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Arba_Sicula
Guest
“Most of us work too hard and save too little, struggling to pay credit-card minimums and hoping, some day, to finance braces for the kids.”
Us? I don’t think we have to worry too much about Medved being in the same position as poorer Americans. I also notice that Medved attacks the messenger and not the message. I wonder why he is so totally uncritical. I have my suspicions.
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spiritblows
Guest
Arba Sicula said:
Maybe his stockholdings in WalMart were taking a hit?
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b_justb
Guest
How many millions of dollars did Walmart give in Katrina aid? How many truck loads of water and other hard goods did they send into the devastated areas? Ever been to the book section in any Walmart? Ever notice that their bibles and Christian books take up a rather large section in that area? Notice that Walmart funds and supports politically Conservative ideas? I wonder why the Liberal Media has such a problem with Walmart?
Mad that Walmart pops up and smaller Mom and Pop stores go under? That’s the nature of Capitalism. Not every Company can be Amtrak and get subsidized by the federal government year after no profit making year.
If Walmart is sooooo hideous why don’t people just stop buying from them and then they’d go out of business?
Mad that Walmart pops up and smaller Mom and Pop stores go under? That’s the nature of Capitalism. Not every Company can be Amtrak and get subsidized by the federal government year after no profit making year.
If Walmart is sooooo hideous why don’t people just stop buying from them and then they’d go out of business?
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YinYangMom
Guest
I have been shopping at walmart 2-3 times per week for the past 5 years. I love the merchandise and the prices.
However, upon seeing the film hubby, kids and I no longer shop there.
I’m a business major, I understand marketing, budgeting, salaries/benefits, buying, etc. All this time I thought the low prices at Walmart were the result of wise planning, sharp buyers, sound business policies, particularly because there are so many Wal-marts (buying into the logic that their purchasing power garnered more pull to vendors). I, too, thought the moaning and griping from the liberals were a matter of them not getting how business works.
Wrong. Sadly so.
The low prices we were benefitting from came off the backs of the employees and my own tax dollars! Management purposely keeps the wages of the workers low to keep that cost variable down so that the profits can increase.
They consistently pressure employees to work an extra hour or two at the end of their shifts but then do not allow them to post it on their timecard (no over-time). This was not only in the movie, but in our town, I’ve spoken to many employees of our Walmart here and they confirm this.
When employees appeal to their managers for increased wages, management is told to hand them a list of social services available by the state, the local community, the federal government. Basically they purposely design their wage structure to rely on subsidies from governmental agencies to pay for their workforce. They keep the individual’s wages low enough to qualify for government assistance - that’s my tax dollars paying for the employees which help me ‘save’ money weekly. So the real savings to me isn’t there at all. This, too, was confirmed in our local Walmart by employees I’ve spoken to who have faced hardships and tried to seek longer work shifts from the boss.
They install monitoring cameras and listening devices throughout their buildings, not for security reasons, but specfically to root out anyone trying to get a union started. When they find those people they push them out of their jobs (reduced work load, known impossible work shifts, etc.)
This was enough for me. There is more, much more. I highly recommend the film to anyone with a conscience for their fellow man, their community and their environment.
Trust me, it is very difficult for a person like me, with our small family budget to start paying $1 more per grocery item on our shopping list and even more for clothes, videos, music, etc. by having to shop at other establishments. We’ve had to make changes to what food brands we buy and quantities in order to meet the budget, but my husband and my children, after viewing the film can’t bring themselves to support the Walton family anymore so that helps me a lot. They aren’t whining and complaining!
However, upon seeing the film hubby, kids and I no longer shop there.
I’m a business major, I understand marketing, budgeting, salaries/benefits, buying, etc. All this time I thought the low prices at Walmart were the result of wise planning, sharp buyers, sound business policies, particularly because there are so many Wal-marts (buying into the logic that their purchasing power garnered more pull to vendors). I, too, thought the moaning and griping from the liberals were a matter of them not getting how business works.
Wrong. Sadly so.
The low prices we were benefitting from came off the backs of the employees and my own tax dollars! Management purposely keeps the wages of the workers low to keep that cost variable down so that the profits can increase.
They consistently pressure employees to work an extra hour or two at the end of their shifts but then do not allow them to post it on their timecard (no over-time). This was not only in the movie, but in our town, I’ve spoken to many employees of our Walmart here and they confirm this.
When employees appeal to their managers for increased wages, management is told to hand them a list of social services available by the state, the local community, the federal government. Basically they purposely design their wage structure to rely on subsidies from governmental agencies to pay for their workforce. They keep the individual’s wages low enough to qualify for government assistance - that’s my tax dollars paying for the employees which help me ‘save’ money weekly. So the real savings to me isn’t there at all. This, too, was confirmed in our local Walmart by employees I’ve spoken to who have faced hardships and tried to seek longer work shifts from the boss.
They install monitoring cameras and listening devices throughout their buildings, not for security reasons, but specfically to root out anyone trying to get a union started. When they find those people they push them out of their jobs (reduced work load, known impossible work shifts, etc.)
This was enough for me. There is more, much more. I highly recommend the film to anyone with a conscience for their fellow man, their community and their environment.
Trust me, it is very difficult for a person like me, with our small family budget to start paying $1 more per grocery item on our shopping list and even more for clothes, videos, music, etc. by having to shop at other establishments. We’ve had to make changes to what food brands we buy and quantities in order to meet the budget, but my husband and my children, after viewing the film can’t bring themselves to support the Walton family anymore so that helps me a lot. They aren’t whining and complaining!
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Arba_Sicula
Guest
Good PR at a critical time doesn’t mean that the accusations aren’t valid.
And Christian bookstores carry far more than Walmart does, I’m sure. So what? What does the merchandise they carry have to do with any abuses they may be committing?
Funny, but in all the controversy over the bad things Walmart supposedly does, I haven’t heard it expressed in terms of their politics, whatever they might be. Does Wal-Mart say that they’re a politically conservative organization?
Yes, crush anyone who gets in your way.
Could it be that it’s because they’ve crushed so many competitors that there’s no alternative?
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spiritblows
Guest
Dear Yin Yang,
Interesting. I shopped at WalMart the other day for the first time in probably 10 years. I went specifically to buy a TV and VCR/DVD player because I was told by the guy at the pawn shop that they had the best prices. The price seemed very low, as cheap as the TVs at the pawnshop, I can’t believe how cheap TVs are now.
Now, one thing I noticed is that every single employee was grumpy and stressed out. I figured it was the pressure of the holiday season. But, basically people there were curt, frowning, and unpleasant. They seemed very put out by my request to have them unlock the DVD case to buy a DVD. They did have a fellow in a wheelchair stocking stuff too, I thought that was nice to see handicapped people working. But he was really grumpy and mean actually, muttering epitaths under his breath.
I can blame it on the holidays, but the people at the pawnshop were extremely busy and they were really nice. But the WalMart employees were argueing with one another in the aisles, never smiled, and seemed extremely unhappy.
Interesting. I shopped at WalMart the other day for the first time in probably 10 years. I went specifically to buy a TV and VCR/DVD player because I was told by the guy at the pawn shop that they had the best prices. The price seemed very low, as cheap as the TVs at the pawnshop, I can’t believe how cheap TVs are now.
Now, one thing I noticed is that every single employee was grumpy and stressed out. I figured it was the pressure of the holiday season. But, basically people there were curt, frowning, and unpleasant. They seemed very put out by my request to have them unlock the DVD case to buy a DVD. They did have a fellow in a wheelchair stocking stuff too, I thought that was nice to see handicapped people working. But he was really grumpy and mean actually, muttering epitaths under his breath.
I can blame it on the holidays, but the people at the pawnshop were extremely busy and they were really nice. But the WalMart employees were argueing with one another in the aisles, never smiled, and seemed extremely unhappy.
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YinYangMom
Guest
In all the times I’ve shopped at Wal-mart, I too, noticed most of the employees grumpy (and I shop at various hours - yes, sometimes at 11:30 at night or 8:00 am). I thought it was because they were tired having been at college all day, or having been home with the kids all day, etc…recognizing that for most of these people Wal-mart was a 2nd job because it doesn’t pay enough to be a primary job. But there were always a handful of cheerful souls which I appreciated. As a frequent shopper there, I started chatting with some of the employees over time…stockers, cashiers, food clerks, the people running the snack bar…I consistently got the message they’d quit if they could and ‘don’t let your children apply here’…even from the happy ones.
People in my office chided me whenever I’d mention my recent ‘find’ and they’d send email links about the foreign seamstresses, etc. I’d read the links, and would discount the articles as the writer not understanding competitive marketing/business/retail policies overall.
But this movie pulled all that information together, added interviews with ex-Walmart managers, Human Resource directors, overseas auditors and to watch their body language as they shared how they did their jobs and why was an eye-opener. They looked ashamed and embarrassed and angry all at the same time. It took guts for them to be in this documentary.
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spiritblows
Guest
Dear Yin Yang,
These business practices directly violate the social teachings of our church.
**2424 A theory that makes profit the exclusive norm and ultimate end of economic activity is morally unacceptable. The disordered desire for money cannot but produce perverse effects. It is one of the causes of the many conflicts which disturb the social order.[203]
A system that “subordinates the basic rights of individuals and of groups to the collective organization of production” is contrary to human dignity.[204] Every practice that reduces persons to nothing more than a means of profit enslaves man, leads to idolizing money, and contributes to the spread of atheism. “You cannot serve God and mammon.”[205]
**
These business practices directly violate the social teachings of our church.
**2424 A theory that makes profit the exclusive norm and ultimate end of economic activity is morally unacceptable. The disordered desire for money cannot but produce perverse effects. It is one of the causes of the many conflicts which disturb the social order.[203]
A system that “subordinates the basic rights of individuals and of groups to the collective organization of production” is contrary to human dignity.[204] Every practice that reduces persons to nothing more than a means of profit enslaves man, leads to idolizing money, and contributes to the spread of atheism. “You cannot serve God and mammon.”[205]
**
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CinciMom
Guest
I personally refuse to shop at Wal Mart because of the way it treats its employees and no longer has the “Buy American” campaign they used to have back in the 1990’s. Half its items are from China. I also know someone who works there and has confirmed that Wal Mart does not treat their employees well at all.
With that said, I do question the movie and its backers in Hollyweird. Al Franken? Jeanean Girafalo?
Unions are against Wal Mart because they cannot get in. Unions had a place in time but now in my opinion, they are nothing more than greedy lobbyists who brainwash their members into believing that their membership dues are going to save their jobs in the long run, when in fact most manufacturing jobs are now overseas because of Unions. I used to work in a union environment so I know what I am talking about.
Also for groceries, Wal Mart DOES NOT have the lowest prices. They do not have weekly sales nor do they double coupons like traditional grocers (ie Kroger) do. You have to do your homework on this.
The problem with the situation with Wal Mart and the other Big Box retailers is that Americans are not wanting to pay a higher price for certain items to keep jobs and small businesses to stay alive here in the US.
With that said, I do question the movie and its backers in Hollyweird. Al Franken? Jeanean Girafalo?
Unions are against Wal Mart because they cannot get in. Unions had a place in time but now in my opinion, they are nothing more than greedy lobbyists who brainwash their members into believing that their membership dues are going to save their jobs in the long run, when in fact most manufacturing jobs are now overseas because of Unions. I used to work in a union environment so I know what I am talking about.
Also for groceries, Wal Mart DOES NOT have the lowest prices. They do not have weekly sales nor do they double coupons like traditional grocers (ie Kroger) do. You have to do your homework on this.
The problem with the situation with Wal Mart and the other Big Box retailers is that Americans are not wanting to pay a higher price for certain items to keep jobs and small businesses to stay alive here in the US.
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b_justb
Guest
If Walmart viewed “profit the exclusive norm and ultimate end of economic activity” would they give to charity? Would they have a world wide disaster relief program?
spiritblows said:
If this is what Walmart does why do they hire the handicapped? Wouldn’t able bodied employees reduce time in stocking thus increasing their profit margin?
I don’t shop at Walmart because it’s a zoo 24/7. There are other options to everyone. But to malign the company as evil and contradictory to Catholic teaching is rather a stretch. People in the United States have choices. They don’t HAVE to work or shop at Walmart if they don’t want to. If you don’t want to, then don’t. If you do, then go ahead.
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Gerrygarvin
Guest
i pretty much stopped listening to Michael Medved after he had a whole episode about how bad he thought tattoos were.
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rlg94086
Guest
Walmart isn’t a “theory” or a “system”, it’s a business. They are apparently paying a competitive wage, or they wouldn’t have any employees.
They also seem to have happy customers, or they wouldn’t be in business because they have plenty of competitors.
I don’t know much about Walmart, as I’ve only shopped there a few times. Are they doing something illegal? If so, it should be stopped.
spiritblows:
They also seem to have happy customers, or they wouldn’t be in business because they have plenty of competitors.
I don’t know much about Walmart, as I’ve only shopped there a few times. Are they doing something illegal? If so, it should be stopped.
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YinYangMom
Guest
This is what I thought, but I’ve been proven wrong, as per my conversations with several Walmart employees over the years. They pay minimum wages and they determine work schedules as such that the employee will always qualify for state assistance. Yes, there are a select few male employees they seek out to promote into management positions but the rest of the employees are kept ‘qualifiable’ for state aide.
The reason they have employees is because after they move into town (thanks to tax abatements and subsidies by the city officials wooing them in) the smaller independents close down and those ex-employees need to find something else to pay the bills - even some of the bills…so they go to walmart for transitional work until a better job comes around. Unfortunately, as in a town like mine, new jobs are few and far between so these ‘temporary’ walmart employees end up ‘stuck’ going the route Walmart encourages - working hours controlled by management for minimal wages and supplementing the income with state assistance.
Ignorance is bliss. I should know. I was a very, vey happy and satisfied ‘loyal’ Walmart customer for years! I was unaware of the hiring/wage/assistance policy of management until now. No Christian should be able to support such policies toward workers.
That’s just it. It’s not outright illegal, it’s shifty. Yes, I understand, as a bachelor of business administration holder that management’s #1 priority should be on the bottom line profit for the owners/shareholders. But to focus so much on that and develop all policies around maximizing that without regard for the welfare of the workers (seamstresses, shipping/loading, stockers, sales associates, automotive workers, cashiers, greeters, maintenance workers) on which that profit is gained is irresponsible and immoral (though legal, yes). Abortion is legal too, remember.
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YinYangMom
Guest
Thank you so much for finding that!
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rlg94086
Guest
Fair enough. I’ll continue not to shop there. 
YinYangMom:
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YinYangMom
Guest
Check the history of the Waltons…Their philanthropic works percentage-wise are a **lot **lower than other individuals in their wealth bracket (Gates, etc.)
There is an emergency relief fund at Walmart all employees can pitch into to help employees after disasters. I don’t recall the exact figure, but all the employee contributions to the fund was in hundred thousand range (this, from minimum wage employees) while all 5 Waltons pitched in less than $10,000 total!!! They are outright greedy.
PR/imaging and subsidized labor, of course. It’s working, isn’t it? Thousands of shoppers are fooled by the false representation and advertising promoting Walmart’s care for community. The movie shows it plainly…it shows the annual conference where the CEO is highlighting Walmart’s policies and accomplishments followed by the real story told by the ex-administrators, environmental officials, ex-employees, etc. Just watch the DVD and decide for yourself.
Again, watch the movie and let us know if you still believe that. Employees do have to work at Walmart when that is the only place hiring within a 75 mile radius, you don’t have a college education, or you’re a single parent, and you can’t afford to move out of the town to live elsewhere.
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SnorterLuster
Guest
You know, I don’t shop Walmart because I don’t like to wait in line. However, for all their so-called sins, why do people flock to be employed there. I can remember the days when Walmart only opened in the smaller cities. Employees of the small local stores flocked to get employed at the new Walmart. Why? Because they paid more, had some form of health insurance (which the local stores only had for the owners) and much cleaner working environment.
The people flocked there because they were tired of being ripped off by those “wonderful” local stores. Go do all your grocery shopping at a convenience store and you will know what people in small towns went through before Walmart. Their “supermarkets” had a take it or leave it attitude when it came to quality and price.
So cut your nose off to spite your face, but Walmart is a well run company that is an asset to any town.
The people flocked there because they were tired of being ripped off by those “wonderful” local stores. Go do all your grocery shopping at a convenience store and you will know what people in small towns went through before Walmart. Their “supermarkets” had a take it or leave it attitude when it came to quality and price.
So cut your nose off to spite your face, but Walmart is a well run company that is an asset to any town.
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caroljm36
Guest
Oh, did he say something like this?
First, it is aesthetically worse than worthless. Tattoos are always kitsch, implying not only the absence of taste but the presence of dishonest emotion.
Second, the vogue represented a desperate (and rather sad) attempt on a mass scale to achieve individuality and character by means of mere adornment, which implied both intellectual vacuity and unhealthy self-absorption.
And third, it represented mass downward cultural and social aspiration, since everyone understood that tattooing had a traditional association with low social class and, above all, with aggression and criminality. It was, in effect, a visible symbol of the greatest, though totally ersatz, virtue of our time: an inclusive unwillingness to make judgments of morality or value.
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Lurch104
Guest
Any Chinese town that is.
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