Background
If you're a regular at Opensewer, you probably know how we feel by now about some of the larger retailers of the world. These companies consistently show a lack of concern for human well-being, putting profit above all else. In the early days of this country, when corporations stopped serving the best interest of the public, their charter was revoked. Now, corporations have as many rights as people, and it sometimes seems like there's no way to stop them when they go haywire. It's time to let these fat cats know how we feel.
The Target
With a history of underhanded competitive tactics, despicable labor practices, and blatant disregard for communities, Wal-Mart stands as the preeminent model of the evil retailer. Yes, they offer lower prices. But these lower prices are at the expense of the local community. Mom 'n' pop shops are put out of business because of their price slashing. Essentially, Wal-Mart takes money out of a locality, and distributes it to its shareholders. To put it a bit more militantly, they suck the life out of our cities and small towns.
The Strategy
Our most effective action is to simply avoid shopping at Wal-Mart! Just stop, and stop right now! Be willing to pay the extra $0.18 for paper towels at a local store, and send a small but powerful message to this behemoth. It's an Opensewer addage we've been repeating since day one: Your dollars are votes. Vote against Wal-Mart.
If you want to do even more, send a real paper letter to Wal-Mart and tell them how you feel. Remember, one letter from you represents 100-200 disgruntled customers to them. Here are some sample letters, should you find yourself at a loss for words: Letter 1, Letter 2. Mail them to one (or both) of these guys:
David D. Glass
Chairman, Executive Committee of the Board
H. Lee Scott
President & CEOWal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611
Pointless?
One may have doubts about just how effective a campaign like this can be. "They're just sooo big!" In our opinion, if we can stop even one person from shopping at this most evil of retailers, we've achieved success, and pissed Wal-Mart off just a little. And that sends a message, and it makes it all worth it.
While you're at it, have some fun.