[Winona Online Democracy] Dwayne and others on line:
I guess I just view the world through a different window. The unions did have a place a hundred years ago when many injustices occurred in the work place. While history provides valuable lessons their power and impact in worker gains the last 30 years is harder to find. If the world, the employees and the local merchants are so wronged by this company then why not let the consumer vote with their dollars. If the argument is so strong convince the consumer! I support choice, competition and have never run from a fight of a competitor in business. If anything it sharpens my determination to compete. It forces me to provide more value to my customers in the form of service, new products, warranty protection and value pricing. It is competition, not government interference, which drives my engine in the market place. I think you would find, that locally owned, specialty retailers, have significantly increased their sales by locating near to a Wal-Mart. If not, why would so many national specialty stores jump at the opportunity and not fear the wrath of evil empire. Paul Double From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dwayne Voegeli Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 11:36 PM Hello Paul, You're becoming quite the apologist for all kinds of interesting injustices. First you made it seem like Wal Mart was doing all the middle class families of America a favor by providing them with flexible hours. Next you reduce all the blood, sweat, and tears of union efforts to clarity of work rules. Here are just a few other small things unions have done for us: ----- 1. The 60 hour work week. The 50 hour work week. The mythical 40 hour work week. 2. Minimum wage 3. Child labor laws 4. Health and safety protections (The "Jungle" by Upton Sinclair is still one of my favorite books) 5. Wages that have helped create the American middle class (What is the latest stat on how much more union jobs are paid vs. no union jobs?) ----- Now, having said all that, I want to add that I also believe that unions are not perfect. There is plenty of room for improvement. I'm not exactly Mr. Popular with my union at times for calling for a wage freeze and things like that. Still, the importance of unions can not be underestimated. They are part of what has made America great. Wal Mart is one of the most destructive forces in America and abroad when it comes to providing fair wages, basic civil liberties, and common human decency. Winona is now on the front line of the historic struggle between the forces of democracy and monarchy/aristocracy. I hope people don't think the fight is not worth it. Dwayne Voegeli ====================== _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
