Letters: D.C.’s Wal-Mart woes

Re “Wal-Mart may flee D.C. over minimum wage,” Business, July 20

I remember when Sam Walton started his chain of stores in the 1960s. They were decorated in red, white and blue and advertised that almost everything was made in America.

Walton might be turning over in his grave if he knew what has happened to his company after his children took over: Very little is made in America, pay and benefits for workers are poor, the company is opposed to unionization — and his heirs sit on their billions.

Consequently, some workers have to rely on food stamps and other government services, so the public bears the cost.

When Wal-Mart cannot seem to bully a city like Washington into giving up its living-wage ordinance, it threatens to take its ball and go home. I hope Mayor Vincent Gray stands his ground and invites other stores that pay better wages and benefits to fill the gap.

Elizabeth Keranen

Bakersfield

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