BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?

Subject: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:12 AM

We see these threads about Wal Mart come up with a fair amount of consistency. So I'm wondering, how many people here actually shop there?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Bobert
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:31 AM

nope...

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:38 AM

Occasionally if they have something I need. Kendall generally stays in the car!

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST,MBSLynne
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:42 AM

Not me

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: gnu
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:48 AM

I see some Quebecers will not be shopping there since the employees of one store voted for a union and Wal Mart closed that store.

BTW, have you read about the CEO being charged for falsifying expenses? He has claimed that monies received without receipts were for payments to union reps and others in the know for info regarding pro-union employees and organizers. Stupid bastard. Now he's going to go to jail for union busting as well as stealing from his employer.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: gnu
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:51 AM

Got some of that wrong. Here's the story from yesterday. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05100/485943.stm

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: gnu
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:52 AM

Darn.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: gnu
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:54 AM

Or, you could read the thread titled : "BS: Walmart: Union-Busting SOP". Sorry, My bad.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:56 AM

gnu, were you meaning to post that in the other Wal Mart thread perhaps?

I've only shopped at Wal Mart a couple of times--at a Sam's Club and one of their stores that opened up in the neighborhood where I lived and shopped at K Mart before Wal Mart drove them out.

But I have since stopped shopping at all the conglomerate discount stores.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:59 AM

We cross-posted there, gnu.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST,*Laura*
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:03 AM

Well I shop at Asda sometimes and thats owned by Wal Mart. Its not great though.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Severn
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:05 AM

Being a union man, I try to keep away from the Wall-Marts of the world, but I'll admit, until now, I've newer thought about the working conditions of the people who work in the junk stores, thrift stores, pawn shops and dollar stores where, as a collector, I go scrounge for books, recordings and movies. Is this a possible moral dillemma?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:11 AM

"Is this a possible moral dillemma?"

Looks like it. The real problem is our addiction to cheap consumer shit that ends up at the Goodwill and in the dumpster in a very short span of time.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:16 AM

I will check Goodwill before going anywhere else. If they don't have what I'm looking for I will look wherever I need to for it.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:29 AM

I find not shopping much at all to be the best antidote to consumerism, new or used.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: jaze
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:38 AM

I personally have never liked Wal-Mart and therefore never go there. My wife however does the grocery shopping there because it is cheaper, she says.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: breezy
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:41 AM

Does this Union philosophy infiltrate the U K stores too?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Greg F.
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:49 AM

WalMart: your source for cheap plastic crap, made by virtual slave labor in China.

Why the hell would I want to purchase garbage that I'll have to replace in a matter of weeks??

Aside from the politico/moral objections to this outfit, there are practical reasons to shop in a REAL store.

Best, Greg

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Alba
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 10:06 AM

Actually the cheap Labor from China and Tiawan providing goods is more wide spread than just in Walmart or Target Stores.
Check your Labels Folks...
Most of the time I am reading ..manufactured in China/Tiawan. Assembled in the US.
We commission the work out, these Countries do the drudge part then they import it to us and then our cheap Labor force put it together and apply the labels saying made in the US!
With the buying power they command I am sure Walmart and Target, K Mart and Sears and many others buy up a good portion of these imports.

It is hard for some People NOT use these stores considering their economic situations for many people in this and other Countries...sometimes the monetary cost of a Principal and the needs of a Low Income Family just don't work out Budget wise sadly.
Hence why these Companies are thriving.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: RichM
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 10:14 AM

I LIKE some of the goods produced in China. Clothing, electronics, and especially blueridge guitars.

Nothing wrong with buying well made goods from China. Everybody deserves a chance to sell goods in the world's market.
;

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 10:18 AM

And nothing wrong with the Chinese now having buying power to rival the US as a petrol guzzling nation, either.

So now, our freedom loving right to shop at Wal Mart for cheap Chines consumer goods is resulting in it costing Americans a whole lot more to drive to Wal Mart. What goes around comes around, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST,Joe_F
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 11:09 AM

I have never been in one. They seem not to be meant for people who don't have cars.

--- Joe Fineman    [e-mail]

||: Hogamus, higamus, Men are polygamous. Higamus, hogamus, Women, monogamous. :||

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 11:29 AM

I was in one once...in N. Carolina.....when I was traveling and had no choice. I will work VERY hard to be sure that doesn't happen again.

I simply don't like the way they GET their 'lower prices' and what it does to small communities.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 12:22 PM

Never.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: dianavan
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 12:33 PM

I never shop at WalMart but when I was in the States I had to go into one of their stores to scan some photos. I almost bought a cheap CD player and looked at a digital camera, too. The film was cheap! I understand why some would shop there for lower prices but as noted above, the cost of gasoline to get there probably negates any real savings.

My problems with WalMart are many. Mainly that profit without ethical considerations always stinks. Walmart encourages car traffic, cheap labour and monopoly. WalMart is all about instant gratification and impulse buying. It may be a temporary solution for those on a tight budget but the long term damage that is done to the community is well documented.

I also heard that WalMart was busted for transporting illegal aliens to clean their stores. Does anybody know anything about this?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Alba
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 12:53 PM

Here's the Story behind the Illegal Aliens being employed. Walmart fined
It does not mention however these these cleaning crews were being locked in the Stores overnight till the shift ended.
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: dianavan
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 01:14 PM

Alba - Thanks for the link. From the article: 'The chain's use of illegal immigrants "makes them seem like a financial company purely driven by numbers verses a neighborhood company that cares about the community."

I'd say!

Seems WalMart in now campaigning to improve their image and come across as good corporate citizens by donating money to the U.S. govt. to enforce illegal immigration. What schmucks!

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 01:16 PM

And to think the Minutemen could have accomplished the very same vigilante goals by simply shopping at Wal Mart.

Go figure.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST,Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 01:30 PM

I have a much bigger problem with stores which require that customers reveal personal information about themselves in order to obtain a "discount card" that allows them to buy merchandise at only-somewhat-inflated "with-card" prices instead of hyper-inflated "without-card" prices. On average, stores that adopt "discount cards" raise their "without-card" prices by about 40% compared to what they were before. And, here's the kicker, the "with-card" prices average about 12% higher than pre-card-system prices. So, you have to give them your name and address so they can track your shopping habits while you pay more for their merchandise than it was before they invaded your privacy. They can all take their cards and shove 'em.

Now, guess what the only grocery outlet in my area that doesn't require a card is? Guess where I buy groceries? Guess what you can do if you don't like it?

And before anyone says something about Walmart driving "Mom and Pop" grocery stores out of business, there haven't been any of those around here since way before WalMart sold their first can of beans. Alberston's, Winn-Dixie, Publix and the like drove them all out of business years ago. If you wanna talk about mega-stores driving small stores out of business look at the "home-center" stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. Every time one of them goes up, three or four small hardware stores or lumberyards close their doors.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: kendall
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 01:44 PM

It's next to impossible to buy American made goods now, even L.L.Bean has stuff made in foreign countries, but their price sure as hell doesn't reflect their savings!

Wal-Mart= anti-christ.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 02:01 PM

Yet, your wife has admitted in this very thread to shopping there, kendall. So, does waiting in the car absolve you from buying from the anti-christ, then?

I find natural food coops and farmers markets where I can buy from sustainable ag farmers are the best alternatives to Wal Mart and Albertsons. So that is where I choose to shop for my food and gardening stuff.

I too shop second hand, vintage, flea markets, and garage sales (way fun!) when I have the time. I also shop on the internet now. I do still use a handful of stores that have local chains--here in the Midwest I shop at a local chain called Herbergers, which is owned by Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises. They are not a perfect corporation, but they have responded positively to pressure from some quarters (like a boycott to get them to stop sourcing from the worst, most abominable sweatshop cartels, that sort of thing.

I try not to be holier than thou about it all. I just try and let people know it really isn't that hard to be an activist consumer and advocate for the small and sustainable these days, especially if you break the addiction of shopping for disposable consumer crap.

Which includes new cars, hybrid or not.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Ebbie
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 02:12 PM

I don't shop at Walmart. No particular virtue there- we don't have one. I have a sister in Oregon on a limited income, however, who says she doesn't know what she would do without it. We're in a bad bind here, folks.

I do shop at Costco, by the way.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 02:21 PM

BTW, the internet is a wonderful resource for learning how to be an ethical consumer. Try here and here and here and here for starters.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: RichM
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 02:37 PM

Alba, your posting made me curious... so I checked labels!

Had to drop my pants and remove my shirt and tshirt...

But here it is:

jeans: Canada
Tshirt: Canada
Underwear: Made in Mexico!
shirt: Germany!
socks : I dunno
shoes(Rockports): China!
Car: Japan
Guitars: Canada, Canada, USA!, China! Korea! Spain!


Not bad for a Canadian, eh? 4 out of 12 made at home?
Can I put my clothes back on now?


Honestly, I have trouble understanding why USAians get in a knot about these things. OK, so you only own 50% of the world, down from 80% or so...

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 02:40 PM

But ethical consumers, especially American ones, can really start spreading the wealth around and do it responsibly.

So, in that case is it so bad to be concerned about the effect we have upon the planet. I don't shop any differently than I camp, which is to say I try and leave each campsite in better shape than I found it, and tread as lightly upon the environment as I can while I'm there. I find the same philosophy works just as well at home.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Mudlark
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 02:44 PM

I rarely shop at Walmart, largely because I hate being in the store, surrounded by towering shelves of junk food, plastics, cheap toys, all displayed under mind-numbing, glaring flourescent lights, aisles croweded with people who look as braindead as I feel. Like cattle, we shuffle along, pushing a cart...argghhh. I go once a year to buy cheap, nonbrand vacuum bags. That's it. Their Iam's dogfood is $1/bag cheaper...even with 3 corgis, I don't care. I feel one trip to Walmart takes hours, days even, maybe, off my life.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Padre
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:00 PM

I shop at WalMart every week - I like the choices that I find there.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:01 PM

Guest 02.01

Kendall allows me the courtesy of making my own decisions on these matters.

He may not agree with my decisions but, as I am unable to drive in the USA at the moment, he will take me to the places that I want to go to. Otherwise I would go on my own and not involve him in the trips.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:06 PM

With good ol' Paul Wolfowitz at the helm of the World Bank, we are a giant step closer to 'globalization'. There is really going to be only ONE store within the next 20 years. Ya gotta choice: stop it now or it ain't gonna stop.

The problem then will be, IMO, that of all people working for the global economy, the global machine. There will be two classes: rulers and the rest of us. Suck it up or deal with it. There is no third option.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:06 PM

jacquic--honest, I wasn't trying to be holier than thou, or diss either of you. I was just pointing out how difficult it is to be absolutist and judgmental about these things.

It's much easier to just share ideas rather than make statements (however ironic or humorous) like wal mart = anti christ, no?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:07 PM

. . . and these people will help keep you in line.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Alba
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:13 PM

Yes RichM. put your clothes back on..lol

I checked my Labels too and Ive put my Clothes back on now youlle be glad to know...:>)

Jeans: UK ( Marks and Sparks bought in Oxfam last November when I was back in the UK can't see where they were made?)
Tee shirt: China (also bought in same UK Oxfam)
Slippers: Mexico
Undergarmets...blush..: Hong Kong
The Slippers and Undergarments I bought here in the US.
I'm off to read some more labels....yes I have that much time on my hands today...sad in it:>)

Jude

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: maire-aine
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:16 PM

In answer to the original question, I went into one Walmart once, looked around a while and left without buying anything. That was 6 years ago or more. Haven't gone back since, and I can't imagine any circumstance that would take me back into one. Fortunately I have plenty of alternatives.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: jaze
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:53 PM

Do you have Wal-Marts in the UK?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 03:56 PM

I was just in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and there was one there.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Alba
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 04:09 PM

They have Asda in the UK. Part of the Walmart corporation I think?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: robomatic
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 04:15 PM

If you're going to rip off third world workers, the least you could do is pass the savings on to the consumer. I prefer to pay less to the middlemen.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 04:42 PM

I shop at WalMart whenever I have ANY shopping to do...   If not there, then Costco...

Ya don't like it? Call someone who cares....

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 04:53 PM

That's nice.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: DougR
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 05:10 PM

Sometimes. There are other stores closer by, so I guess you could call me an infrequent shopper at Wal-Mart. I have no objection to shopping there though.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: kendall
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 05:12 PM

Guest, Jacqui is my wife. She is not an employee or a slave. If I told her where to go, she would return the suggestion, and that's as it should be unless you are a redneck, a control freak or a Muslim.
I try to set a good example, but she is a free agent and she's entitled to make her own mistakes.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Once Famous
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 05:30 PM

Wal-Mart sells the same brand names as everyone else for less.

They sell CDs for less

They sell brand name sundries and drug store items for less.

They sell brand name food products for less.

They sell brand name automotive supplies for less.

They sell brand name hardware items for less.

If you want to spend more for the same thing elsewhere that's your business. But it's none of yours where I spend mine and how I save money that I work for.

The Wal-Mart I was in last week was doing just fine with out the few old hippies and anti-capitalists here who's money doesn't go as far based on mostly a lot of blowhard principal.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: bbc
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 05:43 PM

You're not likely to get as many folks admitting to shopping at Walmart as those putting it down, since the general opinion on Mudcat is well-known. Why target oneself? I find the selection & prices at Walmart to be good & shop there regularly.

bbc

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 05:47 PM

Guest, Jacqui is my wife. She is not an employee or a slave. If I told her where to go, she would return the suggestion, and that's as it should be unless you are a redneck, a control freak or a Muslim.

Good to see that your racism is free of sexism. I hope CarolC doesn't get on your case.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Once Famous
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 05:48 PM

Or on your face, either.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 05:50 PM

Wot's wrong with him sayin' he ain't a redneck?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST,wayne monroe
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 06:01 PM

I shop at WalMart on a regular basis although I don't necessarily enjoy the experience. Noise, difficulty in moving around the store, waiting in the checkout line, etc.
Wal Mart is an irresistible target for politicians and others but they are, after all, an employer of last resort for many people.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Bearheart
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 06:13 PM

If you lived in a small town like I do, and saw your neighbors' businesses going under, and them losing their livlihoods, you'd know why I don't shop there. I thought this little university town would never attract a Wal-Mart, but I was wrong. A lot of people fought it, but we couldn't keep it out. Several locally owned grocery stores, and other businesses, have gone under. Many others are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. And that only because a higher proportion than average of the townspeople have decided not to shop at Wal-Mart.

The reason you probably don't see this dynamic in larger towns is that other chains drove out the little people long ago-- or the product they sell is so unusual that there isn't a cheap alternative.

I don't have a huge income and I'm self-employed-- but I prefer to go to the farmer's market and the local health food store and other local venders. I just don't want it on my conscience that my neighbors can't make a living in their hometown. Like someone else said, quality is better than quantity-- I don't need a lot of cheap stuff cluttering my house-- what I do need is a healthy community and a healthy lifestyle, and that includes being able to live with myself.

As to better prices and a greater selection-- that will last until Wal-Mart drives the competition out of business-- which is their only aim-- then you'll be paying whatever they decide to charge you. One of the Wal-Mart strategies is to come into a smaller community, drive everyone else out of business, then leave, and you then have to go to the next town over, where there is still a Wal-Mart, to get your goods. By that time it's too late to shop somewhere else, you have no options.
Bekki

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 07:38 PM

"Wal-Mart sells the same brand names as everyone else for less."
F#ckin 'Zactly!!!   As a matter of fact, I find most Wal-Marts have MORE options and brands than ANY 'mom & pop' store I've ever been in...

"saw your neighbors' businesses going under"
That's nature for you... the strong survive and the weak die...

"then you'll be paying whatever they decide to charge you."
Unfounded paranoia....

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 07:50 PM

Bearheart: "then you'll be paying whatever they decide to charge you."
CH: "Unfounded paranoia...."

Tell that one to the oil companies.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 07:51 PM

Wal-Mart is NOT an oil company...

d'uh

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 07:58 PM

No kidding. Doh!

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Bearheart
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 08:35 PM

Then there's this:
If you want to spend at the cheap places you still have some options. If you want to support a progressive agenda, check out the companies who supported the Dems in the last election. And the ones who donated to the other side:


> * Price Club/Costco donated $225K, of which 99% went


> to democrats;


> * Rite Aid, $517K, 60% to democrats;


> * Magla Products (Stanley tools, Mr. Clean), $22K,


> 100% to democrats;


> * Warnaco (undergarments), $55K, 73% to democrats;


> * Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, $153K, 99% to


> democrats;


> * Estee Lauder, $448K, 95% to democrats;


> * Guess ? Inc., $145K, 98% to democrats;


> * Calvin Klein, $78K, 100% to democrats;


> * Liz Claiborne, Inc., $34K, 97% to democrats;


> * Levi Straus, $26K, 97% to democrats;


> * Olan Mills, $175K, 99% to democrats.


> * Gallo Winery, $337K, 95% to democrats;


> * Southern Wine & Spirits, $213K, 73% to democrats;


> * Joseph E. Seagrams & Sons (includes beverage


> business, plus considerable media interests), $2M+,


> 67% democrats.


> * Sonic Corporation, $83K, 98% democrat;


> * Triarc Companies (Arby's, T.J. Cinnamon's, Pasta Connections),


> $112K, 96% Democrats;


> * Hyatt Corporation, $187K, 80% to democrats;


>

> AGAINST US:


> WalMart, $467K, 97% to republicans;


> K-Mart, $524K, 86% to republicans;


> Home Depot, $298K, 89% to republicans;


> Target, $226K, 70% to republicans;


> Circuit City Stores, $261K, 95% to republicans;


> 3M Co., $281K, 87% to republicans;


> Hallmark Cards, $319K, 92% to republicans;


> Amway, $391K, 100% republican;


> Kohler Co. (plumbing fixtures), $283K, 100%


> republicans;


> B.F. Goodrich (tires), $215K, 97% to republicans;


> Proctor & Gamble, $243K, 79% to republicans;


> Coors, $174K, 92% to republicans; (also Budweiser -


> sd)


> Brown-Forman Corp. (Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, Bushmills, Korbel


> wines - as well as Lennox China, Dansk, Gorham Silver), $644, 80% to


> republicans; Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (chicken), $366K, 100%


> republican;


> Outback Steakhouse, $641K, 95% republican;


> Tricon Global Restaurants (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell),


> $133K, 87% republican;


> Brinker International (Maggiano's, Brinker Cafe,


> Chili's, On the


> Border, Macaroni Grill, Crazymel's, Corner Baker,


> EatZis), $242K, 83% republican;


> Waffle House, $279K, 100% republican;


> McDonald's Corp., $197K, 86% republican;


> Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Smokey


> Bones, Bahama Breeze), $121K, 89% republican;


> Mariott International, $323K, 81% to republicans;


> Holiday Inns, $38K, 71% to republican

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: kendall
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:04 PM

Racism? Me? surely you jest, Guest. If you know anything about Muslims, you know that Muslim women do as they are told by their husbands. That is all I said, so stop reading in something that is not there. I am not a racist.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Don Firth
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:58 PM

I shopped once at a Wal-Mart in a small, mid-western town. Wal-Mart was the only place in the area I could get what I needed, because all the other stores that sold the item had been driven out of business by The Big Box. It was good that the item was cheap, because it fell apart within three days. I had to hold it together with duct tape until I could get to a bigger city with civilized stores and get a decent one.

Piece of crap. I'd rather pay a bit more and get something that will last for more than three days.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: M.Ted
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 10:26 PM

I hate Walmarts--they tend to be dirty and unpleasant, and the folks who work there tend not to be very motivated to help you out. The prices are competitive, but the savings are often on the line of
WalMart-- $2.97 and the place across the way--$2.99--

The business about WalMart driving out Mom and Pop businesses is dubious--the genius of WalMart was to build an empire by putting stores in all those cookie cuttersprawl areas where there there were 5,000 new housing units built a year with nowhere to shop--

The older, established stores that have been "driven out" have tended to serve older, shrinking, communities, and generally were pretty shaky before WalMart came along--

Like it or not, the simple truth is that the folks who move into the sprawl communities want the stuff that Walmart/Target/Circuit City/Red Lobster/Chilli's have, not the stuff that the merchants in the older strip malls have.

Marketing and merchandising follow the Tao, just like everything else, and if you don't change to accomodate the market, you lose--


Even still, I hate WalMart--and remember, if you don't shop at WalMart, you reduce your risk of running in to Martin Gibson--

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: robomatic
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 11:05 PM

I have yet to see a dirty Wal-Mart.

Tonight's latest presentation of the Simpsons contained reference to Homer getting a job at the "Sprawl-Mart" which had a sign out front that said: "If you worked here, you'd be poor now."

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 11:08 PM

For $10,000 you can know what Walmart knows.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: robomatic
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 11:17 PM

What we need to do is fund overseas union organizers using our profits from Walmart stock.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST,ragdall
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 01:23 AM

It isn't easy for two people to live on one old age pension. I shop at any store that has low prices, including Wal*mart. They sell the same brands as other stores, but the prices are lower.

One concept I'm having difficulty understanding is the belief that if we refuse to buy items produced by "slave workers" in an Asian country, it will improve the lives of those workers. If they lose the market for their goods, who will step in and pay the higher wages to those people and how?

North American trade unions are leading the campaign to urge consumers to boycott those goods and buy union made products. Would this not provide, or secure, more jobs for their union members, while denying the "slave laborers" the only livelihood that they have?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Boab
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 01:32 AM

Been in this small town fifteen years, been in Macdonald's once [with foreign visitors] and never once in Walmart.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: dianavan
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 03:22 AM

Ragdoll - Union's create jobs in America. When jobs are shipped overseas, the labour force at home suffers. You must also take into account the cost to the environment in transporting large quantities of goods.

WalMart doesn't care about its workers in the States, why would they care anymore about workers in China? WalMart only cares about profit. They are working very hard to improve their image but you can bet that its only skin deep.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST,ragdall
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 06:23 AM

Ragdoll - Union's create jobs in America. When jobs are shipped overseas, the labour force at home suffers.

dianavan,
I agree that is the real concern of the unions.

The literature they were handing out expressed a humanitarian concern about ending the plight of underpaid, and often underaged, workers overseas, by refusing to buy their products.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 06:56 AM

I do shop at Walmart. Walmart is the closest store to my home (11 miles). I do shop the sales at the other "nearby" stores when their prices are better.

Do I *like* Walmart? No, not particularly but they do save us money. We haven't had any trouble with "crap" falling apart at all. Even if we did, Walmart will take just about anything back and you can get your money back. They have a store brand food that has an unconditional guarantee....I have used it and was given my money back promptly without a hassle. Most of the store brand stuff has been good (some even better than the name brand), so the occassional return doesn't bother me one bit.

I shop a variety of stores and go quite out of the way to shop them, but when Walmart has better prices, that is where I go and will continue to go.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: ejsant
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 06:57 AM

"...and I owe my soul to the company store"

We really haven't gotten to far after all, have we?

Peace,
Ed

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Once Famous
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 11:08 AM

Congratulations to Mudcatters who have the nerve to say they shop at Wal-Mart and not care what some of the Marxist snobs of Mudcat think.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 11:09 AM

I shop at Asda (WalMart in the UK) all the time. Good quality produce. Very good value. Exceptionaly good on 'no quibble' guarantees with 3 years free on TVs and 1 year on other electrical equipment.

I have also known a few people that work there and they unanimously agree it is the best place they have worked at, with flexible hours good pay and prospects and a good management structure. The only thing I have reservations about, but this applies to all large chains and not just Asda, is the damage they do to small suppliers who's profits are forced down and down until they can no longer trade.

I went to a couple of WalMarts in the States and they are as different to Asda as the UK is to the US!

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 11:14 AM

I would agree with Dave - Asda and Walmart are very different.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Amos
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 11:20 AM

Brucie, that is obscene!!! I doubt it costs them $5000 to produce such a report. Awful.


A

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: M.Ted
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 12:00 AM

I still haven't figured out why someone who is as well off as you claim to be is so fond of the distinctly proletarian WalMart--It isn't exactly a hangout for the Republican Corporate set--

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: dianavan
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 12:32 AM

Because WalMart pays Marty to install Spyware? ;>)

Seriously, Lilyfestre - Think about the price of gasoline and tell me if the 22 mile trip is worth saving a few pennies.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: open mike
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 01:20 AM

ok just checked..

sweat shirt-Turkey
Bra-U.S.A.
Underpants-Honduras
pants-Hong Kong

didn't realize i had
clothes made in so
many diff. places

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: open mike
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 01:31 AM

oh , and i get pet food at Mall Wart,
but that's about all. Sometimes cassette
tapes cuz costco stopped carrying them a
couple of years ago.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 04:30 AM

"How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?"

My guess is 27.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Alba
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 04:46 AM

Well Brucie it is actually 29 according to these nice Folks: FYI

*bg*
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 04:48 AM

LOLOLOL

Tears in my eyes. I didn't know what to expect, but that t'weren't it.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 05:46 AM

Out of interest our TV packed in sometime between switching it off on Sunday and turning it on on Monday. We bought it from Asda in June 2002 with a free 3 year warranty. Took it bak yesterday - No quibbles qualms or anything. Ended up getting a new one while we were there - Panasonic flat screen jobby - very nice too. Only 1 year warranty this time though and I did need to pay the £70 difference in price.

Now, got it back and found it was a little too deep and I will have to adjust our fitted shelf or change the TV for a slimmer one (Which Asda will do withing 28 days should the need arise.) Scouring the net for dimensions I found it was about the slimmest standard TV, at 51cm, anyway but I then found that Currys have the same TV on offer, with a free stand for £40 less.

Asda are currently advertising if you see the same product for less anywhere they will refund twice the difference. I'm going to test it out. At best I will get £80 and at worse I will return it and save £40 anyway:-) I'll keep you posted.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 06:40 AM

Dianavan,

   Because Walmart is THE CLOSEST store to my home and because they do have lower prices, it sure is worth it to me. I drive a bit farther (sometimes up to 40 miles) to shop the sales at OTHER stores....so Walmart is even saving me on gas money. I think you read my post backwards.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 06:42 AM

You know what, that's just crazy that I would even justify why I shop where I do. We all have our reasons for what we do, usually it's we do what we do because it is best for US.

Enough said.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: dianavan
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 12:43 AM

Michelle - I wasn't sure if you were saying that WalMart was closer or that the "local" stores were closer. Thanks for the clarification.

If you don't want to talk about where you shop, why did you post to this thread? If you want to support WalMart, go ahead. Its your conscience. Enough has been said that it should be abundantly clear that they are not good, corporate citizens. Its a matter of putting your money where your mouth is.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 01:14 AM

IF I can't find it in this small burg where I live I will go to Wal Mart first. It's 30 miles away, but I often hit the smaller stores in that town too. Esp the health food store. Only a very few things are enough cheaper at Wal Mart to bother with for me.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 05:20 AM

Damn! First disappointment - It was only refund the difference. Second disappointment - Doesn't apply to web based offers. third disappointment - Bought a multi-function remote control to get rid of the TV/Cable/Video/DVD - Doesn't work with the new TV:-(

Ah well - Things come in 3's. Thats it now. Nothing lost. I'll take the remote back today and get a shirt (just spilt bacon grease on mine. Oh no! Is this the start of another 3?)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 07:29 AM

Dianavan,

   Others have stated their reasons without criticism, yet you feel the urge to have something to say to me about this. How many other folks do you think you should talk to?   How about you come over to my house and YOU do the budgeting and YOU pay the bills and see what YOU have leftover, k?

Some of us DO live on a budget and would prefer to spend our hard earned cash on something besides groceries. For me, that would be tuition, diabetic medication, insurance, heat....you know...all the FUN stuff.

If we all shopped according to our principles, you would be more like me in doing the best you can to raise your food (meat, veggies and fruit) organically.

So yes, I do shop Walmart for the things I need that are not on sale at the other nearby stores. I don't feel bad about it one bit. Nice try though.
Cheers.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Once Famous
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 05:46 PM

Good one Lilyfestre.

dianavan is either pretty rich or pretty dumb.

Actually I think she just likes to whine about anything American.

Plenty here have her pegged.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: number 6
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 06:19 PM

Walmart's aisles are too narrow, place is crowded, congested, checkout lines are too long. Not worth going to to save 22 cents on a box of Tide.

I once was going to buy some Michelin tires at Walmart. They were considerably cheaper than anywhere else. I was told by the Walmart tire guys that Michelin would not cover the warranty, only Walmart would. Hmmmm, I guess these were Michelin tires that were not up to Michelin standards, made to Walmart specifications. Well that swayed my decision not to buy these cheaper Michelins, or Walmarts or whatever they were. Went to a mom and pop shop, paid a reasonable price, but higher than what Walmart was offering. Got me some Michelins, with Michelin standards and a Michelin warranty to boot. So, what gives with the rest of Walmart products. Cheaper but made to WalMart's lower standards. I dunno, makes me wonder.

sIx

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Nemesis
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 06:28 PM

I think Walmart and here in UK Tesco - are a con ... Tesco have just made £2 billion profit while their fruitpickers in South Africa are living in cardboard boxes and in the fields at the same time as pesticides are being sprayed...

We're just conned into an ever cheaper "cost of living" which means OUR employers don't need to pay us what would be a living wage if we had to pay others to have a living wage for what they produce..

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 07:21 PM

Wal-Mart used to advertise heavily that they sold "Made in USA" goods whenever possible ~ and they did. You don't hear that any more; perhaps since the founder died?

Avoiding Wal-Mart will not give you any more or less chance of buying stuff made overseas, in whole or in part, by cheap labor. That's what's on the market everywhere.

I used to go to the local Wal-Mart quite often, but less so now. It is still my main source for underwear, socks, stationery, peat moss, cypress mulch, and bedding plants. Since we finally got a Target store in our area, the missus patronizes Wal-Mart much less often than before. We usually make a run to Sam's (Wal-Mart affiliate) about once a month for a few things we buy in bulk.

The new Wal-Mart "superstores" (which now include groceries) are clean and bright and spacious; the older stores are a bit more cramped and sometimes dingy.

To my mind, the worst thing about the giant chainstores is the impact upon small local businesses ("Mom and Pop" stores). I think it's stupid to single out WM, though ~ even for those of us who disagree with how the corporation distributes its politcal contributions. As has been mentioned, the impact of Home Depot and Lowe's upon local hardware merchants is probably worse; your neighborhood hardware guy has usually been the source of some real expertise that will be missed when he's gone.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 07:59 PM

PoppaGator:

Thanks for sharing with us where you buy your underwear. We were wondering (just kidding).

The reason Walmart gets singled out so much is their procurement policy. They are the biggest corporation in this galaxy and they carry nearly everything. If you manufacture something that sells at retail you must deal with them. They buy a million of your widgets at some price and sell them at a profit. When it's time to re-order, they tell you that you now must sell it to them for 20% less than last time. You say that is impossible and they tell you go come back when you've figured out how to do it.

So, if you were making your widgets in the U.S., you change to off shore manufacturing to reduce your cost. If you were already manufacturing off shore, you search for an even cheaper sweat shop.

Because their so big, they drive the entire industry to cheaper and cheaper manufacturing.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Once Famous
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 09:59 PM

Suppliers to Wal-Mart get levereged for a best price and they may grumble about it but business is business. What they do love is the competitve and demographic information that Wal-Mart provides for them that helps them in penetrating new markets and enables them to develop new products.

Really gang. Wal-Mart is the greatest marketing organization the world has ever known. Business is about making money and profits. The biggest whiners here evidently don't work in business, or really understand much about the world of business.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 11:50 PM

Yes, Martin, business is about making money and profits but the recipe should also include a dash of ethics and a bit of concern for the good of society as a whole. Walmart forgot that part.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 12:55 AM

Yeah, all that is grand. But I ask you paragons of virtue the same question, and you keep ducking it.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 02:00 AM

What question?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 06:42 AM

I don't think Walmart entirely forgets about the community. The local Walmart here is a big contributor towards many organizations (schools, cancer society, autism walks, etc).

They have large copies of checks that they have donated to various organizations hanging on the wall. Also, near the Customer Service desk, they have photos of their employees involved in civil organizations. I suppose it's recognition, support, promotion and encouragment to do the same all wrapped up in one.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST,Auggie
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 10:55 AM

I'm not a big fan of Wal Mart's hard-ball business ethos.

I would strongly disagree with the view that good business practice is based on the premise of maximizing profits at any cost, and I've owned and run a reasonably successful business for 27 years. Now granted, mine is much (much) smaller than Wal Mart (hey, whose isn't?), but it's certainly easy enough to survive financially when each exchange of money is viewed as a win-win (I win, You Win)opportunity rather than an "I win, You Lose" proposition. You also sleep a hell of a lot better at night.

While I would agree that it's laudable to avoid patronizing ANY business you regard as a predator, regardless of whether it's preying on it's suppliers, it's customers or it's employees, I'm afraid I view it as rather unfair to single out Wal Mart for this distinction.

If I avoid Wal Mart because it has been painted in the media as a ruthless beast, how do I know the alternative stores are any better?
Is K-Mart, IKEA, Safeway, Costco, or whatever a better corporate citizen, or are they equally ruthless but with their sins merely less well known? In my town there are some "mom and pop" operations who would take you for every last dime if you were to give them half a chance.

Wal Mart makes an easy target becuase of it's size, but making certain we're spending our dollars only with responsible corporations, big or small, requires a lot more time and expertise than most of us possess.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: M.Ted
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 12:50 PM

It's nice to read a post from Martin that has a point (other than the one on his head), though, in all fairness, it should be pointed out that it is not Walmart, but Christianity that is the greatest marketing organization that the world has ever known.

Auggie makes an important point as well.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 08:39 PM

M Ted,

Islam ain't doin' so bad, either.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Once Famous
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 09:19 PM

I wouldn't mind if Islam went out of business.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Peace
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 09:21 PM

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: number 6
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 10:16 PM

I dunno MG, I don't think Islam will be going out of business soon. Got to hand it them, they are one great marketing organization; after all they are the fastest growing religion on this earth.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Ron Davies
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 10:51 PM

Auggie--

Regarding facts on comparison of Walmart with Costco on treatment of employees--see my 13 April 2005 11:07 PM posting on "Walmart: Union-Busting SOP" thread.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: dianavan
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 01:59 AM

Augie - You said, "Is K-Mart, IKEA, Safeway, Costco, or whatever a better corporate citizen, or are they equally ruthless but with their sins merely less well known? In my town there are some "mom and pop" operations who would take you for every last dime if you were to give them half a chance."

I don't shop in any of those stores, including unfriendly, rip-off Mom and Pops. It doesn't take that much effort to give your money to people you respect. Its easier, in fact, to support the friendly neighborhood families than to throw your money at a faceless corporation. There are alot of other ways to save money than shopping at Wal-Mart.

Ways to save money:

1. Skip the Latte
2. Sell your car
3. Sew
4. Cook and bake
5. Repair it instead of throwing it away
6. Re-use it
7. Resist impulse buying

The list goes on and on.

Like I said before, its your conscience. If you value community, put your money where your mouth is.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 10:39 AM

Dianavan,

   You must live in a heavily populated area. Some of us live out in the sticks and the places to shop are very limited. Good for you that you have the option to shop where you please and the funds to do so. Please don't assume that everyone has the same options.

Where I live, there are two places to shop for groceries within a 13 mile radius. Walmart and a Mom & Pop shop. While the sales at the Mom & Pop shop are sometimes decent, the remaining merchandise is outrageous. If I drive an additional 15 miles from there, I have the choice of 2 more chain grocery markets. If I were to drive 30 miles from my home in an opposite direction, I can find additional stores...but that is time consuming and costly to do for just sale merchandise.

I'm not complaining but rather stating how it is here and could very well be in other places.

Some of your suggestions are great but others are not a one size fits all kind of deal.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Auggie
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 11:49 AM

Thank you Michelle, for covering half of what I was going to post.
I too, would be led to believe Dianavan does not have a working knowledge of what life is like in an area similar to mine (sell my car?-there is no public transportation out here in the boonies sweetheart, nor for that matter is there anyone who sells Lattes). In fact, I often wonder if she lives on the same planet, but regardless Diana, your response misses my (perhaps poorly made) point entirely.
How are we to know who is truly a "good corporate citizen"?
Yes, we often are informed of the bad ones, but who is to say the others aren't worse, only hiding behind a PR veneer of civic respectability. The mom and pop examples I referred to look to the casual observer like they are straight out of Mayberry, however if they were examined with the same level of scrutiny Wal Mart is, they would come off looking considerably worse.
In short, it ain't that simple to tell the good guys from the bad guys, and neither size nor friendliness is a valid indicator of ethical behavior.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Once Famous
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 12:07 PM

dianavan,

I would rather have the latte, the cool car, buy new clothes, eat in nice restaurants, buy a new CD, etc. and save money at Wal-Mart.

Life is America is great! Interesting, too.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 03:30 PM

Bev and Jerry,

I'm glad to hear how interested you were in my skivvy-buying habits (kidding).

Actually, I don't think I've ever bought a single item of outerwear at WalMart (unless socks count because the tops of them are visible).

I probably spend more on lawn/yard/gardening supplies than on anything else I get at WalMart ~ at least during the growing season (which is about 9-10 months long here in the deepest South).

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: DougR
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 04:44 PM

Dianavan:doesn't your coffe taste stale at some point?

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Once Famous
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 05:17 PM

Hey, she saves money on stale coffee.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: dianavan
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 10:40 PM

Thats right, Lily, I live in a big city with lots of options but WalMart is still trying to muscle in. I haven't always lived in the city and I know that sometimes the closest and most convenient store is a big box. However, if you have the option, you should exercise your consumer power to support the merchant of your choice.

Even when I lived on the island, we had community. Although I didn't have a car and it was a passenger only ferry, I bought locally whenever I could. On the other side, I had choices. I chose not to buy at the big boxes.

If you live in an isolated place without community, I guess the loss of community outlets would not mean as much to you as it would to me. If WalMart is your only option, what can you do? What did you do before WalMart?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: tarheel
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 10:49 PM

yes,i shop at, "WALLY WORLD"!!!

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 03:42 AM

I shop where I work

I take care of them, they take care of me.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 07:48 AM

Dianavan,

   You are just way out there honey. Isolated areas do not equal lack of community, if anything, the sense of community is much greater. Get off the soapbox and realize that people, no matter where they are in the world, are going to do what THEY feel is best. I do what I feel is best for my family just as everyone else does.

ML

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: dianavan
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 12:05 PM

LilyFestre - I already said your conscience should guide you.

I also realize that isolated communities are often the closest but I thought you were saying that you really didn't have local merchants nearby. I urged you to use your consumer power to shop wherever you choose. Although our choices might be different, that hardly standing on a soapbox.

I'd still like to know where you shopped before there was WalMart.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 09:08 PM

Walmart was here when we moved here. Before that we shopped in the town in which we lived.

My conscience feels just fine while shopping at Walmart, thank you.

ML

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 09:25 PM

"I also realize that isolated communities are often the closest but I thought you were saying that you really didn't have local merchants nearby."

I am not of the opinion that community is not made of merchants (near or far) but of the people who live nearby who contribute to the living environment. To me, that means the farmer who would help out when we ran out of hay....my husband who pushed a car out of a ditch on a cold winter night for a woman who was stranded...the lady up the road who helped us drive some escaped hogs one night....the exchange of notes of encouragement to and from our mail carrier...need I go on?

I realize that merchants are part of many communities but seeing how we don't have any merchants in the neighborhood, I'd be awfully hard pressed to say there is a lack of community simply because there are no stores, churches or post offices on our mountain top.

ML

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 09:36 PM

I am not of the opinion that community is not made of merchants (near or far) but of the people who live nearby who contribute to the living environment.   

*********OOPS****************

That SHOULD read that I am not of the opinion that community is made of merchants (near or far) but of the people who live nearby who contribute to the living environment.

ML

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: bobad
Date: 04 Sep 06 - 08:29 PM

Sign the Wal-Mart Bible letter

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Sep 06 - 09:00 PM

How many times have I shopped at Wal-Mart?

Once. That's when my wife and I were visiting in a small town in Nebraska, and we didn't have any bloody choice. It was the only store in town. All the old family stores had been driven out of business by the Giant Box on the edge of town.

By the way, the item I purchased was a bit cheaper than what I would have had to pay in most stores. But then, it fell apart in three days.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Sep 06 - 11:46 PM

Bobad

Interesting letter.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Old Guy
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 12:46 AM

It is a funny thing but you can buy the same identical things, US made and foreign made, that others sell, for less at Walmart.

So how does that make Walmart a perveyor of cheap goods that fall apart in a few days?

If there is an item you need at Target and Best Buy has it for less, you buy it at Best Buy. So does that make Best Buy evil?

Walmart does the same thing that MacDonalds, Jiffy lube, Dunkin Donuts, Home Depot. Etc does.

I shop around and buy from the one that has the lowest price which is not always Walmart.

If that is stupid, whom does an intelligent person buy from?

Got a TV?

Where was it made?

Did you buy it from the highest priced retailer?

Did you buy it online to beat even Walmart's price?

Subject: RE: BS: How many Mudcatters shop at Wal Mart?
From: Mooh
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 09:36 AM

Hate shopping to begin with. Had the misfortune to enter an IKEA store in an university town on the Friday evening before Labour Day weekend. What a zoo, but I'd do anything for my kids.

Shopping for me has to do with tackle shops in sleepy little out of the way places, music shops when there's not a crowd, a grocery store (take a look at me, it gets a lot of my business!), a genuine hardware store, news-stand, and once or twice a year maybe a clothing store like Mark's Workwearhouse or whatever.

I don't like Mall-Wart because most shopping sucks, especially what doesn't interest me. I also don't like Mall-Wart's general attitude towards its workers. It probably doesn't like my attitude either, and I'm comfortable with that.

Peace, Mooh.