I'm not a huge fan of Wal-Mart, but...

Wal-Mart isn't a monopoly. There are plenty of other choices besides. Wal-Mart, as obnoxious as it may be, is some people's idea of the American dream: local store turned worldwide company. Not saying I necessarily agree with that, but here in the Land of Opportunity, you too have the opportunity to grow a business.

Then when you grow it and become wealthy, people will kick you in the ass and talk about what a parasite you are. Nice, huh? If you don't believe me, ask Ted Turner or Bill Gates.

Wal-Mart has stuff that people need and want at prices most people can afford. If people didn't actually shop there, they wouldn't be so huge. Don't blame them - blame the market. If you don't want to shop there, don't shop there. And yes, you do have a choice. Depending on where you live, it may be an inconvenient choice, but it's a choice all the same.

Martin, while Nashville's reputation as Music City is vastly overrated, it's a pretty fair place.