I used to work for Wal-Mart

t r u t h o u t - John J. Sweeney | How Can We Fight for Working Families?

In the small college town I used to live in, Wal-Mart ruined the local economy of shopkeepers. Only tourism, very limited to graduation days, kept some of the town's old businesses going. At the time, Wal-Mart paid more in hourly wages than local businesses did. That's why I worked there. Basically, nobody else was hiring.

Now Wal-Mart offers even lower prices. This is at the expense of their worker's wages and benefits. If we shop at Wal-Mart just for lower prices, but not for economic need, that is further exploitation of the low wage worker by the middle and upper classes.

Every person bears some responsibility for a healthy economy. Our rabbi often says something like, "We speak with our wallets."

Personal responsibility--no wonder this economy is in so much trouble.

If you live near L.A. please visit the Museum of Tolerance. The little cafe activity offers a great lesson in personal responsibility! I am still affected by that place...