After a recent discussion about Wal-Mart here, I thought I'd just let everyone know about some of the issues in question about them. Also if you haven't seen the documentary "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" yet, I suggest doing so; it gives even more info on criticisms that are not found in this article.

I try to buy local whenever possible, but it's hard to dispute Walmart allows low and middle class America the opportunity to obtain things they may not be able to afford at other stores.

It's a myth that they lower the prices on their products. Truth to be told, they shove the cost of health care and decent income onto the tax payers by forcing their employees to use public services such as welfare and Medicaid to make up for their low pay and lack of benefits. As a result, you actually pay more for their products in the long run.

LGagon - agree. It is hidden costs. They please their stockholders with great numbers, which are possible for reasons you mentioned.

...by forcing their employees to use public services such as welfare and Medicaid

How exactly do they force this, Gagnon? I'm no huge fan of WalMart, but are their HR people going out and forcing people to come work for them? I don't think so. With regard to the union issue, most, esp the UAW, made ther beds years ago when they became fat and greedy just as they accused the big bad corporations of doing. Unions have no one but themselves to blame for their decline.