Conversations to end the “Wal-Martization” of the economy

[MSgt213]

On Monday, SEIU kicks off the first phase in a new campaign, called Justice at Work, to mobilize the power of the web to stop what commentators have called the "Wal-Martization" of the American economy. We're starting this campaign with a cross-blog discussion, asking people to share their ideas about our strategy.

What's the Scoop?
In this experimental dialogue, we will raise questions, ask for feedback, and solicit creative ideas on this blog and ask that other blogs help spread the word. The schedule for the conversations is:

Part One: Define the Problem & Proposed Solutions
Part Two: SEIU and the Community, Online and Offline
Part Three: Shaping the Public Debate
Part Four: The Road Ahead

In each of these weeks, I will frame the questions and ask you to engage in a broad dialogue about tackling this issue.

We need your help to make this happen!
Please share your ideas with us on our blog! Lurkers, don't be shy! Also, if you run a blog or listserv that takes comments, start a discussion there.

http://www.fightforthefuture.org/blog/index.cfm?bge_id=76

[Dissenting_Prole]

1. Wal-Mart is doomed anyway

The End of Cheap Oil will begin to kill the Wal-Marts of North America within the next 5-10 years.

The real issue is this: how do we prepare for it?
Specifically, where are we going to get all our "stuff" when the networks collapse and the Big Boxes close up shop.

http://www.endofsuburbia.com/



on edit: added additional thoughts

[MSgt213]

2. I'm sure they would appreciate your observations. You should add your

voice to the debate. I kind of agree with you that Walmart will come undone in the end but, I'm not sure it will be oil or themselves that undo it.

[robcon]

3. Why will oil affect Wal-Mart?

Which retailers will gain (at Wal-Mart's expense) if oil prices go up? Why will Wal-Mart lose more of the retail market if oil prices go up?

I think Wal-Mart will be affected by higher energy prices about the same as other retailers.

[el_gato]

4. because the WalMart business plan is based in importing

Importation is very petroleum intesive and it is cheap now but it won't be cheap in the future. Thus domestically produced commodities will be more competitive. But hey, with peak oil, I don't think too many are gonna be concerned with getting cheap trash at WalMart or anywhere else for that matter.

[Dissenting_Prole]

5. When the cost of a gallon of gas

goes to $5, it will become impossible for Mal-Mart to operate the way it does. Globalization is is not possible without cheap transportation energy. Wal-Mart's warehouse is literally on wheels, 24-7. Count the number of WM trucks you see the next time you're on an interstate.

Speaking of the interstate, asphalt is made from oil. What happens to those transportation networks as the expense of maintaining the highways increases?

Local economies that still exist will be reborn. In places where local economies have collapsed, they will have to be rebuilt. I hope we still know how to do business on a local scale.

As you can see, there are a lot of issues to consider.

Still don't get it? Order the documentary....
http://www.endofsuburbia.com/