I would like to challenge Harold Williams (1/6, Letters, "Walton was right") to look at the systemic effect Wal-Mart is having on America.
First, for every two jobs created by a Wal-Mart store, the community loses three from competing retailers. It's easy to tell unsatisfied Wal-Mart employees to get another job. But Wal-Mart contributes to a declining job pool - thus making it very difficult for these very workers to find better jobs.
Second, at least 80 percent of products at Wal-Mart, the largest corporation in the world, are made overseas. This trend is contributing to the massive loss of American manufacturing jobs and to a record-breaking U.S. foreign trade deficit.
Third, Wal-Mart may bring everyday low prices to communities, but it also brings everyday low wages and benefits. Most Wal-Mart employees earn wages between $7.50 and $8.50 an hour with no benefits. These low wages force many Wal-Mart employees to depend on government-subsidized programs, which ultimately cost taxpayers.
From this systemic perspective "Walton got it wrong," because in the long run Wal-Mart hurts America.
Donna Constantineau Kansas City, Kan.