In a recent letter to the editor (Opinion, Oct. 15 & 16), Tom Forbes made a number of claims that struck me as problematic, if not wholly wrong. Particularly disturbing was the portrait he painted of freedom and democracy.So now, in addition to grave robbing ghouls, child killers, and advocates of ignorance, we can add child sweat shop proprietors, strip club impressarios, child pornographers, and crack dealers to the names Wal-Mart has been called by the loony left-wing moonbats. Whaddya think Birgita? Pretty civil factual, and logical, eh? It is beneath my contempt to even address these absurd notions.
Forbes reduces freedom to economic freedom, particularly as enabled by freedom from regulation. While this rhetoric may sound good, it rings hollow. Forbes fails to consider the kind and quality of economic freedom enjoyed by many Wal-Mart employees.
While corporate shareholders may enjoy great liberties, workers like those at Wal-Mart who are not paid a living wage often lack capacity to compete, be healthy, or otherwise pursue happiness. The abstract individual imagined in his letter erases the real inequalities endured by some so that others may be (more) free.
Forbes also ignores the countless municipal, state, and federal regulations in place to safeguard individuals and communities.
Finally, Forbes seems content to allow consumerism to replace the democratic process. I doubt Forbes would be comfortable repealing child labor laws or would embrace a proposal to open a strip club, kiddie porn outlet or crack house on the logic that consumers can decide.
Instead, I would hope he would favor debate, dissent and regulation by an informed electorate.
Richard King
Pullman
Professor King seems to have an interest in sports. Therefore, he is no doubt aware of the term "bulletin board material."
I consider every attack from these blow-hard, sanctimonious "intellectuals" as a badge of honor.
4 comments:
"I doubt Forbes would be comfortable repealing child labor laws or would embrace a proposal to open a strip club, kiddie porn outlet or crack house on the logic that consumers can decide."
I would be willing to bet that if those businesses were good union shops, Professor King wouldn't object to them nearly as much as he objects to a Wal-Mart.
living wage
I never had to 'live' on a job that was one of my first jobs. Also the people that take jobs at Wal-Mart most are a second job or a wife that wants to add to the family income. I asked a clerk at Wal-Mart and she said she was VERY HAPPY with Wal-Mart and thought that her benefits where great also. This guys line of 'talking points' is just the Union line.
Dr.King may have a PHD. but he seems to have flunked in matters of reality.
"freedom from regulation"....."countless municipal,state and federal regulations".....WALMART to my knowledge has met or exceeded every law and regulation city,county, state and federal required to open a store in Pullman. WALMART pays at least minimum wage as required by law.
No WALMART employee is being held in bondage. He or she is freely able to take a better position elsewhere. Or simply not work for WALMART. It's called freedom of choice Dr. King.
"allow consumerism to replace the democractic process".....I thought we all learned that in ninth grade civics. A free market society Richard remember?
Report Card- NOT PASSING
Tom,
"I consider every attack from these blow-hard, sanctimonious "intellectuals" as a badge of honor."
As well you should!
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