Hoot and Sams Club don't mix

[MikeInNOLA]

I agree about WalMart. They are destroying the American economy, selling it out daily to the interest of the Chinese government and other third world countries. . . and yes, I do refuse to shop there.

Serious question here....so where are you buying those goods and services that aren't manufactured (or supported) in some third world country?

I just picked up every item on my desk and did not find a single one manufactured in the U.S. with the exception of my DELL computer CPU (can't tell)...although the monitor was made in Mexico.

I finally emptied my Starbucks cup enough to look....and it is the lone item on my desk stamped "Made In America"....and it is headed to the trash can

[RinglingRingling]

I have never shopped at a Walmart and never will. I also got rid of my SUV to save on gas. But most people just do not care. Do not blame JB though. His little tie-ins with most corporate entities do not outweigh the numerous things he has done for numerous charities.

I'll die before I seperate myself from my SUV. Ban aircraft first and I will gladly forever park my SUV and hand my keys over to the first liberal wacko with a wrecking lot. Aircraft of any sort are the real gashogs. . . marinecraft as well. SUVs are simply the representation of American excess to the extreme radical liberal. The one that would probably never set foot out of their big, blue state cities for fear of the forests that surround them. Those SUVs come in real handy in those big scary forests!

By the way. . . here are some interesting fuel consumption figures for you. . .
Kaman Kamax Helicopter 300gph (gallons per hour) consumption
Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter 360gph
Agusta 109 (think Jurassic Park) 80gph
Boeing 747 3700gph (does it really, absolutely, positively, have to be there overnight?)
Queen Elizabeth II - 403.5 TONS per hour to her NINE 9 cylinder engines, or roughly 433 TONS per day. This is equal to six of the ship's swimming pools. One gallon of fuel will move the ship 49.5 feet

I thought you checked your politics at the door.

no.. those are deeply-held dogmatic religious views... he never said a thing about those..

[ParrotHeadDan]

Since I see that the enviromental impact of Sprawlmart is not making much impact and it seems that some of you don't think that Sprawlmart makes enough money (atleast not as much as Microsoft which actually pays quite well I have heard). I thought that maybe some of these tidbits might make you think a little more about who you buy from....but then again maybe not.


Washington, D.C., March 10, 2006 – Forbes last night released its annual list of “The World’s Richest People,” and seven Wal-Mart heirs made the list with a combined $83.7 billion in personal wealth. Five of the top eleven U.S. billionaires are Waltons, and the family’s total stock ownership amounts to 40% of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Meanwhile, the Wal-Mart heirs continue to be plagued by questions of how they spend their inherited billions.

• Wal-Mart Heirs Amassing Wealth Off Taxpayers’ Backs. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education calculated that Wal-Mart workers and children cost $456 million to taxpayers nationally through their use of public health programs. This figure is based on information revealed in an internal Wal-Mart health care memo that was uncovered by Wal-Mart Watch. [http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/lowwage/walmartmemo.pdf]

• Walton Billionaire Bought $35 Million Painting Last Year. In May 2005, Alice Walton spent $35 million to purchase “Kindred Spirits” by Asher B. Durand; it was the most ever paid for an American painting. As a point of comparison, Walton paid over $7 million more for the single painting than the $27.7 million the state of Ohio spends on public health aid for Wal-Mart employees and their children. [Associated Press, 3/13/05; Columbus Dispatch, 2/25/06]

• Spending Their Money on “Self-Interested Philanthropy.” The National Committee on Responsible Philanthropy issued a report in September 2005 that analyzed the Waltons’ spending on political campaigns, estate tax repeal, and private school voucher advocacy organizations. In the 2004 election cycle, the Wal-Mart political action committee doled out $2.4 million to candidates, the approximate amount that Wisconsin taxpayers spend on health care for Wal-Mart employees and their children. [The Waltons and Wal-Mart: Self-Interested Philanthropy, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy; Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 5/25/05]

• Repeal the Federal Estate Tax to Save Billions More. “The Waltons have joined a coterie of wealthy families trying to save fortunes through permanent repeal of the estate tax, government watchdogs say. … The Waltons declined to discuss their political activities. But a USA TODAY review of public documents reveals a small-town Arkansas family emerging as a political juggernaut on tax issues, extending Wal-Mart’s influence over U.S. society even more.” [USA Today, 4/6/05]

[jbfinscj]

Since I see that the enviromental impact of Sprawlmart is not making much impact and it seems that some of you don't think that Sprawlmart makes enough money (atleast not as much as Microsoft which actually pays quite well I have heard). I thought that maybe some of these tidbits might make you think a little more about who you buy from....but then again maybe not.


Washington, D.C., March 10, 2006 – Forbes last night released its annual list of “The World’s Richest People,” and seven Wal-Mart heirs made the list with a combined $83.7 billion in personal wealth. Five of the top eleven U.S. billionaires are Waltons, and the family’s total stock ownership amounts to 40% of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Meanwhile, the Wal-Mart heirs continue to be plagued by questions of how they spend their inherited billions.

• Wal-Mart Heirs Amassing Wealth Off Taxpayers’ Backs. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education calculated that Wal-Mart workers and children cost $456 million to taxpayers nationally through their use of public health programs. This figure is based on information revealed in an internal Wal-Mart health care memo that was uncovered by Wal-Mart Watch. [http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/lowwage/walmartmemo.pdf]

• Walton Billionaire Bought $35 Million Painting Last Year. In May 2005, Alice Walton spent $35 million to purchase “Kindred Spirits” by Asher B. Durand; it was the most ever paid for an American painting. As a point of comparison, Walton paid over $7 million more for the single painting than the $27.7 million the state of Ohio spends on public health aid for Wal-Mart employees and their children. [Associated Press, 3/13/05; Columbus Dispatch, 2/25/06]

• Spending Their Money on “Self-Interested Philanthropy.” The National Committee on Responsible Philanthropy issued a report in September 2005 that analyzed the Waltons’ spending on political campaigns, estate tax repeal, and private school voucher advocacy organizations. In the 2004 election cycle, the Wal-Mart political action committee doled out $2.4 million to candidates, the approximate amount that Wisconsin taxpayers spend on health care for Wal-Mart employees and their children. [The Waltons and Wal-Mart: Self-Interested Philanthropy, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy; Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 5/25/05]

• Repeal the Federal Estate Tax to Save Billions More. “The Waltons have joined a coterie of wealthy families trying to save fortunes through permanent repeal of the estate tax, government watchdogs say. … The Waltons declined to discuss their political activities. But a USA TODAY review of public documents reveals a small-town Arkansas family emerging as a political juggernaut on tax issues, extending Wal-Mart’s influence over U.S. society even more.” [USA Today, 4/6/05]

PHDAN you need help, you my friend are an addict. You told us you were done with the message board yet you continue to return every few minutes. The first step is acceptance...the truth is that you missed all of us.

[MikeInNOLA]

I thought that maybe some of these tidbits might make you think a little more about who you buy from....but then again maybe not.

In my case probably not! But, I am a highly opinionated Bas#$%d, just ask my wife

[rednekkPH]

• Wal-Mart Heirs Amassing Wealth Off Taxpayers’ Backs. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education calculated that Wal-Mart workers and children cost $456 million to taxpayers nationally through their use of public health programs. This figure is based on information revealed in an internal Wal-Mart health care memo that was uncovered by Wal-Mart Watch. [http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/lowwage/walmartmemo.pdf]

If wal-Mart didn't employ them, most of these people would be on welfare, costing the taxpayers even more.

Walton Billionaire Bought $35 Million Painting Last Year. In May 2005, Alice Walton spent $35 million to purchase “Kindred Spirits” by Asher B. Durand; it was the most ever paid for an American painting. As a point of comparison, Walton paid over $7 million more for the single painting than the $27.7 million the state of Ohio spends on public health aid for Wal-Mart employees and their children. [Associated Press, 3/13/05; Columbus Dispatch, 2/25/06]

It's their money, who the hell are you to say how they spend it?

• Spending Their Money on “Self-Interested Philanthropy.” The National Committee on Responsible Philanthropy issued a report in September 2005 that analyzed the Waltons’ spending on political campaigns, estate tax repeal, and private school voucher advocacy organizations. In the 2004 election cycle, the Wal-Mart political action committee doled out $2.4 million to candidates, the approximate amount that Wisconsin taxpayers spend on health care for Wal-Mart employees and their children. [The Waltons and Wal-Mart: Self-Interested Philanthropy, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy; Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 5/25/05]

Again, their money, their decision. They are simply using their money to their benefit - we all do this, Walmart just does it on a grander scale.

• Repeal the Federal Estate Tax to Save Billions More. “The Waltons have joined a coterie of wealthy families trying to save fortunes through permanent repeal of the estate tax, government watchdogs say. … The Waltons declined to discuss their political activities. But a USA TODAY review of public documents reveals a small-town Arkansas family emerging as a political juggernaut on tax issues, extending Wal-Mart’s influence over U.S. society even more.” [USA Today, 4/6/05] [/b]

Nothing more than an effort to keep what they earned and worked for. How would you feel if the government stepped in and took half of your estate when you died?

[ParrotHeadDan]

It's true....and even those who don't agree with me have to give it up.....I got a lot of replies on my first post.

I promise all my topics wont be like this one.

[buffettbride]

I promise all my topics wont be like this one.

Do you? Do you really?

[buffettbride]

It's true....and even those who don't agree with me have to give it up.....I got a lot of replies on my first post.

Don't go thinkin' you're special or nuffin'. We should have our own friggen Wal Mart forum here at BN as we have this argument approximately every other week.

[ParrotHeadDan]

Rednekk...I have to apologize to you. Earlier I suggested that some people might have thier heads in the sand. Yours clearly is somwhere else.

It's not them trying to keep what they earned that bothers me....its the Waltons keeping what I earn that bothers me.I have a business and I pay my workers well and give them health insurance. I do not under pay them and then give them internet access to get on the government roles as Walmart does.

[ParrotHeadDan]

It's true....and even those who don't agree with me have to give it up.....I got a lot of replies on my first post.

Don't go thinkin' you're special or nuffin'. We should have our own friggen Wal Mart forum here at BN as we have this argument approximately every other week.

Ah....see you don't know me....I am definately special

[Jahfin]

In any case, just because this is a Buffett board it doesn't mean politics should be off-limits. Nearly every band oriented board I frequent also has a an Off Topic section because if discussion were limited only to the artist at hand things would grow stale very quick, especially if said artist is inactive at the time.

I agree when said discussions are civil and respectful. However, based on what I see, they never remain that way. Instead, they become heated and / or insulting, which is not the intent of this board.

The same has been said regarding the discussion of religion but if memory serves, a recent discussion of the bible remained civil and respectful, at least it was the last time I checked in on that thread.

There are multiple thousands of other topics that can be discussed, without worrying about growing stale. However, I'm certain people probably disagree with me about that.

I agree but if those topics were restricted to just Buffett, this (and other) boards wouldn't be nearly as interesting to visit. That's why there are other sections to them.

[LIPH]

It's not them trying to keep what they earned that bothers me....its the Waltons keeping what I earn that bothers me.

How do the Waltons keep what you earn? Do they come to your place of business with a gun and steal your money?

[ParrotHeadDan]

They don't need a gun. Their gun is in the form of political persuation.

Wal-Mart Heirs Amassing Wealth Off Taxpayers’ Backs. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education calculated that Wal-Mart workers and children cost $456 million to taxpayers nationally through their use of public health programs. This figure is based on information revealed in an internal Wal-Mart health care memo.

The state of New York is trying to make legislation making this practice illegal. But as it stands now every tax payer in America is paying Walmart's heath care costs

[ParrotHeadDan]

• Wal-Mart Heirs Amassing Wealth Off Taxpayers’ Backs. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education calculated that Wal-Mart workers and children cost $456 million to taxpayers nationally through their use of public health programs. This figure is based on information revealed in an internal Wal-Mart health care memo that was uncovered by Wal-Mart Watch. [http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/lowwage/walmartmemo.pdf]

If wal-Mart didn't employ them, most of these people would be on welfare, costing the taxpayers even more.



What??? So you are saying that if Walmart did not exits that no goods would be sold in this country and that the stores that they put out of business wouldn't be employing them at higher wages as they were before Walmart moved into those communities?

[Tiki Bar]

In any case, just because this is a Buffett board it doesn't mean politics should be off-limits. Nearly every band oriented board I frequent also has a an Off Topic section because if discussion were limited only to the artist at hand things would grow stale very quick, especially if said artist is inactive at the time.

I agree when said discussions are civil and respectful. However, based on what I see, they never remain that way. Instead, they become heated and / or insulting, which is not the intent of this board.

The same has been said regarding the discussion of religion but if memory serves, a recent discussion of the bible remained civil and respectful, at least it was the last time I checked in on that thread.

Nope - ended up getting locked at the thread-starter's request.

[Jahfin]

My local community has recently put restrictions in place that would forbid "big box" stores such as Wal Mart from building in the area. There's a good reason behind that, they offer only minimum wage jobs and would put local stores out of business. Plus, they're a pockmark on society. Ever been in one of those places? It's like a damn freak show in there.

[Jahfin]

In any case, just because this is a Buffett board it doesn't mean politics should be off-limits. Nearly every band oriented board I frequent also has a an Off Topic section because if discussion were limited only to the artist at hand things would grow stale very quick, especially if said artist is inactive at the time.

I agree when said discussions are civil and respectful. However, based on what I see, they never remain that way. Instead, they become heated and / or insulting, which is not the intent of this board.

The same has been said regarding the discussion of religion but if memory serves, a recent discussion of the bible remained civil and respectful, at least it was the last time I checked in on that thread.

Nope - ended up getting locked at the thread-starter's request.

Well, at least it started out civil and seemed to remain that way for quite some time. I also seem to recall a previous religious-based thread being started by the same person that created the bible thread which I also thought remained civil.

Some people think certain topics should be off limits for discussion, I don't. These controversial subjects aren't going to just go away simply because some people don't want to talk about them. In my view, they should be discussed. Sweeping them under the rug and labeling them "taboo" doesn't do a damn thing to help them.

[LIPH]

They don't need a gun. Their gun is in the form of political persuation.

Wal-Mart Heirs Amassing Wealth Off Taxpayers’ Backs. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education calculated that Wal-Mart workers and children cost $456 million to taxpayers nationally through their use of public health programs. This figure is based on information revealed in an internal Wal-Mart health care memo.

The state of New York is trying to make legislation making this practice illegal. But as it stands now every tax payer in America is paying Walmart's heath care costs

And of course if WalMart started offering benefits to all its employees every penny of that $456 million would be returned to the taxpayers in the form of lower taxes.

[Quiet and Shy]

Well, well, even though this thread has been controversial, it has most certainly been popular!!!

Welcome, PHDan. There are of course no rules that one should start with a "hi I'm Dan and I like Buffett" post, but it's certainly less risky than the path you chose.

We come to BuffettNews because we like Buffett...that's something we all have in common. And then sometimes we assume that based on that common thread, others must also have our perceptions, feelings, beliefs on other topics that are important to us, but this thread is a great example that we are indeed a very diverse group that come together to celebrate all things Buffett.

I personally believe these topics add a lot to the board; it stretches the participation to another level and I often learn something. It is unfortunate, however, when people get personal and attack others because of their differing opinions. Sometimes it requires a thick skin; it can be especially tough on those who are not well "known" by others on the board.

All that being said, Wal Mart is really the poster child for retail consolidation and sprawl. Pick any industry, and part of the burden of being a distinct number one or leader is being the PR/media/protest target for the impact and change brought on by that industry.

The PBS Frontline program "Is Wal Mart Good for America?" was an excellent program. It showed the complexity and breadth of the issues. I'm not a big supporter of Wal Mart, but this is a capitalist country and Wal Mart is a driver of a structural change. I just wish we'd do a better job of land use planning in this country and keep the Wal Marts, etc. within some reasonable boundaries. The US has a luxury (usable land and space) that we continue to abuse. Someday we may actually realize how much we've wasted as concrete plazas and subdivisions are sprawled out further and further with almost nothing being reused. What a tragedy.

My biggest problem with Wal Mart was their building of a store that is easily seen from the pyramids of Teotihuacan in Mexico. To build something like that by irreplaceable pyramids thousands of years old is tragic.

Oh yeah, and Jimmy partnered with Wal Mart is a bit of an awkward stretch for the Margaritaville brand, but that's Jimmy's choice. (He just needs to be mindful of the overall impact...just like with ticket prices.)