Are you a Wal-mart homophobe? [Archive] - HP Deals, Computer Coupons And Bargains

LegendKiller

03-28-2004, 11:23 AM

I have been in Wal Marts from MN to FL, CA to PA, and I have NEVER seen a clean and orderly place. I usually feel sleezy and nasty after stepping a foot into the trash bin of the nation.

Not to mention that when I go to the 2 near me (very rarely), I feel my IQ drop a couple tens of points since there are a lot of toothless hicks and ghetto superstars.

The biggest problem I have with WM is that they put those center-isle islands in their stores, it clutters them up and makes them trashy, along with the boxes of stuff stacked 30' on top of shelves.

And, as Canta said, they are a morally bankrupt company. They have more lawsuits against them per-capita than any other country. The company itself donates the least amount of money. The family donates the least amount as a percentage of wealth.

There is NOTHING to like about wal-mart.

LK

gear02

03-28-2004, 11:26 AM

Originally posted by chosenfool
snip

Yeah that sounds like my Target nearby. It's clean, I know where everything is, and the people are usually friendly.

The walmart is the complete opposite...and it always smells like some sort of mulch or soil fertilizer...you know the smell :)

TERRIBLETOM

03-28-2004, 11:27 AM

ho·mo·pho·bia: irrational fear of.

The walmart is the complete opposite...and it always smells like some sort of mulch or soil fertilizer...you know the smell

Must be there lawn and garden department.

LegendKiller

03-28-2004, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by TERRIBLETOM
ho·mo·pho·bia: irrational fear of.

Must be there lawn and garden department.

I think you have your definitions mixed up man.

Phobia is a latin suffix for fear, the prefix of which is the certain phobia that you exhibit.

For instance, the movie Arachnophobia was the fear of spiders. There is many other phobias, such as Agoraphobia (fear of open places) or claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces). Homophobia is fear of gay people.

Here is a list of phobias.

Phobias (http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/myPlace/phobias.html)

LK

PrObLy

03-28-2004, 12:15 PM

Originally posted by DarkFury

Hey now... don't be jonesin' on the ghetto like that.

Besides, I have 2 Wal-Mart Supercenters (one about 4 miles north and one about 3.5 miles South) in my general vicinity and I shop there rather frequently...

Plus, they got the best Honey BBQ Chicken chunks and Buffalo Hot Wings in the deli/salad department. :lick:

Oh man....the Super Wal-Mart out here in Coralville has the best chicken...they sell a rather large amount of fried chicken, a complete rotisseried chicken, or a large cup full of popcorn chicken for like $3.88 and it is fantastic. I have never seen the hot wings or honey bbq chicken chunks at this Wal-Mart though :( . As for the rest of the store, since it's a super wal-mart, it has a complete grocery store inside with addition to the usual wal-mart. It is always very clean, they always have what I want, and there's rarely any "toothless hicks" running around with like ten kids.

As for the Wal-Mart near my house in the Chicago suburbs, it is not quite as nice and roomy as the one here in Iowa, but it is by no means scummy and run down. The shelves aren't usually as fully stocked and organized (probably due to the heavy amount of traffic it receives) and there is a larger amount of "Wal-Mart trash" walking around, but it's still a pretty good place.

gear02

03-28-2004, 12:19 PM

Originally posted by PrObLy

Oh man....the Super Wal-Mart out here in Coralville has the best chicken...they sell a rather large amount of fried chicken, a complete rotisseried chicken, or a large cup full of popcorn chicken for like $3.88 and it is fantastic. I have never seen the hot wings or honey bbq chicken chunks at this Wal-Mart though :( . As for the rest of the store, since it's a super wal-mart, it has a complete grocery store inside with addition to the usual wal-mart. It is always very clean, they always have what I want, and there's rarely any "toothless hicks" running around with like ten kids.

As for the Wal-Mart near my house in the Chicago suburbs, it is not quite as nice and roomy as the one here in Iowa, but it is by no means scummy and run down. The shelves aren't usually as fully stocked and organized (probably due to the heavy amount of traffic it receives) and there is a larger amount of "Wal-Mart trash" walking around, but it's still a pretty good place.

damn...I wish I had the first walmart, not a bastardized version of your second one...I could use some chicken right about now...

ufcrusher

03-28-2004, 01:12 PM

I tend to avoid Walmart like the plague....then again I avoid Target and KMart as well...too many people, but I do venture in evey once in a while.

Memo

03-28-2004, 01:43 PM

I don't avoid it but I don't like going there. I do go their for low-price home related things but man that place smells like used baby diapers all the freaking time.

InfiniteNothing

03-28-2004, 01:57 PM

What's a walmart homophobe?
Hmm. I see that this has been covered... sorta. What's the prefix for walmart? Frugaphobia?

Cheesypuff

03-28-2004, 02:31 PM

I read an article about walmart vs target for my micro econ class, pretty much, the readers digest of the ariticle, was that Walmart was geared towards the money savers of america, while target was pushing more towards the style aspect. No naturally target would be clearer. And from my expericence, Target was generally cleaner then walmart. You can totally tell the difference.

TERRIBLETOM

03-28-2004, 03:34 PM

I think you have your definitions mixed up man.

http://www.merriamwebster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=homophobia

Just check it out for yourself, but if your to lazy to click the link this is Merriam-websters deffinition...

Main Entry: ho·mo·pho·bia
Pronunciation: "hO-m&-'fO-bE-&
Function: noun
: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals
- ho·mo·pho·bic /-'fO-bik/ adjective

ialsohaveadream

03-28-2004, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by TERRIBLETOM

snippity snip!

Main Entry: ho·mo·pho·bia
Pronunciation: "hO-m&-'fO-bE-&
Function: noun
: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals
- ho·mo·pho·bic /-'fO-bik/ adjective

Uh, Tom? That's what LK was trying to say. You're asking if we're Wal-Mart homophobes, when really what you (most likely) intended was to ask if we were Wal-Martphobes.

Butch

03-28-2004, 03:52 PM

edit: Eh . . . nevermind

TERRIBLETOM

03-28-2004, 03:54 PM

Geesh, I'm sorry if I made some drag there college degrees out of the closet, lighten up...

Cantacuzene

03-28-2004, 03:58 PM

Knowing what a homophobe is doesn't require a college degree.

LegendKiller

03-28-2004, 04:15 PM

Originally posted by TERRIBLETOM
Geesh, I'm sorry if I made some drag there college degrees out of the closet, lighten up...

"There" refers to a place. What you were looking for was "Their" which refers to plural possession. I believe this was taught in 6th grade engrish, if I am not mistaken. Perhaps earlier for some students.

If I, or anybody on this board learned "homophobia" or "their" in college, then the colleges we attended were apparently remdial in nature, and a big f'ing waste of money.

LK

Freelance Superhero

03-28-2004, 04:25 PM

:heh:

sometimes, just sometimes, you all kill me...

Bires

03-28-2004, 04:26 PM

Actually...

Homo = person, people, man
Phobia = possessing fear

One of my huge pet peeves is when ppl attach a latin word (phobia) to a trendy slang word (homo)

TERRIBLETOM

03-28-2004, 04:31 PM

"There" refers to a place. What you were looking for was "Their" which refers to possession. I believe this was taught in 6th grade engrish, if I am not mistaken. Perhaps earlier for some students.

were did you learn your engrish? Talk about up tight...

LegendKiller

03-28-2004, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by TERRIBLETOM

were did you learn your engrish? Talk about up tight...

I learned engrish in Zimbabwe and Uganda, followed by college in Lichtenstein and a technical degree in Argentina and a degree in underwater basket weaving from Yale...My teacher told me that I could weave while holding my breath like nobody else, those were the days.

Where'd you get your skillz?

edit: You were looking for "where" right? Were would be referring to past tense location.

LK

TERRIBLETOM

03-28-2004, 04:49 PM

Where'd you get your skillz?

Walmart, in the shoe department. Anyone going to correct the way I spelt "gawd?" I think one of you let that slip bye.

g222leav

03-28-2004, 06:17 PM

i HATE shopping at walmart...i really do.

the lines are long
the customers are rude
the workers are rude
you can never find what you want, or heaven forbid what is on sale.

i dunno, i avoid walmart at all costs...

ski

03-28-2004, 06:28 PM

In Blacksburg, VA (home of Virginia Tech), Wal-Mart is THE place to be. We don't have anything else for miles. Same in Lynchburg, vA where I worked this fall... Wal-Mart was the only place you could go to see people in their late teens/early 20's :eek:

LegendKiller

03-28-2004, 06:45 PM

Originally posted by skiAtomic
In Blacksburg, VA (home of Virginia Tech), Wal-Mart is THE place to be. We don't have anything else for miles. Same in Lynchburg, vA where I worked this fall... Wal-Mart was the only place you could go to see people in their late teens/early 20's :eek:

Wow, what a sign that VT sucks, if your more than 18, you should be in school and drinking. Otherwise, go to a field and have a drunken fest...wow...hanging at WM...bunch of winners there.

LK

ialsohaveadream

03-28-2004, 07:14 PM

Originally posted by LegendKiller

Wow, what a sign that VT sucks, if your more than 18, you should be in school and drinking. Otherwise, go to a field and have a drunken fest...wow...hanging at WM...bunch of winners there.

LK

For real. Go to school in Orlando. Actually, don't. The school has boomed in the past few years, and now traffic in east O-town is TERRIBLE. Plus, there's about 40 applicants for every low-paying job. I imagine it's already started driving down salaries at the businesses downtown, as recent grads willing to work for less steal away jobs from more experienced workers.

But of course, I bolted after I graduated, so that last part is just a guess.

cheapie

03-28-2004, 07:23 PM

aside from the impact wal-mart's had on small businesses, i have always found their stores to be very bright and roomy. i can get my oil changed, full synthetic, for around $30. their produce is good, and the prices are great.

i know that theoretically they suck, suck but :shrug:

LegendKiller

03-28-2004, 08:28 PM

Originally posted by ialsohaveadream

For real. Go to school in Orlando. Actually, don't. The school has boomed in the past few years, and now traffic in east O-town is TERRIBLE. Plus, there's about 40 applicants for every low-paying job. I imagine it's already started driving down salaries at the businesses downtown, as recent grads willing to work for less steal away jobs from more experienced workers.

But of course, I bolted after I graduated, so that last part is just a guess.

I am done with school, at least, normalized school (as opposed to certifications). Orlando isn't too bad for job market, heck, my company is piling on 40 IT people and abotu 100 other financial, marketing, biz admin staff in the next 3 months. We need another building because we are growing so fast.

LK

Nija

03-28-2004, 09:26 PM

WalmartSucks (http://www.walmartsucks.com/)

Walmart Blows (http://walmart-blows.com/)

I just don't like them.

Airencracken

03-28-2004, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by chosenfool
regardless of anyones onion here, people with low-income will ALWAYS shop where they can buy more stuff for the little money they have. they will always go where its cheaper. they dont care if its nasty, or packed, or too busy. they will always shop where its cheaper. walmart offers them that (yes, not necessarily good quality admittedly).

you and i and the rest of the people here know all about ALTERNATIVES, and where better to shop, no doubt about it. but people who shop walwmart DONT (unfortunately).
:shrug:

That's why I shop there sometimes. Because I command an unimpressive salary of about 11,000 a year. And I know there are alternatives I shop there too, but walmart is cheeeepa.

tupacboy

03-28-2004, 09:49 PM

screw walmart... i went there to get my oil changed and get my tires rotated... i'm the 4th one in line... 3 hrs later i get my car back... no tire rotation... they couldn't take out the bolts... freaking morons... 3 FREAKING hours for a oil change only...

InfiniteNothing

03-28-2004, 10:51 PM

My nephew (age 9) knows his suffixes. Though he thinks homophobia is the fear of things that are similar.

InfiniteNothing

03-28-2004, 10:59 PM

Originally posted by Bires
Actually...

Homo = person, people, man
Phobia = possessing fear

One of my huge pet peeves is when ppl attach a latin word (phobia) to a trendy slang word (homo)

Actually, the homo prefix comes from Greek meaning "same" not Latin's "man"

slaus

03-28-2004, 11:30 PM

Tommy Boomfiger

03-29-2004, 12:13 AM

the walmart by me is in a pretty upper-middle class area. unfortunately it seems like all the worst people seem to go to that damn store. i hate it so much. every time i go there there are people fighting with each other. i finally decided to stop going to that hell hole when i was waiting for two people to figure out who gets to back out of thier parking spot first while someone backed into me no matter how long i was pressing on the horn. i almost went back once and again in the parking lot i saw this 40 something woman yelling at some old people because she almost ran them over.

the wierd thing is that target is about a block away and its so much nicer. ive never been bothered by other shoppers and there isnt crap all over the floor.

i dont care about the lowest price, the price of my sanity is worth so much more.

kei2

03-29-2004, 01:41 AM

Wal-Mart-a-phobe? No. In my mind it's pretty much the same as a Target. Not my first choice in shopping venues, but if I need something they carry I'll go there and buy it.

Jeffbx

03-29-2004, 05:10 AM

You know that the Walton family (WalMart founders & owners) have an amassed fortune that makes Bill Gates look humble? Combined, the family has a value of over $100 Billion. They got that by stepping all over mom & pop stores, crushing their competition into the ground, and forcing suppliers to adhere to their demands or risk losing major market share.

Don't worry about Microsoft, Wal-Mart is the true evil empire.

blueindian

03-29-2004, 05:28 AM

i avoid wal-mart like the plague. they suck monkey nutts.

LegendKiller

03-29-2004, 05:51 AM

Originally posted by Jeffbx
You know that the Walton family (WalMart founders & owners) have an amassed fortune that makes Bill Gates look humble? Combined, the family has a value of over $100 Billion. They got that by stepping all over mom & pop stores, crushing their competition into the ground, and forcing suppliers to adhere to their demands or risk losing major market share.

Don't worry about Microsoft, Wal-Mart is the true evil empire.

Not to mention that on a % basis they are the LOWEST charitable donors of anybody in the billionare category. They are a disgrace to this country.

LK

WhiskeyPapa

03-29-2004, 06:27 AM

I don't shop in order to help charitable organizations. I don't shop in order to strengthen the US economy. I don't shop to increase my IQ, culture, cleanliness, or self-esteem. I shop in order to get the stuff I need to live my life. If Wal-Mart will sell me Bounty paper towels and Tide laundry detergent for less than anyone else, then that's where I will shop.

I have better things to do than to worry about the "corporate morality" of a frickin' store.

Dirty Sanchez

03-29-2004, 06:43 AM

I doubt you'll see this guy shopping at Wal-Mart

Guy (http://www.koarecords.com/details_asian.jpg)

So how can I be scared of something that doesn't exist? :D

blueindian

03-29-2004, 06:45 AM

LegendKiller

03-29-2004, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by kb0wwp
I don't shop in order to help charitable organizations. I don't shop in order to strengthen the US economy. I don't shop to increase my IQ, culture, cleanliness, or self-esteem. I shop in order to get the stuff I need to live my life. If Wal-Mart will sell me Bounty paper towels and Tide laundry detergent for less than anyone else, then that's where I will shop.

I have better things to do than to worry about the "corporate morality" of a frickin' store.

This is the problem, people simply do not care about how a company acts. For example, if I were to think like you, then Enron would still be in business, Kenneth Lay would never go to jail, and corporate fraud would be rampant.

At what cost do you acquire that toilette paper at $.10 less than Target? Does Wal-Mart donate to the local boys and girls club? If it doesn't, then it might contribute to higher crime, which results in higher police costs, property damage, theft, all of which is passed on to you, the consumer. Not directly through the $.10, but indirectly through taxes and other distributive costs borne by the general populace, all because you wanted to save some extra cash.

And what about the same company who drives prices down to eliminate competition, only to raise them immediately after?

How about a company that doesn't give its workers benefits? Doesn't allow them protection under a union? Discriminates? How about a company that doesn't pay out when workers are injured?

Where do you think these costs go? They just dont get paid by magic, they get paid by you and I.

What about RFID? Walmart loves the idea, but what about privacy? They could care less.

If you want to support this, then by all means, go right ahead.

LK

ialsohaveadream

03-29-2004, 07:22 AM

Originally posted by LegendKiller

At what cost do you acquire that toilette paper at $.10 less than Target? Does Wal-Mart donate to the local boys and girls club? If it doesn't, then it might contribute to higher crime, which results in higher police costs, property damage, theft, all of which is passed on to you, the consumer. Not directly through the $.10, but indirectly through taxes and other distributive costs borne by the general populace, all because you wanted to save some extra cash.

How about a company that doesn't give its workers benefits? Doesn't allow them protection under a union? Discriminates? How about a company that doesn't pay out when workers are injured?

Where do you think these costs go? They just dont get paid by magic, they get paid by you and I.

LK

A-freakin-men. You forgot to mention their despicable practice of having staff work OT off the clock to avoid being paid for it.

And for those of you interested in buying clothes made in the USA by people making a decent wage, try SweatX (http://www.sweatx.net). When I first ordered from them, the order took about two weeks, because they were so swamped with demands for large orders. The customer service is excellent, though.

Nija

03-29-2004, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by DarkFury
unless you LIKE hearing/seeing yourself talk. :shrug:

not directed at DF, but this was the first thing that came to mind :D

The Truth About Me Lyrics
By Dance Hall Crashers

i'd really rather be alone
i'd really rather be on my own
what part of no don't you understand
won't you just let go of my hand
maybe it's just time you knew the truth
don't think i'm coming off as rude
i really like this solitude
my company suits me just fine
in fact i think it's quite divine
maybe it's just time you knew the truth

hey - i love to hear myself talk
i'm my own favorite audience
'cause i'm the funniest person i know
if you were me i'm sure you'd agree

i know you claim i'm being vague
but I'm afraid it's not that way
you can come over - don't stay long
call me next week cause i'll be gone
maybe it's just time you knew the truth

hey - i love to hear myself talk
i'm my own favorite audience
'cause i'm the funniest person i know
if you were me i'm sure you'd agree

i'm building up my barricade
i'd rather if you don't invade
i'm sick of all this obligation
do you really need more explanation
maybe this time you will finally see that

hey - i love to hear myself talk
i'm my own favorite audience
'cause i'm the funniest person i know
if you were me i'm sure you'd agree

LegendKiller

03-29-2004, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by DarkFury
Man folks are so quick to judge folks on here....

Just let folks do what they want to do (within legal boundaries of course)... and any amount of arguing otherwise is pointless, unless you LIKE hearing/seeing yourself talk. :shrug:

He can do whatever he wants to do. I just hope that some people might realize what utter tools they are for shopping at that place.

LK

Kim

03-29-2004, 09:04 AM

Geez, this thread turned ugly!

I shop at Walmart, and I'm not ashamed. I have all my teeth, and I don't smell. If I want to stay home and raise my children, rather than let someone else do it for me, (not attacking those mom's that work, they do what is best for their family, I'm sure!!!) I need to save any way I can. My walmart price matches all the other grocery stores, letting my do my shopping in one stop. I do *gasp* let my kids wear walmart clothes. Any one with kids know that they usually grow out of clothes before they wear them out. I don't see the sense in spending twice or more as much for something they will wear only just as long. I guess this makes me a bad person??

ray

03-29-2004, 09:10 AM

I don't see anything wrong with shopping at Walmart. If they were in a convenient location and sold the things that I wanted then I would probably shop there. But seeing that the closest walmart to where I live is 15 miles away there's no real want to shop there. I've purchased things at Walmart before. Sure, their shelves weren't organized and the employees were scarce, but I'm there to buy specific items, not to window shop. If it's a good deal it's a good deal. After all, I do hang around Got|Apex?

InfiniteNothing

03-29-2004, 09:17 AM

LegendKiller

03-29-2004, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by Kim
Geez, this thread turned ugly!

I shop at Walmart, and I'm not ashamed. I have all my teeth, and I don't smell. If I want to stay home and raise my children, rather than let someone else do it for me, (not attacking those mom's that work, they do what is best for their family, I'm sure!!!) I need to save any way I can. My walmart price matches all the other grocery stores, letting my do my shopping in one stop. I do *gasp* let my kids wear walmart clothes. Any one with kids know that they usually grow out of clothes before they wear them out. I don't see the sense in spending twice or more as much for something they will wear only just as long. I guess this makes me a bad person??

When your kid gets into high school and wants a job, all of the other stores will be closed down thanks to WalMarts anti-competative actions. Thus, they will sit around as social loafers, getting into trouble, thanks to WalMarts non-charitable donations.

Perhaps then they will thank you for the $.10 you saved on their roll of toilette paper, or the $2 on a piece of clothing manufactured by cheap labor, or the job that they will get. Once they are injured, they dont get sick time, if they are injured on the job they wont get paid time off, ohhh nooo, can't do that, we must slash costs, drive out competitors, no matter what the social impact.

Yup, its really worth that $300 per year you save.

LK

Dirty Sanchez

03-29-2004, 09:56 AM

I doubt a parent with a newborn baby who has to go to a 24-hour Wal-Mart in the middle of the night for formula, diapers, or baby tylenol gives a flying fark how much they helped charitable organizations.

blueindian

03-29-2004, 10:05 AM

I wouldn't go so far as to say it makes you a bad person if you shop there but i'm with InfiniteNothing...actions do have consequences.

Like others have said, sometimes there is no choice. When that situation arises, you'll find me at wal-mart.

That said, there is no denying the facts about wal-mart, particularly in the area of worker exploitation & charitable contributions unless you want to make like an ostrich and put your head in the sand. In light of that fact, there is also no denying the fact that when you shop there you are directly supporting worker explotation and supporting the idea that large corporations have no responsibility to the society that keeps them in business. That is something that we should all keep in mind when we spend money at wal-mart.

InfiniteNothing

03-29-2004, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by DarkFury

Nope, it doesn't make you a bad person and don't let the folks on here make you feel that way...

Once again, it's all about "choices" and what some folks believe is the wrong and right choices. This is an old argument that will never be settled...

Are you denying that Walmart hurts your neighbor or that hurting your neighbor is wrong?

InfiniteNothing

03-29-2004, 10:28 AM

Originally posted by DarkFury

So what's next... you wanna attack me because I drive a Ram 1500 Hemi versus a hybrid vehicle?

Heh, no. You (and I) are attacked enough at the gas pump.
I didn't mean to attack, you just said it's about "what some folks believe is right and wrong" implying you didn't think it was wrong and I was wondering why.

I don't think it's wrong if you need to shop there (ie. Open 24hours/day)

InfiniteNothing

03-29-2004, 10:35 AM

Originally posted by DarkFury

If they are so evil.. but don't try to make folks feel guilty that they are spending THEIR dollars there if that is what they want to spend them on. Sheesh.

I see you've edited and replied.

n/m. I'm sure other people can better defend how walmart is different than target and how they hurt your neighbor.

LPMiller

03-29-2004, 10:36 AM

I want an amendment banning gay Walmarts.

InfiniteNothing

03-29-2004, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by LPMiller
I want an amendment banning gay Walmarts.

You can't use the constitution to limit the sexual preference of Walmarts. Typical rightie.

blueindian

03-29-2004, 10:44 AM

Originally posted by LPMiller
I want an amendment banning gay Walmarts.
How about civil unions for Walmarts though?

LegendKiller

03-29-2004, 11:12 AM

Originally posted by DarkFury

Understood, but the general tone of this thread has turned to "attacks" of anyone who chooses to shop there... and that in itself is not right.

As far as hurting my neighbor... I don't see where it has hurt my neighbor... and as far as places like Target, Kmart, Meijer, and other "super stores", are they really any better? For what I see locally, they all have "mega stores" offering both food and general merchandise at competitive prices.

Is this about Big stores versus little stores... big stores versus big stores... big stores versus the people... or the people versus the people who support big stores? :shrug:

Haven't we gone through this enough to understand?

1. Walmart donates almonst NOTHING to charity

2. Walmart gives almost NOTHING to its community

3. Walmart pays lower than standard wages, does not compensate for overtime

4. Walmart has the highest per-worker lawsuit rate of ANY employer

5. Walmart has been known to discriminate in many situations

6. Walmart REFUSES to let ANY unions into its stores in order to control their workers, slash benefits, and ensure that they do not have to pay their workers standard wages

7. The Waltons have gotten rich off of society but gives the LEAST out of any of the billionaires in this nation

8. Walmart looks trashy. Center isle "islands" of garbage get in the way.

9. Walmart is KNOWN to lower prices to drive out competitors and then raise those same prices

Do we need to go on?

By contrast, Target Corporation is much higher in the corporate charity brackets. It gives quite a bit to the community, is known to treat its workers well and allows them quite a bit of freedom (ie, union formation).

You may think that these things aren't an issue for you. However, you have to remember that these things effect you indirectly, whether its by higher crime, higher taxes, or just having to deal with a crappy store with crappy workers that have crappy attitudes.

Personally, i'd rather pay 5% more to know that my money is actually doing something more than line the Waltons' pockets so they can horde it and screw more people.

LK

Nija

03-29-2004, 11:46 AM

Originally posted by LPMiller
I want an amendment banning gay Walmarts.

:lmfao:

cheapie

03-29-2004, 11:53 AM

is anyone else suprised that LK is the leftie here and df is sticking up for "the man"
:shrug: :P

Jihforce

03-29-2004, 11:54 AM

i don't really like walmart too much. we don't have super walmarts here in CA yet so I might change my mind once i get to see those. But as of now, the regular walmarts just carry really cheap stuff. I'm not talking about just price wise, but quality too.

Kim

03-29-2004, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by DarkFury

yes, you have already posted all of those before and thanks for TRYING to be our consumer conscience.

I'll remember that the next time I vist Wally World for some of the Honey BBQ chicken chunks that I love so much. :lick: :hmm: :2far:

Lol, my kids love the popcorn chicken!

LegendKiller

03-29-2004, 11:59 AM

Originally posted by cheapie
is anyone else suprised that LK is the leftie here and df is sticking up for "the man"
:shrug: :P

My corporate background and aspirations are often at odds with my union backed upbringing. The morality I display is an offshoot of that and the fact that my mom, dad, and brother are still members of the union.

I am angry at corporations (including my own) for not giving as much as they should. My brothers father in law has near-terminal brain cancer, they had a fund raiser and I thought my company might want to donate...laugh. Up to $100 matching.

Then, I asked around and was able to get my subsidiary to donate 2 timeshare weekends for a decent chunk of change, nice to know that some people do care.

While I may be a rabid conservative in some areas, I am surely not in many others. I am a confused conservaliberal.

LK

cheapie

03-29-2004, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by DarkFury

Wal mart is not "the man" in this case... Now if I were trying to get a job from Wal Mart and they wouldn't let me due to my race, then that is a MUCH different story.

To date, they have never prevented me from shopping there or made me stand in a "colored only" line. :hmm: And to think... Sam Walton founded the company on supposed "American principles". :rolleyes:

i was hoping you'd be able to tell i was kidding and respond in kind.

Showtime

03-29-2004, 02:07 PM

I go to walmart every once in a while and get things like plastic storage things and candy and stuff. Never had a problem with lines or it being dirty. I guess they are all pretty new out here. Its kinda like Fedco for the masses.

-jel:halo:

LPMiller

03-29-2004, 02:34 PM

I do not like Walmart, it's just dorky. I like Target, it's less dorky. But I don't like Super Targets, because other people shop there. These people tend to be in my way. Why, I do not know. I step into a Walmart, those same people are there, only it's 1975 and I cannot for the life of me find the flashing blue light. This makes me sad. But then I go to JCPenny's and realize I'm not a metrosexual either, so I swallow my saddness and shop online instead. Then I take a nap.

Bires

03-29-2004, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by LegendKiller

When your kid gets into high school and wants a job, all of the other stores will be closed down thanks to WalMarts anti-competative actions. Thus, they will sit around as social loafers, getting into trouble, thanks to WalMarts non-charitable donations.

So this is a worst case scenario, then? :eek:

Man...do you honestly believe this?

Bires

03-29-2004, 04:43 PM

[my $0.02]

I used to become uncomfortable in Walmart until I realized that these weirdos that seem to flock to Walmart are not the problem-it was me!

I came to realize that there was a point of pride in my life, that I was somehow better than the *average* American family member, and I deserved to be separated from what affects the average American, like colds, poverty, joblessness, and screaming toddlers.

Once I got over that, I rather enjoyed going shopping for 60-cent air filters and cheap batteries. :)

[/my $0.02]

blueindian

03-29-2004, 05:45 PM

my problem with walmart has zero to do with the people who shop there. heck, i shop at goodwill, the salvation army, and the pta thrift shop all the time....talk about weirdos!

i just hate the way they exploit workers and screw over small businesses.

ialsohaveadream

03-29-2004, 07:19 PM

Originally posted by cheapie
is anyone else suprised that LK is the leftie here and df is sticking up for "the man"
:shrug: :P

Exactly. My only guess is that Canta has taken LK hostage and is posting in his name. Seriously, it's the only plausible solution. :D

Cantacuzene

03-29-2004, 07:34 PM

Just tell him something like Target is owned by a French company and he'll be back on wal mart's sack in an instant.

oblongmelon

03-29-2004, 07:57 PM

Originally posted by DarkFury

Here locally in Indy, we are getting a Dick's Sporting Goods chain, which will be in direct competition with what was previously the big local chain Galyan's...

FYI Dick's Sporting Goods was founded here in this one horse town that I live in (Binghamton) and I knew the Stack family BEFORE they had tons of money-and WAYYY before their little sports shop turned into a big internet business. I was in the delivery room when Ed Stack and his wife had their first baby :) and I was here when they opened up their second shop in Vestal...it still to this day amazes me how once people get a little bit of money in their pockets they immediately turn into someone they are not..The Stacks wouldn't give any of their old friends in this town the time of day anymore now that they are multimillionares..as a matter of fact I don't think any of them live here anymore..they used to be nice people. Now they are just Assho|es who bump their merchandise up about 120%...when my brother ran the gun department at Dicks we used to take advantage of his discount -we'd get 100 dollar sneakers for 3 bucks..(the employees USED to get them at cost)...all the employees would have their relatives go in and try on sneakers to see what they wanted and what size they needed-then before they had their tent sale-they would grab up all the shoes they needed..One good thing about the Original Dicks is that they give overstock of Columbia Jackets,winter apparel,leather boots,shoes and whatever else doesnt get sold at their tent sale to the Salvation Army that is right around the corner.

On the other hand..I shop at Walmart! I LOVE WALMART-are you kidding me..why should I shop at Kohls, or Kaufmans or Lord and Taylor if I can get the same merchandise (but under a different label) for pennies on the dollar-why should I make someone else rich with my hard earned $$$...the merchandise is great-they have good selections and OK the stores are overcrowded but that's because EVERYONE LOVES THE PLACE..I don't look a gifthorse in the mouth that's for sure..if walmart went out of business I'd be sad.

oblongmelon

03-29-2004, 08:02 PM

Originally posted by blueindian
my problem with walmart has zero to do with the people who shop there. heck, i shop at goodwill, the salvation army, and the pta thrift shop all the time....talk about weirdos!

i just hate the way they exploit workers and screw over small businesses.

THRIFT SHOPS RULE!..like I said earlier..Dicks sporting goods donates alot of their NEW but out of stock merchandise to the local "Sally's"...which of course is sold for barely nothing. I LOVE THE SALVATION ARMY! I have found amazing stuff in their..classic vintage clothing, armani suits, and most recently a Ralph Lauren winter white wool double breasted,pants-suit that STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL 500 DOLLAR TAG on it..I got it for 20 dollars. That's the most I've ever spent on clothing in there-but it was well worth it. plus I like to dig through their boxes of junk in the back room for antique cups and saucers, depression glass, watermelon glass, and other cool stuff..you'd be surprised at what you can find there..mondays are the best days to go...and the afternoons especially!

molecularfire

03-29-2004, 08:52 PM

Sorry, just can’t stand a good fight.

Haven't we gone through this enough to understand?

1. Walmart donates almonst NOTHING to charity – So. Where’s the law that says that companies are required to donate money to charity. How much money do people contribute to charity? Should I use that as a screening tool to decide who I should or should not hire? Should I go to every mom and pop shop and ask them how much money they contribute to charity?

2. Walmart gives almost NOTHING to its community – Yes. They give almost nothing except tons of jobs. They also have stores where other companies don’t. Look in the middle of nowhere and find out if there’s a target there or a walmart there. Same thing with the mom and pop shops. There are tons of them that do not contribute to their community. Do you ask when you go to a mom and pop shop how much they give to their community?

3. Walmart pays lower than standard wages, does not compensate for overtime – If someone doesn’t like the wages, then don’t work there. If they don’t have people willing to work for the price they pay, then they will increase the pay. I can never understand the concept of lets have competition and then lets change the rules to screw over the successful to help out the unsuccessful. Why even continue with the charade that there is really competition? Same comment with the mom and pop shops.

4. Walmart has the highest per-worker lawsuit rate of ANY employer – Fine. If people have trouble with them, quit, sue them, whatever. If their employees want to sue them, fine. That’s the fight between the employees and the company. The way I see it, both sides are interested in their own best interest. Don’t see how one side is automatically more right just because they are weaker.

5. Walmart has been known to discriminate in many situations – Fine. There are laws against that, and if the govt. or someone who was discriminated against wants to sue them, so be it. I know plenty of mom and pop shops that also discriminate.

6. Walmart REFUSES to let ANY unions into its stores in order to control their workers, slash benefits, and ensure that they do not have to pay their workers standard wages – There are also plenty of companies that have gotten screwed over by unions. If a company is able to keep unions out, then all the more power to them. If the employees want more from the company, it is up to them to form a union, and fight with the company. If you aren’t ready to bleed for what you want, you don’t deserve it.

7. The Waltons have gotten rich off of society but gives the LEAST out of any of the billionaires in this nation – Yes, I forgot. Anyone who does well owes everybody else and had damn well better not forget it. After all, if you do well, you are evil and are lucky that those who don’t do as well don’t overthrow you because it is the god given right of anyone who loses to get mad and flip over the checker board.

8. Walmart looks trashy. Center isle "islands" of garbage get in the way. – Eh, can’t argue with that. Personally, I don’t care if a store is messy. If it gets in your way, that is fine.

9. Walmart is KNOWN to lower prices to drive out competitors and then raise those same prices – Yeah, so. I see mom and pop shops that also do that when they start off or when another similar shop opens nearby. Are you blaming them for doing this, or are you blaming them for having the power to succeed?

If rich successful people/companies aren't any better than anyone else morally, why should they be held to a higher standard? Are you condemning them because of what they do, or because they happen to be successful?

chrissy

03-29-2004, 10:20 PM

okay, first, I stopped reading somewhere on page 3.

Second, like CF and others, I am/was an employee of walmart. right now I am on a LOA because of Patrick. My walmart is in a terrible, low income area in las vegas. We have high theft, customers fighting with each other or coming after us everyday. Our floors might not be the cleanest but we try.

I would say the majority of us employees (at my store) are tired. We pick up after slobs of customers every day. Customers that leave chicken bones in with the music or in the bath towels. Customers that let their children open up toys and play with them. Customers that love to gross up the bathrooms (gawd I would hate to go to any of their houses if they do that in public!!!). But even though we are tired, we still try to smile at our customers.

When it comes to being or not being charitable, I kinda have to disagree. They have several programs that give to the comunity and what not. The company gave my little 8 girl Girl scout troop $600 while it was together. Any employee can get $100 for volunteering so many hours per quarter. This year, my Girl scout manager, who is an asst. mgr at walmart, asked the company for $19,000 and it, so far has been accepted. $10,000 is going to council to help out all the girls in the area, the rest stays within our unit. Last year at christmas, they helped the boys and girls club by letting 50 kids shop with $50 GCs for gifts for themselves or family. And back to scouts, they are matching what we sold in cookie booths (this is at store level).

These are just a couple of things that are popping into my head as I read this.

Yes, they are big. Yes, they do hurt smaller businesses. Yes, there are a lot of lawsuits against them (but do you know how many are from someone stubbing their freaking toe?? or from teaming up?? we actually caught two people doing that. One was walking ahead of the other spilling some liquid that they slipped in. :rolleyes: ) There are a lot of valid lawsuits too, not arguing that.

Do I like working for them? No, but I do like the people who do work there for the most part. Do I like shopping there? No, but I can afford to. Will my kids not be able to find a job when they are older because of walmart? No, I don't think so. There is always McDonalds or Burger King to teach a kid good work ethics.

That's all for right now. will read more later and might chime in again..

ray

03-29-2004, 10:32 PM

Originally posted by DarkFury
YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE. Use it and let others make their own decisions.

I couldn't agree more with this statement. And it applies to SO MANY scenarios and situations.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: everything you do in life is a choice. Don't complain when you're getting the short end of a stick, because 99% of the time you put yourself into that situation.

PrObLy

03-29-2004, 10:46 PM

Forgot to mention in my previous post. There's a Cost Cutters at the Wal-Mart here, so that's where I go to get my haircut too :)

chrissy

03-29-2004, 10:49 PM

see, if i would have kept my mouth shut, i could have used :stupid: and quoted CF instead of typing with one hand while feeding Patrick!

Originally posted by PrObLy
Forgot to mention in my previous post. There's a Cost Cutters at the Wal-Mart here, so that's where I go to get my haircut too :)

we have a Smart Styles or something and they are run by Regis

oh and i also found out that Hanes bras are made by Bali -- lot more affordable!!

eSDee

03-29-2004, 11:09 PM

Originally posted by chrissy
see, if i would have kept my mouth shut, i could have used :stupid: and quoted CF instead of typing with one hand while feeding Patrick!

You wouldn't be the first person posting here one handed ;)

cheapie

03-30-2004, 05:56 AM

Originally posted by Bires
[my $0.02]

I used to become uncomfortable in Walmart until I realized that these weirdos that seem to flock to Walmart are not the problem-it was me!

I came to realize that there was a point of pride in my life, that I was somehow better than the *average* American family member, and I deserved to be separated from what affects the average American, like colds, poverty, joblessness, and screaming toddlers.

Once I got over that, I rather enjoyed going shopping for 60-cent air filters and cheap batteries. :)

[/my $0.02]

you know what. that's a good point. i have been guilty of that as well. hmmm....

LegendKiller

03-30-2004, 06:00 AM

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_48/b3860620.htm

Where does Wal-Mart rank?

77th

So damn charitable.

Let us look at the family

S. Robeson Walton of Wal-Mart Corp., 11th richest ($6.3 billion and less than 0.19 percent donated), whose family philosophy holds that "true value for people is created by for-profit, not not-for-profit efforts."

Sound like great people. True Friedman believers. Lets just have NO social accountability and leave these jackasses to their own devices.

Sounds like a great plan, walmart fans.

LK

Dirty Sanchez

03-30-2004, 06:32 AM

LK...is it safe to say that you don't
1. own a pair of Reeboks
2. shop at Best Buy
3. drive a Ford
4. gas up at Exxon
5. have a checking/savings account at Bank of America
6. sent packages via UPS
7. use Verizon phones lines or wireless services?

Just curious because they rank lower than Wal-Mart in "Gifts as % of Revenues"

ialsohaveadream

03-30-2004, 06:48 AM

Originally posted by Dirty Sanchez
LK...is it safe to say that you don't
1. own a pair of Reeboks
2. shop at Best Buy
3. drive a Ford
4. gas up at Exxon
5. have a checking/savings account at Bank of America
6. sent packages via UPS
7. use Verizon phones lines or wireless services?

Just curious because they rank lower than Wal-Mart in "Gifts as % of Revenues"

Score! I'm 0-for-7 on that list. ALthough I did previously shop at Best Buy until about 2 years ago, when I got so disgusted with their (lack of) customer service that I took my money to Circuit City and online stores.

LegendKiller

03-30-2004, 06:54 AM

Originally posted by Dirty Sanchez
LK...is it safe to say that you don't
1. own a pair of Reeboks
2. shop at Best Buy
3. drive a Ford
4. gas up at Exxon
5. have a checking/savings account at Bank of America
6. sent packages via UPS
7. use Verizon phones lines or wireless services?

Just curious because they rank lower than Wal-Mart in "Gifts as % of Revenues"

1. I own Florsheim, Bass, Bostonian, and a few other more expensive dress shoes. Casual I wear doc's, or some sort of slip on. Athletic shoes I wear new balance or saucony (sp?)

2. I go to best buy as a last resort, which means ~1 time per year, if not less.

3. I drive a toyota camry (cheapie and Canta can back me up on this)

4. I buy gas at Racetrac, or 7-11

5. Wamu

6. Fedex, after a very bad incident with UPS 4 years ago.

7. SprintPCS

LK

cheapie

03-30-2004, 06:56 AM

Originally posted by Dirty Sanchez
LK...is it safe to say that you don't
1. own a pair of Reeboks
2. shop at Best Buy
3. drive a Ford
4. gas up at Exxon
5. have a checking/savings account at Bank of America
6. sent packages via UPS
7. use Verizon phones lines or wireless services?

Just curious because they rank lower than Wal-Mart in "Gifts as % of Revenues"

while i don't necessarily endorse lk's feelings, keep in mind that few of the above, except for maybe Bank of America have put small business across america out of business, pay very low wages, don't offer benefits, etc.

the charity % is only one part of his argument.

Dirty Sanchez

03-30-2004, 07:12 AM

I didn't mean to sound like I was bashing...I was just curious. For me, the hard one would have to be Best Buy. I'm a Best Buy fiend.
The next one would be Exxon. If my car was running low and the next gas station was Exxon, I'd stop there. I've been stuck on the road with an empty gas tank one too many times to be picky about gas stations. :)

LegendKiller

03-30-2004, 07:15 AM

Of course I would stop if I had no gas. As Cheapie stated, my argument doesn't rest on just the charity aspect, but also on the business practices of the company as a whole.

LK

Jihforce

03-30-2004, 12:23 PM

Oh no, Edison International is ranked 80 on that list, I better switch electric companies. :rolleyes:

Bires

03-30-2004, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by LegendKiller
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_48/b3860620.htm

HA HAH! :D Pfizer is number #2!

Given back to the ppl after helping dad give it to the mrs!

Originally posted by LegendKiller

Where does Wal-Mart rank?
77th
Sound like great people. True Friedman believers. Lets just have NO social accountability and leave these jackasses to their own devices.

Sounds like a great plan, walmart fans.

LK

So, LK, if Walmart is evil because they are 77th, would you then argue that Microsoft is the pinnacle of social responsability because it's 7th?

Just curious

LegendKiller

03-30-2004, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by Bires

HA HAH! :D Pfizer is number #2!

Given back to the ppl after helping dad give it to the mrs!

So, LK, if Walmart is evil because they are 77th, would you then argue that Microsoft is the pinnacle of social responsability because it's 7th?

Just curious

As I have said before, being a bad company has many more factors than just donations.

I personally do not think that Microsoft is an evil, or even close to a bad company. There are many reasons I believe this, which I can detail if needed. I do not believe they abused their monopoly powers nearly as much as the popular media espouses. They give massivly to charity and have awesome returns on equity. They treat their people VERY well (I know several) and do not balk at paying equitable pay rates.

I think Microsoft is a better company by several orders of magnitude.

Then you should include Mr. Gates, who has given away a massive chunk of personal wealth to society and continues to do so. What he has gained through supposed monopolistic manipulation he has given back many fold when compared to other heads corporations.

LK

on an edit: It is not suprising that drug companies are high on the list. Merck, Pfizer, and others are well known for their charitable donations. To give just one example, Merck and River Blindness. They developed, produced, and distributed a drug to cure millions in south america and africa, at the cost of many hundreds of millions of dollars. Mr. Merck was known to put society and his people FAR ahead of shareholders, and that is still espoused today.

I co-wrote (and published) a paper in the Stanford Management Review discussing corporate ethics, Merck, Microsoft, Pfizer, J&J, and others are very high on my list.

Of course, Canta would come back and say that the only reason why Merck did what they did was to enslave the people to the American Industrial white man power base to further expand the empire that we know as a democracy and crush all innocents under our jackboots.

LK

Cantacuzene

03-30-2004, 02:30 PM

Actually, thats not what I would say. I'd say they do charitable things either to get tax benefits or to please their stockholders.

eSDee

03-30-2004, 02:32 PM

Don't you own Microsoft stock LK?

LegendKiller

03-30-2004, 03:57 PM

Originally posted by eSDeeLoco
Don't you own Microsoft stock LK?

ROFL, my poor ass only owns it in my 401k. I am still trying to pay off CC bills from my time off between school and the job.

LK

ialsohaveadream

03-30-2004, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by LegendKiller

I personally do not think that Microsoft is an evil, or even close to a bad company. There are many reasons I believe this, which I can detail if needed. I do not believe they abused their monopoly powers nearly as much as the popular media espouses. They give massivly to charity and have awesome returns on equity. They treat their people VERY well (I know several) and do not balk at paying equitable pay rates.

Then you should include Mr. Gates, who has given away a massive chunk of personal wealth to society and continues to do so. What he has gained through supposed monopolistic manipulation he has given back many fold when compared to other heads corporations.

I remember we debated one example of the Gate$ generosity in class one day. He had just given a large sum of money to help minority students buy computers.

There were some narrow-minded people in the class who got all high and mighty about it and said, "That's not charity, because the computers will have MS products on them, which will make him richer." To which I replied, "So f**kin what!? Does that make the computer (that they wouldn't have had access to otherwise) less valuable and useful to their education and life?"

Charity is still charity, even when it makes business sense.

Now if only I can convince Warren Buffet to donate me just ONE share of Berkshire Hathaway....:)