Muscatine

JOS - As you know I value many of the views you present here. You often think of issue from angles most don't even consider. This is not one of those times. Clearly you seem to be speaking from headlines and not any hands on knowledge. I think if we're talking about worker representation and working conditions as a concern we must first ask the worker. When this happens the workers (aka associates) have spoken in a loud and clear voice that no outside representation is needed. This is confirmed largely by the absents of any unionized walmarts with in the united states. I think that speaks louder then any headline that may cross tomorrows front page.

What about support for small, local businesses? Do you really believe walmart ignores the local community? Walmart has answered the call for community needs so often that the community now forgets it is not required. I'm Proud that our community has companies such as HON and Walmart that can answer our calls of need........ They could so easily turn a blind eye.

This fails to bring to the attention of many the number of small businesses that succeed due to walmart being in the community. That would be another story.

So where do you buy groceries? Explain how that place is more local then walmart.

JOS....wow, talk about hitting the nail on the head.  I'm with you on this one.  I can't tell if Chosied and his new alias are blind to all of the horrible labor history and it's resulting court battles, or just willing to accept it and try to invent a silver lining.  Either way, they're oblivious to the harsh reality of the situation.  Once again....good job. 

Wierdmart employs more underage kids in third world countries than any other company in the world, too.

I'm going to trynot to go off of the deep end, but, there are some half truths being posted about Wal-Marts employment practices that just really tick me off!  First of all, I retired from the City of Muscatine, with 30+ years of service.  We have been unionized since about 1980 by the Teamsters Local 238.  When I retired, the union had NO provisions for retirees, like covering a part of the $1032/month to maintain Blue Bross/Blue Shield health insurance (higher now, in 2008).  My health insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), through Wal-Mart, costs me less than $75/month, for the same coverage!  Why, BECAUSE they are the nations' largest employeer, and, can negotiate those kinds of insurance plans.  Do I EVER work off of the clock?  Better not, unless I want to get coached and/or fired!  Do they pay a living wage?  Well, I don't know about anybody else, but, they do ME!  Now I get my retirement check, and my Wal-Mart check, support a step-daughter and 2 of my grand daughters (her kids).  Before retirement, same conditions at home, I was working my full-time job, plus 2 part-time jobs just to make ends meet (due to the step-daughter refusing to support herself, and/or her 2 kids).  Oh, and, I'm driving a new car.  Gave my car to the grand-daughter (just turned 16).  I like working there.  Associates, especially Management, treat me with respect, actually say thank you, never happened with my previous boss.  I've gotten yearly raises, higher amounts than I evergot from my union job.  There are VERY few Ma & Pa stores left.  You CAN blame it on Wal-Mart, but, how about Hy-Vee, Menards, WFO, Lowes, Best Buy, Staples, etc.?  Aren't they also in the same category as Wal-Mart?  Does Hy-Vee buy just local vender food items, I think not!  Sam Walton was a genius, I just wish that I had half of his smarts.  Sam Walton even came up to Aledo, Illinois for the grand opening of that store.  Small town, small store, but, he thought enough of his new associates to come and pay them a visit.  Wal-Mart alwaysgives the associate the benefit of the doubt, even when they shouldn't!  I've worked for a lot worse employers in my time, and Wal-Mart isn't one of them!  But then, I actually show up for work on time, do what I'm supposed to do, try to treat customers like I truely want them there (because I REALLY do).  You've got to have a knack for the retail industry, if you do, it's a GREAT place to work!  The job opportunities are endless, and, a great opportunity for a young person to start out his career.  And, Thank you for shopping you Muscatine Wal-Mart Super Center.  Tom.