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Wal-Mart is good for those in wheelchairs
Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:20 AM PDT
This is a copy of a letter I sent to the City Clerk before the planning decision was to be made concerning Wal-Mart; however the information is still important.
There has been so much said but nothing applicable to the heart of the matter — why have a Supercenter? For someone in a wheelchair or otherwise in need of assistance while shopping, it is a matter of great inconvenience.
Try shopping in Downtown — the parking for disabled is limited; not only spaces, but many spaces are a good distance from where you need to go. They are not easily accessible with a wheelchair and are many times occupied. After driving around block after block, using precious fuel and finally getting onto the sidewalk and reaching a store, the aisles are so cluttered and full it is impossible to navigate through them. You might knock something over or down — not a great experience to encounter. Plus, not all items are made in the U.S. either! Need to go to another store, now we start the whole cycle over again!
Now, let's talk about the employees at Wal-Mart. Have you ever seen any mentally challenged or disabled persons employed in the great Downtown? Well, Wal-Mart has them. And the other employees are happy with their jobs — let them be. Sure, there may be some who aren't — let them move on. We personally have spoken to several of them and the benefits are reasonable. They accrue sick leave, vacation, etc. without the need for paying union dues. The times have changed from when the need for unions was crucial, now let the employees make the decision. If the employer treats them well and they are satisfied, so be it, at least they are employed.
I cannot understand why we can't have our shopping at one spot, saving inconvenience, fuel and frustration. Plus, it putting people to work who otherwise would find no place in the workforce.
I would like to comment about shopping our local Wal-Mart and then walking to the supermarket located in the area for our grocery needs: Try it in a wheelchair then tell me how easy it would be — especially in the heat or raining weather!
Arlene Schlabs
Lodi
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Lodian wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:09 PM:
Lodian wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:46 AM:
" Lodian, what do you think would be the economic impact of moving all those jobs back the the US? "
I'm not for dumping free trade, but there is no balance right now. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:44 AM:
When all are on a level playing field then free trade will benefit all. "
sam wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:57 PM:
It is only Free Trade when we all are on a level playing field. "
Rhodie wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:51 PM:
Lodian wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:35 AM:
Lodian wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:28 AM:
Rhodie wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:19 AM:
http://www.manufacturingnews.com/news/06/0502/art1.html
"The average annual earnings for manufacturing workers in cities were $1,347 (11,152 yuan at the official exchange rate) for the year 2002. Manufacturing workers in the countryside averaged $837 (6,927 yuan) for the year. Urban manufacturing workers average 45.4 hours of work per week, "and it is...reasonable to assume that [rural] manufacturing workers average 50 hours of work per week in 2002," writes Banister" "
Lodian wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:50 AM:
Election Year wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:48 PM:
Observer - you are correct. I remember a time when WalMart made a big deal out of advertising the "Made in America" label, but no more. They, like everyone else, are slaves to China. They very slyly let that claim drop, but it still sticks in peoples minds, incorrectly, that WalMart is an All-American store. "
lodisafeway wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:32 AM:
My point is that while everyone can never be made fully satisfied, we should appreciate what we "do" have, particularly in comparison to other societies that don't give a damn about its citizens with handicaps and other maladies.
Even when things aren't the way we would like them to be, we all have the "power" to do something about it - through our vote and those we elect to "serve" us. It ain't perfect (obviously) but it sure is better than anything else out there. "
Rhodie wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:52 AM:
The only counter I have for your comment is the brick intersections in Downtown. I imagine those little grooves can be quite a pain for anyone trying to wheel themselves across the street.
"I'm curious to know how you manage with all those purchases in one stop."
It's called customer assistance. I don't know about most other stores but I have seen employees at Walmart, Target and S-mart foods helping those with disabilities shop. They also help them out to the car.
It's easy to say just go to a couple different stores when you're young and healthy but "Try it in a wheelchair then tell me how easy it would be especially in the heat or raining weather!"
Arlene, I like your point about employment of otherwise unemployable members of our society. It's also good to see so many of them working for our government (just a little sarcasm I couldn't resist). "
lodisafeway wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:37 AM:
As for how each store maintains its aisles - perhaps a petition or two from those affected might force the owners to recognize the need to keep their shops neat, orderly and "friendly" for customers who might otherwise travel elsewhere for the same products that they carry.
The whining and moaning from virtually every part of the spectrum in this matter is getting ridiculous. Everyone has the right and the ability to shop where they please. Those stores who cannot survive in a competition-driven economy need to either adjust their business philosophies or close their doors. It IS as simple as that. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:10 AM:
Observer wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:32 AM:
And unfortunately, nor do any of the other major retailer's in the country. "
Acampo_Mom wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:30 AM:
P.S. Wal-Mart does NOT sell merchandise "made in the USA" exclusively. "
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