This makes me see red! What is wrong with these people?

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

Well again, I'd like to see you try to do that with five children, hell even ONE child, only ONE other very very expensive option for shopping and no money. Good luck.

Don't be so exclusive just cause you have kids. Any one individual can be dirt poor and barely able to take care of themselves and make ends meet. Having children only compounds the problem. And five no less! Wow. Someone should have budgeted for birth control or better yet, abstinence.
If you can't afford them, don't have them.

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

I do not have to agree with all that Wal-Mart does etc - and I can bitch about it as much as I want, since my money actuallY GOES to the place....perhaps it's you all who have nothing at all invested who should stop bitching and moaning.

You sound bitter. What's the point of bitching and moaning over something you don't want to take responsibility for? So you don't have to agree, but you'll give them your hard earned dollars? What you're really saying is: I agree, here's my money.

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

If you hate Wal-Mart then why do you care if they're selling Brokeback Mountain or not? It goes both ways.

I don't. It's not about Brokeback. It's about censorship. I stated that clearly in my first post. That's not the first film, book or other media that has been censored or attempted to be censored. Farenheit 911 is another example. Plenty of others. Besides Wal-Mart is not banning Brokeback anyway. But their are organizations that want to ban it from being sold. Wal-Mart has had its share of censorship from time to time. Which is why I don't shop there. Plenty of other alternatives. Plenty.

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

Anyway- I hate what they're doing to the market - it's because of them there are no other shopping choices, but sometimes things aren't as easy as re-arranging a budget.

True. But then consumers just like you made it all happen. Also, not everyone is good at making a realistic budget and willing to make alternative choices. It's all too convenient to buy into the hypocrisy.

[dissention]

Originally Posted by Richard B

I don't. It's not about Brokeback. It's about censorship. I stated that clearly in my first post. That's not the first film, book or other media that has been censored or attempted to be censored. Farenheit 911 is another example. Plenty of others. Besides Wal-Mart is not banning Brokeback anyway. But their are organizations that want to ban it from being sold. Wal-Mart has had its share of censorship from time to time. Which is why I don't shop there. Plenty of other alternatives. Plenty.

Their censorship is ongoing, it never really ends. They still won't stock Sheryl Crow's self-titled album because of the "Watch out, sister/Watch out, brother/Watch your children while they kill each other/With a gun they bought at Wal Mart discount stores" lyrics in "Love Is A Good Thing." Just like they won't stock albums with parental advisory warnings on them unless they're censored, and until recently, I read that they wouldn't stock unrated movie titles and they still won't stock NC-17 releases. Though I think the best was when they banned Jon Stewart's "America: The Book" because of the nude Supreme Court Justices. Priceless!

If their tendencies towards censorship weren't enough to not shop there, their business practices and abusive treatment of employees should make people think twice about handing them any cash.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

But that is easier said than done. In my hometown - you either shop at Wal-Mart or you go without. There is only one other grocery store and the prices are so high that many cannot afford to shop there - especially those trying to feed families. There was a mass exodus of grocery stores when Super Wal-Mart hit my hometown and now that is pretty much your only option

I would like to not support them - but then again I'm on a very very tight budget and often times I can get all that I need at Wal-Mart - it's ****ty but what else can someone do?

the state with the most Wal-Mart stores in the US....As I have stated before, Within 100 miles of any direction of our residence is 54+ Wal-Mart stores (Almost all are 24 hour "Super Grocery Stores") with 3 more being built.

And like you said, either you shop at Wel-Fare Mart (I call 'em that because it bothers me when a company has to train their employees on how to apply for "Government assistance" programs during job training, while at the same time this multi-billion dollar a year company can claim a tax break on hiring someone who just happens to be on"Government assistance") or you do without...I HATE Wal-Mart, But have to shop there (bka-Necessary evil) since they have monopolized the grocery/retail market which leaves no other shopping options (When we move closer to OKC, in the near future, we will be shopping at Target...Which will be a welcome option).

Hell, I recall an online article on yahoo.com about Wel-Fare Mart's monopoly in OKC, Whereas in the last 5 years they have taken over 46% of ALL the retail market in OKC alone and about 30 local grocery stores have gone out of business due to not being able to compete with Wel-Fare Mart's everyday low-BS-prices since the "Stupor Store" idea was first created.

Oh, just dont get me started on the shopping carts that Wel-Fare Mart purchases from Unarco Commercial Products (One of my former employers for a few years), I learned to hate Wel-Fare Mart way back then by their "contractual tactics" that were used towards my employer.

One thing I can clearly say, I NEVER PURCHASE MUSIC EVER (!!!) FROM Wel-Fare Mart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Selling an R-Rated movie but ya cant carry an album with the occassional word F**k is absotively HYPOCRITICAL!!!!

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by Richard B

Don't be so exclusive just cause you have kids. Any one individual can be dirt poor and barely able to take care of themselves and make ends meet. Having children only compounds the problem. And five no less! Wow. Someone should have budgeted for birth control or better yet, abstinence.
If you can't afford them, don't have them.

Wow....you're a real prize.

First off, I don't even have children.

Second - sometime people's circumstances are such that they have children they CAN afford - but then something unforseen happens. Either way - it's not up to you to tell people to not have children. Once they're here it's a parent's responsibility to feed and clothe them the best way they can.

Originally Posted by Richard B

True. But then consumers just like you made it all happen. Also, not everyone is good at making a realistic budget and willing to make alternative choices. It's all too convenient to buy into the hypocrisy.

You're right - not everyone is willing to make hard budgets and not "buy into they hypocrisy" But there are bigger fish to fry in the world - you don't like Wal-Mart? Don't shop there - it's that simple -but if you dont' shop there - then quit bitching about their censorship practices - what do you care?

Like you said - there are several other choices.

That said, I'm betting that many many more LEdgies shop at Wal-Mart than will openly admit it...I'm just sick of the self-righteous belittleing of those of us who do because we're simply trying to live within our means.

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

the state with the most Wal-Mart stores in the US....As I have stated before, Within 100 miles of any direction of our residence is 54+ Wal-Mart stores (Almost all are 24 hour "Super Grocery Stores") with 3 more being built.

And like you said, either you shop at Wel-Fare Mart (I call 'em that because it bothers me when a company has to train their employees on how to apply for "Government assistance" programs during job training, while at the same time this multi-billion dollar a year company can claim a tax break on hiring someone who just happens to be on"Government assistance") or you do without...

THANK YOU!

I'm not saying I love Wal-Mart - but people seem to think that we're simply too lazy to find other options...well believe it or not there are places where there ARE no other options. I came from a place like that.

And I understand the concept of "go without" as I grew up doing tha t- but you can't "go without" basic food stuff lol - and well sometimes it's only about the Wal-Mart.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

THANK YOU!

I'm not saying I love Wal-Mart - but people seem to think that we're simply too lazy to find other options...well believe it or not there are places where there ARE no other options. I came from a place like that.

And I understand the concept of "go without" as I grew up doing tha t- but you can't "go without" basic food stuff lol - and well sometimes it's only about the Wal-Mart.

somewhat poor, but in my hometown of Muskogee, Oklahoma we ad more retail choices...Whereas now we have either shop at Wel-Fare Mart or you dont shop.

For Debbie & myself to shop, the closest town with shopping is 26 miles away (52 miles roundtrip)....And guess what is the only shopping option you have in Anadarko, Oklahoma? That's right, Wel-Fare Mart

If Debbie & myself were to avoid shopping at Wel-Fare Mart then we will have to make a 45 mile trip (90 mile roundtrip) to Lawton, Oklahoma...Where you have either Wel-Fare Mart or a failing K-Mart to shop at.

I would love to shop at K-Mart, as I did when I was younger, but their prices at much higher than Wel-Fare Mart's "everyday-BS-low prices" (I will estimate K-Mart is about 25-35% higher on average than Wel-Fare Mart on basic items...If not higher).

The way we figure is that we can either "feed the large money grubbing monopoly" and save our $$$$, Or we can try to help "the little guy/underdog" by spending extra $$$$ for higher priced items and end up being broke...And when you have someone in a family with either a severe illness (ie-Cancer) or with a possible severe illness (Or even if you have mouths to feed such as children) you try to be tight with the $$$$ you have for a budget...Even if it means going against your own morl belief and having to "give in to the Evil Empire" that you dispise!

Trust me, I would love to see more shopping options in the smaller towns around the OKC area so I could take my $$$$ elsewhere from Wel-Fare Mart, But I dont see that happening...if EVER!

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

somewhat poor, but in my hometown of Muskogee, Oklahoma we ad more retail choices...Whereas now we have either shop at Wel-Fare Mart or you dont shop.

For Debbie & myself to shop, the closest town with shopping is 26 miles away (52 miles roundtrip)....And guess what is the only shopping option you have in Anadarko, Oklahoma? That's right, Wel-Fare Mart

If Debbie & myself were to avoid shopping at Wel-Fare Mart then we will have to make a 45 mile trip (90 mile roundtrip) to Lawton, Oklahoma...Where you have either Wel-Fare Mart or a failing K-Mart to shop at.

I would love to shop at K-Mart, as I did when I was younger, but their prices at much higher than Wel-Fare Mart's "everyday-BS-low prices" (I will estimate K-Mart is about 25-35% higher on average than Wel-Fare Mart on basic items...If not higher).

The way we figure is that we can either "feed the large money grubbing monopoly" and save our $$$$, Or we can try to help "the little guy/underdog" by spending extra $$$$ for higher priced items and end up being broke...And when you have someone in a family with either a severe illness (ie-Cancer) or with a possible severe illness (Or even if you have mouths to feed such as children) you try to be tight with the $$$$ you have for a budget...Even if it means going against your own morl belief and having to "give in to the Evil Empire" that you dispise!

Trust me, I would love to see more shopping options in the smaller towns around the OKC area so I could take my $$$$ elsewhere from Wel-Fare Mart, But I dont see that happening...if EVER!

Man...yeah...that sucks. In my hometown (in New Mexico) we did get a Target, and we have a K-Mart. But yeah, the prices are significantly higher. The Target is ok - so that is good for paper goods and hygiene products. But there is only one other grocery chain in town and it is way higher than Hell-mart. WAY higher. Not just pennies...we're talking dollars.

Even here - I shop at a grocery store called Wegmans - but for a dessert I like it's $1.76 at Hell-Mart - and $2.76 at Wegmans..that's quite a difference. Still -now that I'm no longer a college student I try to not shop at Wal-Mart...that was until a rash of unexpected dental work and car work put me in a position where I'm WAY Strapped It's hard all over....and sometimes - well you just gotta bite the bullet. And Wal-Mart carries the milk I drink (a lactose free-variety) - whereas no other store does


Anyway - I hate K-Mart actually more than Hell-Mart lol - so that's not even an option for me....I gotta take care of me and my doggie - and it's nice to have a few dollars left over in the case of unexpected problems....sigh.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

sometime people's circumstances are such that they have children they CAN afford - but then something unforseen happens. Either way - it's not up to you to tell people to not have children. Once they're here it's a parent's responsibility to feed and clothe them the best way they can.

No ****? Ya, think?
I'm not saying not to have kids. But you sure had better think real hard before you go and have kids you can't support. This country is filled with that very real problem. Unloved, unwanted and uncared for children. So yeah, I care about it. We're over-populated as it is, and frankly no one needs to have that many children any more. Not here. Not in a country that simply can not support it. I pay taxes, so I do support those in need, just like anyone. But a little education and forethought go a long way in preventing this problem.

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

I'm just sick of the self-righteous belittleing of those of us who do because we're simply trying to live within our means.

Quit projecting. I wasn't belittling anyone. People can do what they want. Just don't bitch without good cause to back it up. It makes you look pathetic. And again, I was talking about censorship, not Wal-Mart specifically, even if they do.

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

Wow....you're a real prize.

You're no treasure either. Too bad you can't think logically and rationally as opposed to just being reactionary. I never made a snide comment to you.

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by Richard B

You're no treasure either. Too bad you can't think logically and rationally as opposed to just being reactionary. I never made a snide comment to you.

Actually I think very logically and rationally. You don't know me obviously - thinking I had kids and all

Either way - you can think what you want....and I won't "react" to you any longer. And I was making actual real and valid points about Wal-Mart and the climate of shopping. I said you were a real prize because you (from what I gathered) you basically told me not to have children then you assumed I had (which is very rude).

I agree about the over population actually - and yes, education is key...BUT who am I to tell someone with a great income and job not to have five kids...then telling them if one loses a job or gets downsized..."Well ya shouldn't have all those kids!?!" Whatever.

[David]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

But that is easier said than done. In my hometown - you either shop at Wal-Mart or you go without. There is only one other grocery store and the prices are so high that many cannot afford to shop there - especially those trying to feed families. There was a mass exodus of grocery stores when Super Wal-Mart hit my hometown and now that is pretty much your only option

I would like to not support them - but then again I'm on a very very tight budget and often times I can get all that I need at Wal-Mart - it's ****ty but what else can someone do?

Deanna & Richard, I guess I'm totally spoiled because I have--literally--dozens of grocery stores within, say, fifteen minutes of me where I can buy food & groceries. But sometimes I hear from people in small towns or some backwoods borough where there is literally only one market ... or one gas station ... or one shoe store ... or one whatever, &c.

Southern California cities just flood over with choices, until life here becomes a series of deliquescent options.

The more populous the region you live in, the clearer you can see the benefits of a (relatively) free market. If one guy charges too much for his widgets, another guy is right there to grab the customers with lower-priced widgets. Round & round it goes; where it stops, nobody knows.

It makes one really appreciate a truly free market, & make one very impatient with government (or "citizen watchdog" groups) tampering with that marketplace (outside obvious concerns about safety & fraud--but those are crimes, & government should play a role in crime prevention & punishment).

[amber]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

But there are bigger fish to fry in the world - you don't like Wal-Mart? Don't shop there - it's that simple -but if you dont' shop there - then quit bitching about their censorship practices - what do you care?

You're not serious, here, about not complaining about things (bitching) because they don't directly affect you, right? The world would be a lot better if more people bitched about more unfair/wrong/detrimental things that are going on.
Did I read that wrong?

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by amber

You're not serious, here, about not complaining about things (bitching) because they don't directly affect you, right? The world would be a lot better if more people bitched about more unfair/wrong/detrimental things that are going on.
Did I read that wrong?

Nah - I was saying that more in a tongue and cheek manner. I mean I think that the genocide in Darfur is horrid - it doesn't affect me, but you can bet I'll speak out against it...and some of the environmental attrocities going on in India...totally doesn't affect me...BUT I'll speak out.

I was just sort of trying to go at the issue from the other side..as in - if y'all don't shop at Wal-Mart - then why do you care if they sell Brokeback Mountain or not - or if they only sell censored cds...eh....I don't even know why I got involved in the issue at all really....

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by Richard B

You're no treasure either. Too bad you can't think logically and rationally as opposed to just being reactionary. I never made a snide comment to you.

No? what was that bit about budgeting in for birth control?

that sure looked snide to me.....

btw: you can plan and try and forsee any eventuality, but life almost always has the ability to throw you a curve ball, so no matter how much you save or how many safety nets you try and erect, there is ALWAYS the possibility that you overlooked something or that something will happen completely unlooked for.....such as you could get in an accident and lose a limb or go into a coma and lose your job/insurance and now have all those hospital bills to pay for on TOP of all your other expenses.....there's just no way to be completely prepared. thats unrealistic thinking on your part.

[diamondsnake]

I don't live in a very large town, but we have dozens of grocery stores and markets. We have the big three super stores- Walmart, Kmart, and Target. I admit, I kind of like Target! And we also have a bunch of large grocery stores, specialty stores, and farmers markets, as well as produce stands.

Walmart is my last choice! However, I sometimes shop there if I need an item late at night. Walmart is really the only 24-hour grocery store. And, if I am baking cookies at three in the morning, Walmart can be a lifesaver.

However, I have vowed never to go back there after a horrible experience. I was in the DVD section and a man with one of those huge, wide brooms/mops was sweeping the perimeter of the store. I was apparently in his way. He didn't give me any warning and screamed "Excuse Me!!!!" while practically knocking me over with his broom! He litterally was sweeping my feet because I didn't have fast enough reflexes. I was pissed! Walmart honestly will hire anyone. What I wanted to say to this man was "On what planet is it appropriate to treat a customer like that?" But then I remembered, I was at Walmart!

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by diamondsnake

I don't live in a very large town, but we have dozens of grocery stores and markets. We have the big three super stores- Walmart, Kmart, and Target. I admit, I kind of like Target! And we also have a bunch of large grocery stores, specialty stores, and farmers markets, as well as produce stands.

Walmart is my last choice! However, I sometimes shop there if I need an item late at night. Walmart is really the only 24-hour grocery store. And, if I am baking cookies at three in the morning, Walmart can be a lifesaver.

However, I have vowed never to go back there after a horrible experience. I was in the DVD section and a man with one of those huge, wide brooms/mops was sweeping the perimeter of the store. I was apparently in his way. He didn't give me any warning and screamed "Excuse Me!!!!" while practically knocking me over with his broom! He litterally was sweeping my feet because I didn't have fast enough reflexes. I was pissed! Walmart honestly will hire anyone. What I wanted to say to this man was "On what planet is it appropriate to treat a customer like that?" But then I remembered, I was at Walmart!

No offense - but if THAT is the worst experience you've ever had at a Wal-Mart then you're doing pretty good. My ex-boyfriend once got into a HUGE argument with a cashier - security had to escort him out. SOOOOO...when we'd go to Wal-Mart, because, again - in my hometown that was pretty much the only optin, we'd ram our carts into thing purposely....knock **** over....really childish and stupid - and really we were making no point at all - it just made us feel better. Those poor employees - they have to deal with jerks like us everyday - and the people they work for treat them bad to boot - I usually let rudeness or curtness from a Wal-Mart employee pass...

I love the commercials with all these happy friendly employees, clean aisles and friendly customers...I wanna go to THAT Wal-Mart

It is my last resort for most things- although, like I said - they'r ethe only ones who carry the brand/type of milk I drink - which means I actually do shop there when I can't afford the more expensive Lactose-Free milk at other stores...