With these weeks discussions focusing on economics and law, I would like to discuss a current hop button issue in America, Walmart.
Now I have always tried to remain neutral about Walmart because I think both sides in the argument--whether you are partial or not partial toward the company--have important points. First, those who support Walmart. Those who support Walmart, from my limited knowledge, argue that (1) Walmart offers low prices for underprivileged citizens who may need such prices, (2) Walmart, being so large, offers employment to many individuals, and (3) Walmart forces other companies to improve standards so that may compete with Walmart. Now those who do not support Walmart--these individuals I know more about. Here these individuals argue that (1) Walmart destroys the "Mom and Pop" stores, (2) Walmart does not provide sufficient wages/benefits to their employees (they tell their employees to go to the government to receive health benefits), (3)Walmart's business practices (as well as many other companies) are damaging to the environment, and (4) Walmart, by buying everything from other countries, is outsourcing jobs in the USA.
Now say Walmart becomes so large that at some point they actually do form a " business monopoly," if even possible. When and where should the government step in with laws? Do they need to or is it the people's responsibility to not shop at Walmart if they do not like the company?
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I agree that the issue of Walmart is extremely problematic. On the one hand, the company is the epitome of capitalism in a capitalist society, and thus it is hard to knock them for being so successful. On the other hand, the effect it has on small businesses is certainly a significant problem. While it is a little disheartening to think of local mom and pop shops being shut down because of Walmart, there is nothing the government can do without violating serious entrepreneurial rights.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you brought up the issue regarding Walmart. Although many individuals strogly dislike the role of Walmart in mainstream society, the company obtains the right to implement whatever policies they sit fit to conduct their business. If the govenrment attempted to intervene, they would not have any justified reasoning to do so .
ReplyDeleteWalmart is currently dominating the market. They sell everything anyone could ever need all in one place, but it is slowly killing the market. I compare a store like this to a home depot or lowes, who also dominate the market they are in. These stores are killing the local mom and pop shops. But then we look at what can be done, and that is nothing. The government has no reason to intervene and it cannot be justified to shut these stores down.
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