Of course, Rich has a right to oppose supermarkets. I just don't understand why he's opposing them in this forum. There's little we can do about it and there's so much his neighbors can do. All Rich has to do is convince enough neighbors (It doesn't even have to be a majority. He can stop the mega-merchants in their tracks. (It shoulldn't be too difficult to bring folks around to his way of thinking. He has already convinced us.)
That's the way things work in a free society. No corperation stays where it's not wanted, not because they're sensative, but because they are bottom lined oriented.
I do not patronize the neighborhood Rite Aid. I prefer the independant on the side street and I am willing to deal with the shorter business hours and limited selection to support my community.
But, obviously, there are others in East Falls who choose price and convenience over home town pride. Thus, it has always been. It is the way of the world and the crumbled cookie.