Comments on: Why Republicans should pressure Wal-Mart

By: SayHey

SayHey — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:52:41 +0000

@JL4 – why are policy disagreements “hating on Democrats”? This is becoming a recurring theme – whoever disagrees with the latest progressive fad is engaging in “hate”. BTW, it is a fantasy to claim that a 1% price increase at WalMart will lead to a 2% tax reduction – there never are enough tax increases for the progressives and proposing tax reductions is not in their lexicon. We would wind up with both higher prices at WalMart and higher taxes.

By: SayHey

SayHey — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:19:54 +0000

Wal-Mart does not pay less on average than most retailers. In any event, retail has always been on the lower end of the pay scale- even in the glory days of the middle class. Sure, wages for this type of work could be artificially inflated by government fiat – and the claim that this would lead to a mere 1% rise in the price of consumer goods is more a result of ideological wishful thinking than scientific study. Same is true for similar businesses like Mcdonalds – wages there could be doubled- but it would no longer be McDonalds where a working family could “go out” for dinner.

By: OneOfTheSheep

OneOfTheSheep — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 06:01:22 +0000

@JL4,

I’ve got a better idea. It makes sense to fire everyone in Washingtom and send all current tax revenue to Walmart. Their management will not only “get the job done” with what we send them, but taxpayers will likely then get refunds every year just like the rural co-op!.

By: JL4

JL4 — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 19:14:11 +0000

I don’t think most of you who have posted here understand the point of the article. Or, you’re unwilling to admit that there is likely some truth to what the author is saying.

Here’s the point in its simplest version. It makes sense to pay 1% more in goods to Walmart, and 2% less in taxes that currently goes to pay Walmart’s, and other large corporation’s, employees’ healthcare and food bills.

If you just wanna hate on Democrats for sport, go ahead. Obviously, considering the outcome of the elections, we can take it.

By: 54100

54100 — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:02:21 +0000

Republicans should back away from politics and let Democrats run it all. Look at the great job they have done in California, New Jersey, and Michigan.

By: urukhai2

urukhai2 — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 05:10:09 +0000

Your economic ignorance is jaw-dropping. Where do I start? First of all, there is never a level playing field and THERE SHOULDN’T BE. Competition among employees for salary and promotions is what produces innovations and productivity gains. It separates the weak from the strong. In that same vein, where did you ever read that a free market tide will lift all boats? The whole point of a free market is that here will be winners and losers but nobody is stuck where there are, economically, at any given moment. Second, as a consumer, what do I get for that extra 1% that I would have to pay in order for workers to average $25,000 instead of $21,000? Why should I have to spend more of the money that I work hard to earn? Are Walmart associates going to be more helpful or friendly? Doubtful. If it really would increase GDP by 11.8 billon, why not make it $50 an hour? Why not $100/hour? The answer is because the $11.8 billion increase is false. I guarantee the sudy was a “static” study, not a “dynamic” study. The higher salary would be nothing more than a transfer of wealth from my pocket into somebody else’s. Also, is $25,000 that much better a wage that it would lessen dependence on government? Again, doubtful. And why are you suggesting that Republicans are in bed with big business? Democrats are not? GM? Solera? I can go on but do not want to bore any other readers with things such as facts. Look, I’ve been dealing with Walmart for many years as a vendor and I’m not a fan. You liberals and your republican cohorts just have to learn to stay the hell out of business all together and let our country do what it does best – innovate and produce wealth.

By: settheline

settheline — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:22:54 +0000

Agree with Crash866. Who is forcing people to work and shop at Wal-Mart? And the author supports entitlements for the “deserving” but shakes his finger at the “taxpayer subsidy” of Wal Mart employees? What about taxpayer subsidies of people who don’t want to work at all? Furthermore, why do you think the economy produces so many service sector jobs that “stink”? Here’s why: liberals like this author scream their heads off for aggregate demand to “stimulate” the economy, fueled by the Federal Reserve and fractional reserve system. Final point: when did America begin operating under a model of capitalism? The reason I ask is because our country currently operates under fascism (perhaps more appropriately termed corporatism) now. Dear author, please do some research. Virtually none of our markets are free. Housing, capital, energy, farming, currency, and yes even the service sector…. It’s all distorted by the state for the special interests who are closest.

By: pavoter1946

pavoter1946 — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 18:42:07 +0000

Conservatives should show concern. But it is the wealthy Republicans who are in charge of the Republican Party, and manipulate the Tea Party wing, that are perfectly pleased with all the wealth flowing to the top. And corporate welfare is the welfare they approve of.

The Wal-Marts and Targets and others manipulate the market to get tax breaks and make for an unlevel playing field.

Consumers may get lower prices, but when Wal-Mart employees cannot afford to buy at Wal-Mart, all suffer.

By: br333

br333 — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:06:20 +0000

Just what the republicans need is a liberal telling them that they need to tell a business that employs millions of americans how to run thier company. like the comment above NO one forces anyone to either work or buy from WalMart. This is typical liberal logic. If a liberal doesn’t like the way a company operates they try to get the Government to force it to run the way THEY think it should be run usually with disasterous results. If a conservative dosent like the way a company is run they just quit shopping there until market forces cause the company to change which allows the company to change in a way that allows the company to survive.

By: Crash866

Crash866 — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:56:21 +0000

No one forces anyone to work or shop at Wal-mart. You progressives make me sick