how could I have read the Arizona Republic?  I didn’t even know it exists because I have never been there.  Do you know about the Hawk Sheet?  Or Chewelah, Washington local newspapers?  Nobody can know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING just cause you think they should.

Get off your pedestal, please.  And get off your soapbox while you are at it.

If you would please actually read my post you will see that I never claimed any of your statements were untrue.  In fact, I stated that I did not deny what you say.

As for the “I blame the managers”, that is a fact.  It is how I, personally feel.  My personal opinion has nothing to do with law.  I personally find fault in the local managers who make the initial decision.

I would never say that what walmart did to that woman in Glendale was ok.  It is most definitely wrong.  And, just so you don’t misunderstand this I will spell it out for you, I DO NOT DOUBT you.  Notice the NOT in there. 

It is news I have not heard.  That is all.  There are probably a bunch of things happening at the 3 walmarts I have worked in that YOU don’t know about as well.  Do you have wool over YOUR eyes?  Probably not.  I would appreciate it if you would not attack me.  I have done nothing to deserve it and I most certainly did not attack YOU.

Perhaps if you can some day speak to me as an adult instead of sounding like a child having a temper tantrum, maybe then we can continue this. 

Learn to read and comprehend what you read and you might see that I am not saying any of the things you are writing into my posts.

I thought this was a well-organized group trying to fix things for the better in regards to the poorly-treated employees but I see that most of you here are simply angry people with nothing better to do with your energy than spouting off with insults to anyone who might challenge your beliefs or to ask for more information.

Are you unwilling to help me learn more about this situation or simply unable to?

You still have not answered my questions.  I guess they really are too difficult for you.

Susan, I did not ask you to look any thing up for me, I asked you to do it for YOURSElF!
quit your pretending, why believe me or the resources I would post. You Mention having so much faith in Wal-Mart, Use- the “Open Door” system. The Showlow supercenter is a 24 hour store. You can get there phone # from your employee directory/manual call them right now, and speak to a floor associate, then an on duty manager. Give them your name and employee# and DEMAND ANSWERS. See what happens!
This is the RESOURCE you asked for- USE IT! A search on YAHOO is NOT research. You are an employee use the Wal-Mart system. You can do it without leaving the comfort of your home! Here are your details, lets see you use the Wal-Mart system!
If you want I will get the phone # for you so you can call. Or, are you afraid to call and ask the company you work for answers? Who better to ask than Wal-Mart, call coporate if you dont get the answers you want, use that “OPEN DOOR” policy all the way up to LEE SCOTT, the employee manual states you can, so go ahead, let me know if your still employed after you do.

I dont see why anyone would want to be a part of an organization that uses NAZI Imagery for its advertising, or refuses to allow an old woman/employee who just had a hip transplant, a stool to sit down on causing her to become crippled!

You sure assume a lot about me.

If WalMart is so evil and all, how could I rely on what they tell me anyway.

And for me, WalMart is just a job.  I can pay my bills and provide food for my children.  I make more here than what I’ve been offered from other places. 

I would appreciate you not being such a jerk to me when I am only trying to learn more.

When you are worth talking to, let me know.  Until then, I suggest anger management therapy.  You sound like you need it.

I guess that means you did not want to use the “open door” policy or want the phone # I offered.
Susan,
Your first post rant s & raves about how great Wal-Mart is.
When I mention the Showlow incident you post with a barrage of questions asking for evidence and “do you know for a fact that this would not have occurred anyway” If that is not confrontational I dont know what is. Research is very easy to do for example if I wanted to look at all the news papers in Kansas I would enter Kansas Newspapers in a search engine then go to all the newspapers that reported on the city in kansas I was interested in.

In another post you say that there is probably a lot of things going on in Wal-Marts where you live that I dont know about.
Susan, Nothing Wal-Mart does against moral & ethical human decency suprises me I expect it. But I do not defend them as you do.  I do feel all the good Wal-Mart is doing in the Katrina Disaster is a good thing, with an underlying cause for good publicity, free advertisement and to dig themselves out of the whole they are in.  doing good in a National Disaster does not erase the evil doings of decades. The TRUE story of the Glendale women with the hip is just one of hunderds like hers that I have personal knowledge of.

Yes I do know the facts, and true horror stories involving Wal-Mart & what they have done to undeserving associates . Believe me the longer you work for them the more vulnerable you are to their evil, sooner or later they will do you wrong or someone you care for, wrong.
Hopefully, you ar not ignorant to the facts about the National Class Action Suit for discrimination against women. Wal-Mart has discriminated against women for years and the trial will be the bearer of all facts. 

Your last post states Wal-Mart is just a job to you, quite a contrast from your other posts.

My stand about Wal-Mart is solid, yours is wishy-washy- teeter-tauter its in what you write. 

I apologize for coming off harsh, but some times feel it takes that to make a point really hit home. I was a paralegal for plantiffs who were victimized by Wal-mart. I cant share a lot, but what I did, was true to the best of my knowledge.
What was done to the lady with the hip surgery was an abomination to human dignity and decency there are hunderds of stories like hers.  I can not condone Wal-Marts actions or the actions of their managers. Nor will I forget the Evil they have done, Just because they do something good.

It is apparent to me profit is there bottom line and they care less about anything else, sure they will take advantage of helping out in a disaster it gives them positive GLOBAL attention, for returning to the tax payer what they have bilked them out of over the past decades, by having over 50% of there work force on public assistance of some kind or the other.

My original post was in regards to the “they could do more” statements.  I was just pointing out that nobody has offered constructive suggestions on how they could help the victims more.  In order to avoid suggesting things that are already being done.  People need to know what IS being done, hence the list.

I do not even START to defend them.  I am just trying to find out what all the ruckus is about (no not everyone knows everything that is going on) so I post and ask questions.  If you refuse to answer them, than you are not helping to open my eyes to it.

You can call it defending.  I do not.  Regardless, both sides must be seen to be constructive and productive in the cause WalmartWatch is involved in.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond.  In my experience, though, attacks usually make people NOT want to listen.  I do not like being told I’m a brain-washed idiot just cause I do not know about something that happened in state half-way across the country.  Would you?

I went to the website for the Arizona Republic but could not locate an article involving the Glendale woman you told me about.  How long ago was it?  Their archive goes back only so far.  I tried several keywords but they did not turn up this news story.  Perhaps they have not added it to the site for whatever reason.  Was she not able to take more time off to recover?  Or did Walmart threaten her in some way, forcing her to return to work? 

They have done a lot of terrible things, things that are unacceptable and unforgiveable.  But these things are not MY fault so I would appreciate it if the anger you are feeling was not taken out on me. 

I have my own reasons to dislike Walmart.  I have many reasons to dislike some managers in my store as well.  They are the ones who make the initial decision regarding my requests/needs.  Yes upper management should do something about it.  But if I haven’t told them about my concerns, they can’t know they exist?  They have made me hate going to work.  The only good thing about my job is my co-workers and I are good friends.  That is the only thing that gets me out the door sometimes. 

I have seen important situations get swept under the rug because Walmart would rather not deal with it.  I know that there are those who are abused by Walmart (low wages, passed for promotions, etc).  These things, though, have not happened to me, so far.  Hopefully they never will.  I have been with them for 5 years now.  I make more than my husband and he has worked there longer.  I wouldn’t WANT a promotion to management.  I’d rather remain a mushroom (kept in the dark and fed sh*t lol) in their eyes.  As long as I do what I am doing, it seems to be working to keep their attention off me. 

I can’t blame ALL of walmart’s managers, however.  The store I am at now, for the most part, is a decent one.  There are some who should be taken out and shot (suction-cup dart ;)) but there are others who do what’s right even when it contradicts policy.

I do not defend Walmart in the sexual harrassment situations.  I do not defend them in the case of the woman in Glendale that suffered so much because of them. 
I have never said they are faultless in everything they do.  I believe the opposite to be true. 
But not everything regarding Walmart is terrible.  I hope you can see that.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to talk with you without fear of retaliation for stating my thoughts.  I will see and understand your points more clearly this way.

Susan,
good luck to you & your husband. Its heart wrenching that you both are stuck at Wal-Mart. I do know that a lot of good jobs have been outsourced from the USA. I dont know the job availability in your area. Or your education & training qualifications. If you hate going to work, you probably are a victim of Wal-Mart and some how want out, but feel trapped. ( I have heard this from many ex employees)
I personally love my job and enjoy going to work every day. I dont have one negative thing to say about my employer or my work environment. Isnt this how it should be?
I also have childern, and am a single parent. I earn a wonderful salary, and have good health, dental & vision insurance for the childern & I. I have established college funds for my childern, my employer contributes, I do not live from pay check to pay check. I will not hesitate to go out of my way for my employer, because they treat me & my co workers with dignity & respect. 
My childern & I are not on welfare, public health insurance, free school lunches etc. I am not forced to shop at Wal-Mart nor do I voluntarily shop there. My childern are not ridiculed in school for wearing Wal-Mart brand clothes & shoes ( unfortunately this does happen) .

Unfortunately I can not say these things about the Wal-Mart employees I know, or Know about. These things would anger anyone who cares for fellow human beings, I guess thats why this site was originated, The horror stories about Wal-Mart must out weigh the good stories else there would be no need for site(s) like this.

WELL WELL WELL So where do you work Michelle or are you too embarrassed to say?  I will tell you that I am a proud WAL-MART associate and I make more there then I did in overtime per hour at my last job. Since I got a job at WAL-MART I have bought a house, got 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a wife that I could support if SHE did not WANT to work, I would also have money left over to support any kids when ever the time comes, and I am not a member of management. Yes I am an hourly employee with wonderfull BENEFITS FROM WAL-MART. So Why do you feel the need to attack WAL-MART? What do you feel about the other retailers? Do you support Unionizing WAL-MARTS so the company goes bankrupt? Because that is what would happen just like all of the Air Lines, and grocery stores, and ect. I know because I have worked for unions and they are the worst thing that could happen to a company. I worked for a company that was unionized and there was a person who stole alot from that company and that person got terminated and then that person was back at work in 5 weeks with back pay because that person had 18 years in at the company so they reinstated that person, and that person had no other infractions.  So do you think this is right? If you do I will now know why you hate WAL-MART so much.  I think WAL-MART has done a great job and a better one then other retailers so what is the problem. Oh before I forget, I have noticed that when people support WAL-MART on this site and write the FACTS, that the WAL-MART haters try and change the subject to something that is not even the question at the top of the page. So my question is why? and to you Susan THANK YOU for coming on this site and typing everything that you have in a professional manner. most of what you wrote I wanted to but didn’t know how to put it because I get so agitated when some people that has never worked for the company has to do research to get false answers then goes and puts them down for what they HEARD the company did.
HAVE FUN

ROY,

It’s good to hear from someone currently employed at Wal-Mart. There are a few current employees on here who are happy to be earning good wages and benefits for a retail job. Wal-Mart is a good place to work. It has continuously been voted one of America’s Most Admired Companies and also One of the Best Places To Work in America. You obviously have a good attitude, which is why you earn good money and benefits. We also have some current employees on here who have been pushing carts for 3 years because of their attitude. One guy feels he was discriminated against because he is gay and he was fired for stealing. Another guy hates Wal-Mart because the managers make more money and tell him what to do. Still another complains because she didn’t make manager, even though she is a single mother with 2 kids, cannot work a flexible schedule and has to call off frequently. There was also another poster here yesterday who said that it was unfair that he was fired for being late more than 3 times. What has America come to, people?  Roy, I am glad that you are doing well. Your positive attitude and strong work ethic will carry you far in a company like Wal-Mart. Perhaps you should find out when management slots open up and apply. Just a thought.

As for the rest of you-what is your problem? I have said these things before and I will say them again.

1. Your employer gives you money; you give your employer time and effort. If your employer pays you, it is only fair and proper to expect 100% performance each and every day. How would you feel if your work was rated each day and your employer said “okay, you earn $10 an hour but you only put out 60% effort today so we’re paying you $6 an hour today.” You would be furious. Why then do you expect your employer to pay you your usual rate for less than expected performance on your part?

2. Your employer hires you to solve problems, not create them.

3. You are not entitled to a job. It is not in the Constitution.

4. Your employer exists to make a profit. Anything you do that cuts that profit, including doing nothing, is harmful to you and to your employer.

5. Your employer has the right to expect you to be at work o time, as scheduled, clean, sober, helpful and fully prepared to hit the ground running. How would you like it if it took a while for your paycheck to get going in the morning?

6. You have an obligation to try to improve yourself and your workplace. If you expect to get a promotion, you have to do your job and then some. You have to get people to notice you. You have to exemlify what the company is all about.

7. Nobody owes you anything. You are not automatically entitled to a promotion or a raise. You do not get recognition by sulking and complaining.

8. If you steal from your employer, you steal from yourself and your fellow employees and you should be in jail. Period.

9. If you feel the need to bad mouth your employer, you should either quit or shut your mouth. Otherwise, expect to get fired.

10. If you don’t like what an employer has to offer, don’t accept a job. Once you accept the job, both you and your employer have entered into a moral compact. You agree to work as required; they agree to compensate as required. Anything less, from either party, is a violation of that compact.

I could go on and on but I won’t. Suffice it to say that your employer has the right to expect a lot out of you. Frankly, if you don’t expect at least as much out of yourself, you will never make it. Employers can control who you socialize with, whether or not you smoke, drink or do drugs and they can monitor you at work. You are always under the gun. You must always make an effort to better yourself. Showing up late, stealing, complaining, spreading misery, waste, calling off work constantly, etc. are not good ways to do this.

Roy,
Is it Roy Adams?- The Wal-Mart Drone. Did Nick call you and tell you how & what to post, so he could then respond?
Sounds like your post is a recruitment advertisement for Wally-World. Roy, you must be dreaming or hallucinating, I hope the only person on here that buys your B/S is Nick.

Roy, This site is an anti-Wal-mart site-duh! If you dont like the Wal-Mart bashing go to a Pro Wal-Mart site- if there are any.  Or did Wal-Mart order you to defend them here?

Roy,
Wal-Mart is paging you. Get off the company computer, and get down to Isle seven, for a clean up. Bring your knee pads, The store manager is there to point it out, he will tell you what needs to be done. And , yes, he will give you a good job pin-brownie button, that you can proudly wear at work & home.

Have you read the intro to this forum?  I don’t think the creators intended it for “bashing” anyone. 

See statement before comments start.

“What more can Wal-Mart do? One Wal-Mart Watcher. for example, suggested to us they should create a discount gift registry for victims. We’d like to hear your ideas and we trust Wal-Mart would too.”

They want suggestions on how WalMart can do better.  They do not say “Come on here and tell us all the kak that WalMart does and how bad the company is.”

FYI, not all associates have been mistreated.  Not all have been discriminated against.  Some, like me, have actually been able to work there as equals, rather than inferior workers.  Did you ever consider that perhaps some stores don’t do all that kak that others do?  You say that WalMart should be held accountable for what their managers do.  But don’t you think the managers should be responsible as well? 

And before you try to put words in my mouth, I am NOT saying that WalMart isn’t responsible.  But upper management are not the only ones who wrong the associates.  It all starts with the individual stores and who runs them.  One person’s opinions are not necessarily shared by all in the company.

Susan,
Exerts from your prior posts:

“I have my own reasons to dislike Wal-Mart”
“I know that there are those that have been abused by Wal-Mart (low wages,passed for promotions etc)”
“They have made me hate going to work-The only good thing about my job is my co-workers and I are good friends”
“That is the only thing that gets me out the door sometimes”
“And for me Wal-mart is just a job”

Susan,
the above quotes, were written by you. Doesnt sound like your the happiest associate.  And, yes, I do think the managers should be held responsible as well. I also feel that Wal-Mart promoted these managers for whatever reason. Wal-Mart also trains, retains and gives these managers power and authority over human beings. If the managers mis treat their employees, and Wal-Mart “sweeps important situtations under the rug because they rather not deal with it” ( a quote from one of your posts) Wal-Mart the corporation is liable.
Not because I said so, but because the courts have said so.

Poor treatment of employees somtimes is illegal, when a corporation as big as Wal-Mart does these things ( much to often) It cant help but make the Whole Corporation look bad.
Here is a resource: E.E.O.C. - They are the Federal Government and have successfully sued Wal-Mart in court many, many times.  The EEOC has nothing to do with unions or this site. Ask them about the horror stories they have on Wal-Mart.  The information (if not under investigation) they have on Wal-Mart would fill volumes! , and it is public information.

And I don’t deny anything you have said or anything you have quoted me as saying.

However, the reasons I dislike WalMart happened in another store than the one I am at.  The store I am at currently is fairly decent.  I always get the raises I feel I deserve, I get treated with respect - as an equal - and I feel a part of a team rather than just another employee.

The problem I have is when someone states all these things that WalMart has done as if there is no part of WalMart that doesn’t do these things.  Not every part is bad.  I think it is interesting, though, that there is discrimination in just about any organization but WalMart is the only one being brought to the spotlight on a daily basis.  The smaller companies don’t get this much attention.  I doubt WalMart is the only company where racial/sexist/etc people are in charge and use their personal feelings to dictate their actions and the treatment of those they supervise.

Another thing that I find interesting is that you made no mention of this site not being for bashing, and also that you have neglected to answer most, if not all, of my questions about what WalMart could do to improve - which is what this forum is for.

I was really impressed with Rep. Nancy Pelosi willing to give back $70 million worth of transportation funds earmarked for her district to help hurricane victims. Now why can’t Wal-Mart give back the $35 million earmarked for their corporate HQs access road in Bentonville?

That would be a great start, wouldn’t it?  They would be able to gain the funds later for whatever they need in Bentonville.  And right now, those people need the help/money a LOT more than WalMart does, especially in light of the next hurricane bearing down on them with another behind it. 

Those affected by the hurricanes down south will have to start over from scratch.  Their whole lives have been halted by the storms and they have been forced to find homes and work elsewhere.  If the hurricanes don’t let up, there will be nothing in New Orleans (or the other hard-hit areas) to rebuild with.

That $35Million would sure go a long way to help them get some semblance of life back.

susan,
To answer your question - What could Wal-mart do to improve- Read Jebs post I agree with that 100%

As for bashing Wal-Mart- This site is against Wal-Mart’s underhanded inhuman dealing of their employees. They have asked for OPINIONS and Stories, they even recruit whistle blowers. Obviously this is NOT a PRO Wal-Mart Site, wouldnt you agree?

As far as Wal-Mart being brought into the spot light every day, Wel Susan, the biggest violators of employment laws, civil rights, and human decency has earned their rightful spot in the “SPOTLIGHT” until Wal-Mart changes the way they treat their employees, the environment, advertising tactics ( Nazi Imagery) etc etc. they will stay in the “spotlight” It is the mistreated employees & Ex employees who helped put them there!

Another thing Wal-mart could do to improve is to treat their employees universally better. Even the E.E.O.C. thinks so!

I think most of my posts have been about how Wal-Mart has treated their employees, ( the ones who have sued them and won & the ones who are currently being treated poorly & afraid to say or do something, and the single mothers who cant afford health insurance or dont qualify because wal-mart keeps them below full time but on a string so they’re not able to get a second job) couldnt they do better in that area? Now that I spelled it out that should answer your question, hopefully.

Susan,
This site was designed to expose the evil deeds 0f Wal-Mart. for what it really is,how it treats a large number of its employees, what it has done wrong in small communities, to the environment, to the tax payer etc etc. This site asks for comments, opinions and true stories of current & ex Wal-Mart associates and even encourages whistle blowers to share their horror stories about Wal-mart. Obviously it is NOT a PRO Wal-Mart site wouldnt you agree?

What can Wal-Mart do to improve you ask?
Read the post by Jeb, that would be a good start!  How about treating it employees fairly and justly on a system wide basis? How about paying ALL employees a wage that allows them to live out of poverty. How about giving those that ask for more hours in order to qualify for health insurance the hours needed, instead of stringing them along with less than full time, but an erratic schedule that prevents getting a second job especially single parents. How about Wal-Mart obeying the law in regards to lunch breaks, Family medical leave acts, Fair labor Standards Act, discrimination, civil rights and the many other laws they have been FINED by the courts for breaking in regards to their employees. After spelling out a few things for you I have hopefully answered your question. 

Wal-Mart is in the spotlight “on a daily basis” because their treatment of employees, their ethics & Tactics (Nazi Imagery) and their total disregard for human decency on a scale larger than any other, has put them in the “spotlight”
Wal-Mart will stay in the spotlight until (if & when) they change their operating procedures in regards to treating employeees fairly & with dignity.  Current and ex-employees have helped put Wal-Mart in the spotlight by telling their stories to those that could do something about it like the EEOC, their elected officials etc.  Cities that were promised large sales tax returns and beter living conditions for all, for changing zonning laws to fit Wal-marts needs, that are now worse off than before Wal-Mart came- are putting Wal-Mart in the “spotlight on a daily basis”

What can Wal-Mart do to improve you ask?- Clean up their act & keep it clean. Just ask the many current & ex- employees who have successfully sued Wal-mart, or the ones who stay at Wal-Mart miserable because they feel trapped and dont know what to do or how to get out! the employees who have fallen to the wrath of Wal-mart.

Susan,
What could Wal-Mart do to improve? I think you can answer that question very well, read your own quotes that I posted.read the post by jeb. These are just starters.

Wal-mart will be in the “spotlight on a daily basis” until they change their operating procedures in regards to dealing with their employees in a fair & humane manner. When they change their advertising tactics, (nazi imagery) when they change the way they try to enter communities and build
supercenters. ( environmental awareness, not bullying their way in etc.). Wal-mart would not be in the spotlight if they wern’t the largest violators of these things and labor laws. (look at the recent lunch time suit) The best reference/resource I can give you is the EEOC as I stated in the above post. Wal-Mart has put them selves in the “spotlight” and will remain there until they (if & when) clean up their act across the board!

As far as this site, well Susan, it is not very hard to figure out this site is not a PRO Wal-mart site! Walmart watch asks for opinions, horror stories of current & ex employees, and even seeks out whsitle blowers. I have not seen any requests by this site for stories defending Wal-mart, but I guess Wal-Mart employees post here in defense of their employer in hopes of gaining recognition and favor with them, (instead of confronting them for their wrong doings)

I compare that as I would compare obedience in a dictator ship. (Wal-Mart is Hitler if his soliders (employees) do not bow to him and condone his every action- they will be executed (fired) If his soliders or officers (employees & managers) speak out aginst his evil doings (wal-marts evil doings) they will be TERMINATED, If the soliders ( employees) defend Hitlers actions (Wal-marts actions) they win favor and a better place & conditions for themselves maybe even a promotion!

Why use this comparison? Wal-Mart themselves uses Nazi Imagery to advertise its right to bully into a community!

Susan,
What could Wal-Mart do to improve? I think you can answer that question very well, read your own quotes that I posted.read the post by jeb. These are just starters.

Wal-mart will be in the “spotlight on a daily basis” until they change their operating procedures in regards to dealing with their employees in a fair & humane manner. When they change their advertising tactics, (nazi imagery) when they change the way they try to enter communities and build
supercenters. ( environmental awareness, not bullying their way in etc.). Wal-mart would not be in the spotlight if they wern’t the largest violators of these things and labor laws. (look at the recent lunch time suit) The best reference/resource I can give you is the EEOC as I stated in the above post. Wal-Mart has put them selves in the “spotlight” and will remain there until they (if & when) clean up their act across the board!

As far as this site, well Susan, it is not very hard to figure out this site is not a PRO Wal-mart site! Walmart watch asks for opinions, horror stories of current & ex employees, and even seeks out whsitle blowers. I have not seen any requests by this site for stories defending Wal-mart, but I guess Wal-Mart employees post here in defense of their employer in hopes of gaining recognition and favor with them, (instead of confronting them for their wrong doings)

I compare that as I would compare obedience in a dictator ship. (Wal-Mart is Hitler if his soliders (employees) do not bow to him and condone his every action- they will be executed (fired) If his soliders or officers (employees & managers) speak out aginst his evil doings (wal-marts evil doings) they will be TERMINATED, If the soliders ( employees) defend Hitlers actions (Wal-marts actions) they win favor and a better place & conditions for themselves maybe even a promotion!

Why use this comparison? Wal-Mart themselves uses Nazi Imagery to advertise its right to bully into a community

That would be great if they did that.  The people in the south need a lot of help and $35 million would go a long way.  They will need even more help if these hurricanes don’t let up. 

It will be interesting to see what they do in the wake of Rita’s destruction.  But seeing what is happening in the Gulf these days, I don’t know if they could have done anything after Rita if they used up all their resources on Katrina.  So in a way, I’m actually glad they didn’t do EVERYthing they supposedly could after the last hurricane.  If they had, how would they help the new victims?  WHO would help the new victims, aside from FEMA and the state emergency groups?

Susan,
What could Wal-Mart do to improve? I think you can answer that question easily, read your own quotes that I posted.read the post by jeb. These are just starters.

Wal-mart will be in the “spotlight on a daily basis” until they change their operating procedures in regards to dealing with their employees in a fair & humane manner. When they change their advertising tactics, (nazi imagery) when they change the way they try to enter communities and build
supercenters. ( environmental awareness, not bullying their way in etc.). Wal-mart would not be in the spotlight if they wern’t the largest violators of these things and labor laws. (look at the recent lunch time suit) The best reference/resource I can give you is the EEOC as I stated in the above post. Wal-Mart has put them selves in the “spotlight” and will remain there until they (if & when) clean up their act across the board!

As far as this site, well Susan, it is not very hard to figure out this site is not a PRO Wal-mart site! Walmart watch asks for opinions, horror stories of current & ex employees, and even seeks out whsitle blowers. I have not seen any requests by this site for stories defending Wal-mart, but I guess Wal-Mart employees post here in defense of their employer in hopes of gaining recognition and favor with them, (instead of confronting them for their wrong doings)

I compare that as I would compare obedience in a dictator ship. (Wal-Mart is Hitler if his soliders (employees) do not bow to him and condone his every action- they will be executed (fired) If his soliders or officers (employees & managers) speak out aginst his evil doings (wal-marts evil doings) they will be TERMINATED, If the soliders ( employees) defend Hitlers actions (Wal-marts actions) they win favor and a better place & conditions for themselves maybe even a promotion!

Why use this comparison? Wal-Mart themselves uses Nazi Imagery to advertise its right to bully into a community

Susan,
How can Wal-mart improve? Do you really need that question answered? If so, read all the posts on this entire site you may get some insight.