DEMOCRAT'S CAMPAIGN AGAINST WAL-MART


One of the strategic initiatives of the Democrats for the coming Fall election, and presumably for 2008, is to attack the nation's largest retailer, Wal-Mart. The campaign concentrates on the pay and health care benefits for Wal-Mart workers. I question this strategy.

Now, I hold no brief for Wal-Mart. Its impact has often destroyed neighborhood stores and crippled towns. Its squeezing of suppliers has at times had adverse consequences along with the consumer benefit of lower prices. And I tend to favor anything that may help defeat the disastrous Republican administration. However, I think that attacking Wal-Mart is a miguided effort.

First, it is anathema to many to see the government dictate to a company how it will run its business, including its pay policies. Yes, it looks good to push for better health coverage by businesses. But our health system needs much more than this. Will the Democrats support a national health system rather having benefits depend on where a person work? The selection of the other target, the $10 per hour paid by Wal-Mart to many of its workers, looks foolish compared to the failure for decades to increase the minimum wage above $5.15 per hour.And $10 is a lot more than $5.15.

If political pressure causes any Wal-Marts to close, the employees there will not be grateful. But, of greater importance, the Democratic strategists should stop to considere that there are many more satisfied customers of Wal-Mart who vote than exploited Wal-Mart employees.