WalMart has received its share of unfair criticism - mostly from the Left, of course. The reason for this criticism is partly that WalMart has wisely avoided unionization of its employees, and partly that WalMart shoppers are typically low-income people. The fact that most criticism on both counts comes from "progressives" should tell you something about which party is really concerned about the "common folk." Here are some facts in praise of WalMart that come from an unlikely source - the website of MSNBC:
- It is the world's largest retailer, with more than 4,000 stores in the United States and another 2,300 abroad.
- It is the largest private employer in the United States and the second largest employer overall, behind (sadly) the behemoth known as the Federal Government.
- WalMart pays its employees, on average, considerably higher than U.S. and state minimum-wage rates. It also offers affordable health care plans to its employees.
- Here's one that should make everyone a fan of WalMart's "everyday low prices." An international research firm conducted a study in 2005 that found that WalMart's growth from 1985 to 2004 resulted in food-at-home prices that were 9.1% lower and overall prices that were 3.1% lower than they otherwise would have been. It's pretty astounding that one retail company could have such a considerable impact on consumer prices. What's not to like about that - unless of course you're looking for a reason to completely revamp a country's economic system?
- John Tierney, a NY Times columnist (as you know, the NY Times is not noted for its love of capitalism or the free markets), commended WalMart for its creation of jobs in developing nations. In fact, he said that WalMart was deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize.
I have to admit that I am not a WalMart shopper, but I am a fan. WalMart......Good Guy!
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