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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous] Why Wal-Mart is bad for America:

1. Wal-Mart destroys more jobs than it creates. A new Wal-Mart destroys jobs by putting local merchants out of business. The jobs Wal-Mart creates are fewer, lower-paying and mostly part-time. (Good Jobs First)

2. Wal-Mart burdens public health care programs. Most jobs at Wal-Mart have little or no health benefits. Wal-Mart encourages its workers to seek public assistance for their health care. In Georgia, 10,000 children of Wal-Mart employees were enrolled in the public health insurance program. (NOW with Bill Moyers, AFL-CIO)

3. Wal-Mart exploits workers. The average hourly worker makes just $18,000 dollars a year. Meanwhile, in 2002, the corporation raked in $6.6 billion in profits. Wal-Mart has known for years that many of its stores violate child labor laws and state regulations requiring work breaks - but has done little, if anything, to stop it. (Mother Jones, New York Times)

4. Wal-Mart degrades the environment. The federal government charged Wal-Mart with violating the Clean Water Act in 17 locations across the country. Run-off from Wal-Mart construction sites polluted drinking water, streams and lakes. To settle the charges Wal-Mart agreed to pay a $1 million dollar fine. (EPA)

Proponents of Wal-Mart tout their low prices - and the positive impact they have on the purchasing power of consumers. But Wal-Mart is able to provide low prices because they are heavily subsidized by taxpayers. In addition to relying on public health care for their employees, Wal-Mart has benefited from over $1 billion in economic development subsidies. (Good Jobs First)

A Better Idea:

Make corporations like Wal-Mart help pay for public assistance programs from which they benefit. Instead of providing taxpayer subsidies to Wal-Mart, invest in businesses that provide stable jobs with adequate wages and health benefits. [/quote]

I would not believe this poster.  I only got to point #2 and I could see plain untruths.

About 95% of Walmart employees have health care.  Half of those are on Walmart plans and the other half are on their spouses' coverage.  I don't know of a major retailer that can say that.  Also, they came out strongly for employer mandated health coverage during the health care debate.  The National Retail Federation (who represents the other guys) was completely opposed to this.  Lastly, the "local" small businesses seldom offer health care to employees.  Since Walmart's stand on health insurance is clearly in the public record, I would consider this person's post to be a rant and not believe anything until you find supporting evidence.[/quote]

Your sources?[/quote]

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