You totally just based your whole argument on the fact that I'm a redneck whose store was run out of business. Seeing as this is not true, your whole argument goes to hell. And if anyone is the redneck here, then it would be you for your "guess-and-check" arguing skills. Your weak, and downright pitiful, ethics are disgusting to say the least.
But just so I don't sink to your level and make ridiculous claims with no support:
You say, why pay more when you get can the same labor for much cheaper? Well look at it this way, a company (Wal-Mart) spends money on foreign labor (often times it is illegal by American law as it is usually child labor, long hours, unsafe working conditions, etc.) the money we spent on that labor goes right back to the foreign country's economy, not ours. If you really like funding the Chinese economy so much, you may want to take a permanent vacation there.
I wasn't blaming the consumer in this situation, I'm blaming the company by all means. It's a choice you make, and although I may not agree with it. It is your choice.
From Wal-Mart's Statement of Ethics:
OUR THREE BASIC BELIEFS
When Sam Walton founded Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Wal-Mart”), he established the
“Three Basic Beliefs” to which we remain firmly committed:
◊ Respect for the Individual
(Note: Respect for the individual usually means respecting all genders)
◊ Service to our Customers
◊ Strive for Excellence
The Three Basic Beliefs go hand in hand with the integrity and ethical conduct that is the
foundation of our business.
GUIDING ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
As Wal-Mart Associates and Directors, we must:
• Follow the law at all times;
(Note: See this $11 million settlement.)
• Be honest and fair;
• Never manipulate, misrepresent, abuse or conceal information;
(Note: Here is what Wal-Mart has really done about their new 'Green' initiative.)
• Avoid conflicts of interest between work and personal affairs;
• Never discriminate against anyone;
(Note: You would think that this would be especially important towards the customer, but here are not one but two cases of Wal-Mart employees not accepting checks from African-Americans.)
• Never act unethically - even if someone else instructs you to do so;
• Never ask someone to act unethically;
• Seek assistance if you have questions about this Statement of Ethics or if you face an ethical dilemma;
• Cooperate with any investigation of a possible ethics violation; and
• Report ethics violations or suspected violations.
I could go on and on finding disparities between their 'Code of Ethics' and their actions, but... well, here are a few more:
- Hiring illegal immigrants (
1 -
2)
- Logging in
Russian forests where endangered tigers live
- Illegal
anti-union tactics
-
And on...
-
And on again...
Like I said, you all can make your own decision, but if you have any compassion towards your fellow human beings, because in the end we are all the same, you'll at least realize what Wal-Mart is doing. Even if you continue to shop there, at least recognize what is going on behind that big smiley face.