I often don't know where to start responding to some of your comments, because I have so many comments, but can't write all night, or take up all this space on ET.

First regarding your comments on me, and I don't want to say to much here, but you're basically right accept for the "lack of understanding of how the lower half live that betrays you".  At least I pray that is true--the lack of understanding part.  I guess over the course of writing on these blogs one might reveal more about oneself that intended.  But you have recounted a part, and it is true.  I've waited tables, worked retail (liquor stores), worked heavy factory work (great and needed money at the time--a teamster, btw), and many more jobs like that.  Saved the money to go to school, undergrad and grad,,,worked my way up through business,,,jobs in Europe that were eyeopening (culturally and in business), and have finally,,,ended up, I guess, "elite" in a financial sense.  But don't feel elite, because my friends, in addition to successful business friends, are friends like i've always had.  I was pretty happy when I waited tables,,and i'm pretty happy now.  For me, life is life--I take some pride in success,,but at the same time know others are more successful,,,and still others far better than I have achieved less financial success--often more core, spiritual success.  

I only say that in response to your comments.  I do know the lower end of the financial scale--the retail and the physical work.  And actually it always helped me in business, because I admire people at all levels, truly.  People seemed to see that, and share things with me, regardless of my position.  (which is a huge advantage in senior positions in business--understanding the view from the production line, to the sales force to the customer).  My friends I worked with on the production line were real people, just like my friends in offices later in life.  

I say that to acknowledge that the comments you made, my retail life to my in charge of companies life to my life today, are in fact accurate.  

I have a view as to why you and I, and many others like us, have such contrary views on Walmart.  Walmart is a retail store, it competes in a retail market,,,,it should not be expected to pay a lot more than the average retail salaries and benefits.  Their jobs should not be compared to jobs in other industries.  They don't compete for employees with Intel, General Motors, Merck, etc..  They compete with a lot of Ma and Pa's, Target, Walgreens,. etc.  And, in retail, lots of people want the part time jobs, the odd hours, etc. because it fits with the rest of their life--raising kids, a second job, going to school, or whatever.  So I think if these studies that are made by the Congressman were made to Walmart's market for employees,, to its competitors, they would be the same or favorable.  It's just a fact that retail jobs at the lowest levels (stocking, cash register) pay below the "American" poverty line.  that's true now, and it was true 30 years ago.  I would really like to see some employee satisfaction data from Walmart employees--my sense based on admittedly very small sample size, and some feedback from people who know people who work at Walmart, is those employees feel fairly treated.  

Regarding Walmart's other competitive practises, I don't think I can add much more to what Drew has said above.

Do you personally know any Walmart employees, or know people that shop at Walmart?  My limited experience on both fronts (granted, very limited) is they have happy customers, as well as employees who feel well treated.  I guess the fact that they are the nation's largest retailer would substantiate the customer side.  And where I live on the West Coast, the lines to get hired at a new Walmart near me would seem to attest to the employee side.

Anyway, apologies for the length of my comments,,,and maybe for infuriating you (but maybe not--this dialogue may be good for both of us).  Thanks for making me laugh at your humour, and think about your comments.