DC Gravy Train

For those outside of the Washington DC area WALMART is being stalled in its development of six stores. The council wants the company to pay its workers a minimum wage of $12.50 (I think that is the right amount). The company is balking threatening to put up less stores than originally planned. Right now the mayor is deciding whether to veto the measure or not. I am hoping the measure stands. Walmart stores suck up small and medium size businesses in every community they overwhelm. The narrow view is how low their prices are, and how brilliant their format is, but the wider picture of their ability to undermine local economies, and how it is done is not a hidden secret. It is in the open, but 'consumers' seem to be a dumb lot without peripheral vision. I don't see the value of buckling under the wants and the pressure of large corporations with the adoration reserved for a Pope. Gregory E. Woods

My man, Guy Thrift, has some thoughts on the subject.

The Walmart in DC 

Vincent Orange (DC Council Member), says DC has huge surpluses, we don't need Walmart. I should think we should have surpluses! Huge attractions (Air & Space Museum, National Archives, monuments, numerous small and large parks), all paid for by the rest of the country. The huge federal payment to DC from the US Treasury. The influx of the salaries and wages of Senators, Congressmen, their staffs, along with a steady stream of income through the federal payroll system. Even this dwarfs the army of local federal contractors receiving cash through the US Treasury. One more thing councilman, "Don't surpluses indicate taxes are too high?"