Ron,
Since, as you read in my previous comments, for the most part I defend Walmart. I'm amazed, however, that I've shared with you guys the things I do and don't like about Walmart and other big discount boxes. I want to know more about the Maryland thing but I have to study elsewhere. Like you guys don't put much stock in my "anecdotes" I don't feel I can trust anyone in this forum to keep it fair. The passion seems to be either love or hate. There's not an ounce of ambivalence. I resent immensely that none of you found the DM's comments to have any credibility whatsoever. Not one of you said, "that made me feel better, but I hope he wasn't just sounding forth to make Walmart look good." And why aren't you all down on other companies who aren't unionized? And why don't you talk about the negative aspects of union involvement. The original intent was good, but there are plenty of sages throughout the years who've talked about the damage unions can do. Bib Mick, you talk about all the times Walmart hasn't followed the law.....could you please give me a long list. In the recent illegal alien thing (floor cleaning), these were subcontractors who were contracted to clean floors. Are they not responsible for knowing their employees' backgrounds. There was a regional VP in some Walmart division who allegedly accepted a kickback from a cleaning crew but that I believe was a separate, isolated incident. He was fired and deserved to be fired. But I resented that Walmart had to "settle" out of court and pay the U.S. 11 mil for the carelessness of the subcontractors. Does W-M have to police ever sub that they hire? Why is all the responsibility on W-M....because they have the bucks to pay Uncle? I thought that was grossly unfair. I reiterate that I feel that I'm the only one in this forum who'll take a look at every fact and say something like "Yea Walmart was very wrong there," or "Yes, it's wonderful what Wlamart gives back to the community." Kat, I think you were the one who commented that you mourn the loss of the small downtowns of yesteryear when retailers felt a sense of community (I'm obviously paraphrasing here). I think Walmart does a great job to give back. And all the passionate Walmart haters don't trust W-M's motives. I'm amazed that one of you mentioned that for every 10 associates who are happy, he knows 10 cases of abuse. And you guys won't accept MY anecdotes? I did ask the DM about his background....he grew up in a blue collar neighborhood with rabidly prejudiced parents. Today he's a different person, valuing his fellowman. He told me that he's proud to say that his mother today is a different woman. The DM dropped out of college after two years, and wishes he had finished but said that for now he doesn't desire going back---might one day after retiring. Although he started with Walmart as an assistant manager (had managed for another retailer, he said that he's proud about 75 percent of his company's store managers started out as lower level associates. I have to do more checking regarding other comments.