Wal-Mart makes me so angry!

[Peter]

Christopher, I don't consider the topic trivial. I think its very important that the poor receive the goods they need at the lowest possible price. Cutting unnecessary costs, which some more wealthy consumers enjoy, means raising the bottom line. Profits mean capital which means more stuff at cheaper prices and this is one of the reasons why Wal-mart has the best prices anywhere. Wal-marts efficient policies such as the self-checkout system have increased the wealth and the quality of life of America, most immediately the poor. Attacking Wal-mart b/c of a personal preference is narrow sighted and short sighted. Narrow sighted because you are only considering yourself and not the billions with less than you. Short sighted b/c in the long run the consequences will effect you, for eg, some of those who buy from you will have less real income thus less to expend on you. I don't mean reversing the self-checkout system alone will have such a terribly adverse effect but as it is part of Wal-mart's measures to increase productivity I defend it. If you like someone to check out for you go to a store that has that but expect higher prices (or else there is at lest a reduction of the stores capital accumulation and their growth is being artificially retarded)