On Dec 21, 2005, at 12:35 PM, Nick Arnett wrote:
On 12/21/05, Dan Minette <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Wal-Mart's latest (fiscal year ending 1-05) profit margin was 3.6%.
They make a good deal of profit, 10 billion, but on slim margins.
This is in contrast with Microsoft, which has a profit margin of
~32% and about 13 billion in profits.
What I don't understand is which complaints about Wal-Mart you are
arguing against.
That it mistreats employees?
That it drives out small businesses that create qualitative and
hard-to-quantify benefits?
That a good part of its so-called efficiency is underwritten by
billions of taxpayer dollars via the state and federal welfare
and healthcare systems?
That is is under indictment in a number of states for forcing its
employees to work unpaid overtime?
That it regularly hires undocumented workers to undercut legal
citizens' salaries?
That it engages in gender and race discrimination in hiring and
promotions?
That it illegally interferes with unionization efforts of its
employees?
That is systematically violates environmental laws?
That two jobs are lost for every job it creates in virtually
every town where it opens a store?
Efficiency is not an unalloyed good, except perhaps in economic
theory. In practice, efficiency must balanced with other concerns.
But Wal-Mart apologists recognize no other mantra than ruthless
efficiency.
Dave
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