Blog: Building a Better Altadena

Let me first quote an article written by Paul Kirklin, a BA in Economics from the University of Texas. He is enrolled to study law at The University of Houston.  "In spite of Wal-Mart's outstanding achievements and tremendous benefits to the public, a determined group of Wal-Mart critics has appeared on the scene. These people have made it their life's mission to smear and obstruct Wal-Mart at every turn, many of them behaving with the same passion that one might expect from religious fanatics. The critics are utterly ignorant of economics, yet they pretend to be authorities on the subject, and loudly proclaim such things as: "Wal-Mart causes unemployment," "Wal-Mart lowers wages," and "Wal-Mart reduces access to healthcare." In addition to these alleged economic sins, they say: "Wal-Mart destroys communities," "Wal-Mart treats its female employees unfairly," "Wal-Mart causes greedy consumerism," "Wal-Mart desecrates sacred ground." To listen to these critics, one might think that Wal-Mart was the source of all evil."

"Every time Wal-Mart tries to open up a new store, there is a good chance that these anti-Wal-Mart crusaders will be there to interfere, attempting to persuade zoning boards and local governments to intervene and make it impossible for Wal-Mart to operate. They've created websites such as Wakeupwalmart.com and Walmartwatch.com that provide "public education" on their incorrect version of the economic effects of Wal-Mart. They've held anti-Wal-Mart demonstrations, and put out advertisements, books, and movies. They've called for crippling regulation of Wal-Mart, and increased taxes on Wal-Mart. One of their favorite activities is to point to someone who they believe has been, or could be, negatively affected by Wal-Mart's success — no matter how temporarily — misinterpret the meaning of this phenomenon, and proceed to work themselves into a frenzy because they are convinced that this proves that Wal-Mart is destroying the world."

"All of their objections are based on profound ignorance of Wal-Mart's actual economic significance, and their behavior is destructive to themselves and everyone else. The huge amount of media attention given to these critics by many willing accomplices has strengthened their negative influence. The critics have succeeded in making themselves impossible to ignore. They have dragged Wal-Mart's good name through the mud, causing the general public to associate Wal-Mart with the endless list of accusations, rather than with the incredible service they provide."

Sound familiar to anyone?  This is EXACTLY what these fanatics have done to you in Altadena.  They've tried to scare you into not shopping at Walmart.  They've written blog upon blog spewing nothing but negativity and their skewed view of the "facts" in order to do so.  Well, I'm here to tell you that they're wrong, very wrong for doing so.  These fanatics drive up and down the same streets in Altadena that we do yet they don't see the same things.  We see empty store fronts, they do not.  We see empty lots, they do not.  We see liquor stores, upon liquor stores and they do not.  We see homeless on the streets, they do not.  We see people in need of employment, they do not.  We see a run down Altadena desperately in need of a breath of life.  How do we get them to take their 1950's blinders off and see things for what they really are?

Before my first trip to Walmart I was so excited to know that I didn't have to drive to Duarte to buy my families groceries.  I could shop locally and within my means and budget for that week.  I wouldn't have to double check the prices and cut coupons.  Walmart's prices are guaranteed lower and they also provide price matching wherein if you see a lower price somewhere else they will match it for you on the spot.  I was pleased with the impeccably clean store, friendly people that work there and neatly stocked shelves with a wide variety of items.  No need to go to three different stores anymore, this is one stop shopping at its best!

I literally saved over $100.00 the first time I went and I was thrilled.  I honestly do not understand how or why people would spend more on groceries when there is no need to.  If you know that Walmart charges at least $1.00 to $4.00 sometimes even $5.00 less on items such as kitty litter, cleaning products and household items why in the world would you throw your money away at another store?  Many people like to use the excuse that they don't want to make the Walton Family any richer.  Many people like to say that Walmart sells "genetically modified" foods.  Many people like to say that they prefer giving "Mom and Pop their hard earned money.  Ok, if that's how you feel, let me ask you a few questions.

Does it really matter who's pocket we make fuller, Mr. Walton or Mr. Smith down the street?  Neither of them pay my grocery bills however one of them sells the same product to me for far less.  When you look at all the chemicals that cause Cancer including the air that you breath the farthest thing from your mind to worry about should be the "genetically modified" foods that Walmart "sells".   Go ahead and pay 3x, to 4x as much for the same thing, I won't.  Add that amount up per week, per month and see how much money you are putting into the pockets of others.  Do you think Mr. Smith worries about how much money you have to spend on groceries?

"A proper understanding of economics will clearly show that Wal-Mart has right on its side, which, to counter the attacks of the critics, should be communicated as far and wide as possible. The critics should be exposed for the fools that they are, and treated as such. Wal-Mart should stop apologizing and acquiescing; it should stand proud, for it is the true champion of a better way of life for all."

To enjoy this article at length please go to http://mises.org/daily/2219