I read the opinion web page of the local paper today. It's always a mistake, cause I always want to write them and tell them what I think, which tends to use up my time which could be better spent on more worthwhile pursuits... like playing the new Doom III game!!!! (Actually, I can't play that game because my high end video card isn't high end enough)

I sent the paper another letter today though, this time about Wal-Mart. Seems someone in the local community thinks they should keep further expansion of the retail giant away from their neck of the woods, or should I say cacti. Anyway, just thought I would put my rant here for posterity....

In the commentary concerning a big-box ordinance and Wal-Mart in Oro Valley, the author discusses some of the issues surrounding the opening of a Super Center. The author discusses employee wages and overtime compensation, arguably the most important issues, but fails to mention another important concern to the community as a whole.

Basically Wal-Mart could be considered the epitome of the cliche 'Build it and they will come.' It's a fact, people love to shop at Wal-Mart. Actually, people love to visit large retailers where they are bombarded with a vast array of choices. Wal-Mart just happens to do it better than others.

The problem is, with all these people pouring their dollars into Wal-Mart, it's gone forever. Others have complained about this aspect of the Super Centers, but to little avail. People generally tend to put the long term effects aside in favor of the instant gratification of low prices and a sea of choices. People just don't understand, or don't want to think about, where all the money goes when they spend their money at Wal-Mart. They don't want to know the ramifications of their hard earned money disappearing into the black hole, never to be seen again.
When you buy from a local retailer, the money stays in the community because the retailer lives in the community. When you buy from Wal-Mart, the money is used to pay for nationwide operations and fat paychecks for top level CEOs. Sure, Wal-Mart will put some money back into the area, giving money to local schools for various things, for example. This is a pittance compared to the thousands that come in every day. The revenue generated needs to be recycled in the local area if the local economy is to be sustained. That just doesn't happen when Wal-Mart comes to town.