Voting Rights: Good; Health Care And Decent Wages: Also Good
For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 16, 2005
As reported today in the Washington, D.C. newspaper Roll Call, Wal-Mart President and CEO Lee Scott has written to President Bush to urge support for reauthorization of provisions of the Voting Rights Act.
In response, Wal-Mart Watch Executive Director Andrew Grossman said, “The fact that Wal-Mart supports the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act is welcomed by all who care about a fair, robust democracy. We believe this move shows our efforts are having an impact, because Wal-Mart is feeling the pressure to do what is obviously the right thing. However, this does not distract us from the fact that Wal-Mart could now achieve even more justice in the world by providing its employees affordable health care and sufficient wages. The company’s espoused respect for the individual should be matched with action on those fronts, as well.”
Excerpts of Lee Scott’s letter to President Bush are below:
…On behalf of Wal-Mart Stores Inc and our more than 1.2 million associates in the United States, I am writing to urge you to fully support and reauthorize the enforcement provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that are set to expire in 2007.
…As the largest private employer of African-Americans, we take a keen interest in this issue. In doing so, we stand with all Americans - regardless of race, color or religion - in ensuring inalienable rights, as articulated by the U.S. Constitution. One of Wal-Mart’s three basic corporate beliefs and values is respect for the individual. I think you will agree that the more Americans are disenfranchised, the more our democracy is at risk - both here and abroad.
