Hoot and Sams Club don't mix

[ParrotHeadDan]

Like everyone on this site, I love Buffett music, the lifestyle he promotes as well as his books. I think he is amazingly talented.

However, I think his doing business (at least marketing through) Sams Club (Walmart) is a TERRIBLE decision. How can someone be so involved in environmental causes and then do business with the worst environmental terrorist of them all? I'm sure that Walmart has taken the homes of countless Owls not to mention the millions of other species. While none of them may be manatees they certainly are still important creatures.

This does not even touch on the incredible taxing of environment that Walmart causes in terms of sprawl. Their horrible record on wages and healthcare. And their employment of Chinese prison workers in producing their goods.

I know that the Parrot Head community is a well organized civic minded group. I urge everyone of you to write to Jimmy to ask him not to do business with Walmart! It is counter to the culture he promotes.

Thanks for your time.

For more information visit:

Sprawl Busters ~ International Clearinghouse for Anti-Sprawl Information


frontline: is wal-mart good for america?: watch the full program online | PBS

[ColdWaterConch]

Like everyone on this site, I love Buffett music, the lifestyle he promotes as well as his books. I think he is amazingly talented.

However, I think his doing business (at least marketing through) Sams Club (Walmart) is a TERRIBLE decision. How can someone be so involved in environmental causes and then do business with the worst environmental terrorist of them all? I'm sure that Walmart has taken the homes of countless Owls not to mention the millions of other species. While none of them may be manatees they certainly are still important creatures.

This does not even touch on the incredible taxing of environment that Walmart causes in terms of sprawl. Their horrible record on wages and healthcare. And their employment of Chinese prison workers in producing their goods.

I know that the Parrot Head community is a well organized civic minded group. I urge everyone of you to write to Jimmy to ask him not to do business with Walmart! It is counter to the culture he promotes.

Thanks for your time.

For more information visit:

Sprawl Busters ~ International Clearinghouse for Anti-Sprawl Information


frontline: is wal-mart good for america?: watch the full program online | PBS

Walmart is an "environmental terrorist"? That's a tad bit extreme, no?

[Jahfin]

Both Neil Young and White Stripes are outspoken opponents against Clear Channel but in recent years they have also undertaken tours sponsored by them. Same with Pearl Jam and their battle against Ticketmaster. In today's corporate enviroment Buffett probably just couldn't avoid such a deal. Or, maybe the money raised is going to one of Buffett's pet causes, who knows but I'm sure he's quite aware of the less than ethical practices of Wal Mart and Sam's Club. Putting local stores out of business apparently isn't enough for 'em, now they want to start a banking business.

[rednekkPH]

This coming from a resident of the toxic waste capitol of the world...

[MikeInNOLA]

Personally, I think Sam Walton was a genius and I wish there was a Wal*Mart SuperStore in my town!

I am not sure where some folks get the idea that Jimmy is a huge enviromental activist. Sure, he has some pet-projects but I have never seen him out there beating the drum.

We recently has someone trying to protest the addition of cell-phone antennaes on our office building....but, the guy was wearing a cell phone on his belt. I just don't get some people....and I am sure some just don't get me!

[sonofabeach]

When the SuperWalmart came here a few years back, I knew of a few people trying like crazy to get on there so I guess they can't be that bad.
Some still are there. Of course they're in stock so I'm guessing the pay is more. My neighbor works there too and he loves it.

[ParrotHeadDan]

Walmart is an "environmental terrorist"? That's a tad bit extreme, no?[/quote]

Here is the thing. Perhaps a terrorist against everything that is "America" might be a better title. I don't think that most people know how Walmart really does business. They are the largest employer in the US as well as in China (not exactly a great place for human or workers rights) most of the jobs they create a low paying with no benefits (but they do encourage their workers to get on a publicly funded or underfunded heath care program). The low paying jobs they create replace the good jobs that were there from local mom and pops that actually give back to their communities and possibly more importantly their employees on a much larger scale than Walmart ever would.

But to more pointedly answer your question. It the tag of "enviromental terrorist" extreme? NO. I would suggest that you watch the PBS Documentary about Walmart that is available on their site online.

Here is a quote from a "stop sprawl" website:

Environmental and land use issues have moved to the forefront of this debate, as citizens pour through zoning by-laws and wetland commission regulations looking for obscure tripwires that could bring down a project. In 1998, Home Depot and Wal-Mart alone built more than 250 stores, or more than 33 million new square feet of retail space in a nation that is already saturated to the bone with plazas and malls. Assuming that each store represents a trade area of at least 40,000 people, more than 10 million Americans will find themselves reading headlines about Home Depot or Wal-Mart in their local newspaper. The massive glut of capricious construction raises serious environmental and economic issues such as:

* the impact of traffic on air quality standards
* the threat to water quality and acquifers
* the mismanagement of stormwater and sewage
* the reduction of wildlife habitat
* the loss of open space and unique natural areas
* the homogenization of rural landscapes
* the expense of costly new infrastructure
* the deterioration of historic commerical centers
* the overdependence on the automobile and superhighways

I live in a costal town that now has a serious problem with water drainage into the back bays because there were several laws that were skirted when Walmart built their "SUPERCENTER" and now many streets flood ultimately washing the water into the bays and finally the ocean.

But, don't take my word for it. Educate yourself. There are tons of facts and stats about how Walmart works and builds. Its impact on the enviroment and community as well as how their strong arming of suppliers helps to drive wages further and encourages them to take shortcuts that impact the enviroment further drive jobs overseas.

[Jahfin]

I am not sure where some folks get the idea that Jimmy is a huge enviromental activist. Sure, he has some pet-projects but I have never seen him out there beating the drum.

One doesn't have to be "out there beating the drum" to put forth an effort. Many artists do plenty outside of the spotlight to benefit their favorite causes. Bono catches a lot of flack for actually being out there beating the drum but so much of what he does calls for him to appear in public. At least he's doing more than the people at home sitting on their asses doing nothing but bitching about him.

[jbfinscj]

Am I the only one who has noticed as of late that the "newbie's" first posts on the message board have been extreme. What ever happened to "Hello I am new here, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi." With that being said welcome aboard ParrotHeadDan.

[sonofabeach]

While we're at it .What's with the golf courses? they're everywhere and I'm sure some animals were displaced during the clearing of land.
Same goes for Targets, shopping centers and about a million other places.
And what about those d@mn subdivisions? oh my bad....I live in one

[MikeInNOLA]

But, don't take my word for it. Educate yourself.

Hey Dan...don't ya think if Wal*Mart wasn't developing/building it, somebody else would?

If I was an artist, I would give serious consideration to a Wal*Mart deal like Garth Brooks has. Amazing distribution network all over the world!

Dan, you should give serious consideration to moving to California...the NIMBY state!

[LIPH]

If people don't like WalMart there's a simple solution - don't shop there. I avoid them not because of the reasons in the newbie's rant but because I've been in 2 WalMarts and every employee I've come in contact with makes Jessica Simpson look like the president of the local MENSA chapter.

[Jahfin]

Am I the only one who has noticed as of late that the "newbie's" first posts on the message board have been extreme. What ever happened to "Hello I am new here, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi." With that being said welcome aboard ParrotHeadDan.

Where is it written that one's first post has to be some sort of fluff like that? What in the world is the matter with speaking your mind on a subject? If someone wants to speak out about Buffett's affliation with Wal Mart and Sam's on their very first post they should go for it, first post or not. Just be careful not to mention Songs You Know By Heart, Fingers or God forbid, mispell Buffett or the response will be altogether different.

[RinglingRingling]

While we're at it .What's with the golf courses? they're everywhere and I'm sure some animals were displaced during the clearing of land.
Same goes for Targets, shopping centers and about a million other places.
And what about those d@mn subdivisions? oh my bad....I live in one

actually... intelligent, sustainable growth policies, along with adequate infrastructure and its costs shouldered by the developer would be a lot better than the sprawl we promote. Add in useful mass transit, and incentives against less commuting, and we might be better off.

[MikeInNOLA]

I am not sure where some folks get the idea that Jimmy is a huge enviromental activist. Sure, he has some pet-projects but I have never seen him out there beating the drum.

One doesn't have to be "out there beating the drum" to put forth an effort. Many artists do plenty outside of the spotlight to benefit their favorite causes. Bono catches a lot of flack for actually being out there beating the drum but so much of what he does calls for him to appear in public. At least he's doing more than the people at home sitting on their asses doing nothing but bitching about him.

I agree Jahfin. I just don't understand where the perception of Jimmy being some type of enviromental Superman comes from?

[SMLCHNG]

Am I the only one who has noticed as of late that the "newbie's" first posts on the message board have been extreme. What ever happened to "Hello I am new here, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi." With that being said welcome aboard ParrotHeadDan.

No. You're not.

Welcome, Dan. Interesting first post.




Where's Garry??

[ParrotHeadDan]

Personally, I think Sam Walton was a genius and I wish there was a Wal*Mart SuperStore in my town!

I am not sure where some folks get the idea that Jimmy is a huge enviromental activist. Sure, he has some pet-projects but I have never seen him out there beating the drum.

We recently has someone trying to protest the addition of cell-phone antennaes on our office building....but, the guy was wearing a cell phone on his belt. I just don't get some people....and I am sure some just don't get me!

Jimmy isn't beating the drum for the enviroment????!! WTF? SAVE THE MANATEE. Did you ever listen to "Everlasting Moon"?

I understand the Jimmy is a businessman. I am too. But I sure won't sell my soul to the devil for a buck. And exactly how much money does one need and at whose expense? Jimmy makes TONS of money...Im sure that in his grand scheme (and I go to many of his concerts every year buy his tequila and visit his restraunts) I am sure that some plastic tiki bar doesn't have all that much impact on his bottom line.

I have to say that I am more than disapointed. I thought that the people on this board would be a bit smarter than to fall victem to the "Walmart is cheap so they can't be bad" ideology. But hey.....I suppose as Mark Twain once said:

Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn't any. But this wrongs the jackass.
- Notebook, 1898

[SomeGuyNamedDan]

Environmental and land use issues have moved to the forefront of this debate, as citizens pour through zoning by-laws and wetland commission regulations looking for obscure tripwires that could bring down a project. In 1998, Home Depot and Wal-Mart alone built more than 250 stores, or more than 33 million new square feet of retail space in a nation that is already saturated to the bone with plazas and malls. Assuming that each store represents a trade area of at least 40,000 people, more than 10 million Americans will find themselves reading headlines about Home Depot or Wal-Mart in their local newspaper. The massive glut of capricious construction raises serious environmental and economic issues such as:

* the impact of traffic on air quality standards
* the threat to water quality and acquifers
* the mismanagement of stormwater and sewage
* the reduction of wildlife habitat
* the loss of open space and unique natural areas
* the homogenization of rural landscapes
* the expense of costly new infrastructure
* the deterioration of historic commerical centers
* the overdependence on the automobile and superhighways

I live in a costal town that now has a serious problem with water drainage into the back bays because there were several laws that were skirted when Walmart built their "SUPERCENTER" and now many streets flood ultimately washing the water into the bays and finally the ocean.

You left out Target (who in our area seems hell-bent on building as close to an existing WalMart as possible), and Kohl's, and Best Buy, and every other "big-box" retailer who offers the public goods at lower prices due to volume purchasing. True, WalMart does seem to have the worst (or at least most publicized) worker benefits.

Am I the only one who has noticed as of late that the "newbie's" first posts on the message board have been extreme. What ever happened to "Hello I am new here, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi." With that being said welcome aboard ParrotHeadDan.

Yes, the newbies have been restless as of late. Hey "Skip Wiley", please don't give all us "Dans" a bad name!

[LittleMrMagic]

Am I the only one who has noticed as of late that the "newbie's" first posts on the message board have been extreme. What ever happened to "Hello I am new here, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi." With that being said welcome aboard ParrotHeadDan.

Where is it written that one's first post has to be some sort of fluff like that? What in the world is the matter with speaking your mind on a subject? If someone wants to speak out about Buffett's affliation with Wal Mart and Sam's on their very first post they should go for it, first post or not. Just be careful not to mention Songs You Know By Heart, Fingers or God forbid, mispell Buffett or the response will be altogether different.

I think my first through about my fifth post was "fluffy" and then I think it was Ringling2 that slammed me for something. . . now I'm just as rambunctious as the rest of you characters!

[MikeInNOLA]

Jimmy isn't beating the drum for the enviroment????!! WTF? SAVE THE MANATEE. Did you ever listen to "Everlasting Moon"?

Save the Manatee - circa 1981. Sure, we all know about it. Jimmy was one of the co-founders. You will have to convince me on how high it is up his priority list though. $1 from every ticket doesn't go to STM, but to Singing For Change...which, if you look does hit a few enviromental causes, but seems to focus more on socially centered causes.

"Everlasting Moon" - "here is a song about what some people are doing to save the enviroment". Who knows, maybe all the royalties from that song go to some cause?

That said, I have seen where Jimmy campaigns for those with enviromental concerns. I just don't see him personally out there with his enviromental cape on...sorry.