Posted by ADynomoose at 0-1pool42-202.nas7.new-orleans1.la.us.da.qwest.net on June 15, 2002 at 01:02:53:
In Reply to: I'm sure the buggy-whip manufacturers appreciate.. posted by Johnboy on June 15, 2002 at 00:09:47:
Wallmart makes so much money because, when it first comes into a town, they undercut all the prices. Once the small businesses are driven out, they raise them to a more profitable level. They also regularly bribe city officials to make it more difficult for smaller businesses to stay open. Companies like Walmart THRIVE in a system of excessive taxation and regualtion because smaller businesses don't have the financial padding to compensate for the extra expenses. THAT is NOT Capitalism! It is, in fact the opposite. Companies like Wallmart would not be able to take over the market price if it wasn't for the added pressure on small business caused by government regulation. True capitalism makes the Walmart phenomenon impossible. Also, Walmart refuses to carry material that their super religious right-wing ideals find objectionable. That would be fine but, since they're driving out the businesses who don't practice this kind of censorship, it's more difficult to find certian albums and books in some areas, it's damn near impossible.
The Starbucks nightmare I will never understand. Their coffee is over-priced and tastes like shit.
Comparing the superstore's deliberate anhiliation of the small business with the Automotive industry's take-over of the transportation market is like comparing apples and oranges. The emergance of the automobile was a natural advance in technology. The Wallmart phenomon has nothing to do with technological advances or, for that matter, improvement of any kind.
: ..your support.
: Yeesh. Wal-Mart makes so much money because people like its products.
: And if you can't understand elementary capitalism, go watch the "Harbucks coffee" episode of South Park. They explain it in two-syllable words.
: John