I have a feeling you'll see it on O'Reilley, and Lou Dobbs, too.
posted by Darkseid at 07:00 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 16, 2006 #
As a Democrat I do not believe in Wake Up Wal-Mart. Is it possible to be a Non-Union democrat? While I do believe that a company has the right to make as much as a profit as possible (after all, this is the "democratic" way) they also have a social and ethical obligation to treat their employees well. But I do not agree that it is a Politicians duty to voice an opinion of a private business where no laws are being violated.
posted by toledodemocrat at 07:48 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 16, 2006 #
Is this different from and/or worse than unions making "suggestions" to their members on how to vote, or using member dues for political purposes without the approval of the workers?
posted by Hulkster at 08:35 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 16, 2006 #
Ethics? Gee, I thought that word was eliminated from the English language per lack of use.
As Hulkster said, it's not different from what unions do. Politics will be politics, you'll all remember back during the last presidential election lots of Christian groups claimed a vote for Kerry was a vote for Satan and against God... so if Republicans have the stones to do that, they can pull this off without breaking a sweat.
(Note: I have no political party preference... I hate political parties I vote for the best man for the job.)
But: "We believe it's wrong for these political candidates to attack Wal-Mart and the transformation under way at our company," the letter said. "We would never suggest to you how to vote, but we have an obligation to tell you when politicians are saying something about your company that isn't true."
Really... how stupid do they think we are?
posted by Reinhart at 09:43 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 16, 2006 #
while i'm not a walmart shopper, i think the bashing of the store is extremely excessive. with all the political garbage put out by the anti-walmart groups and democrats, i don't have a problem with this at all.
as hulkster pointed out, unions do this same thing. AC, are you going to throw some venom that way as well? consider their relationship between union dues and political contributions.
anyhow, don't most "groups" do this type of thing? sportmen? environmentalists? pot smokers? etc, etc. the only difference i see here is walmart is an employer. consider if or when a company has been targeted by such propaganda.
why aren't the suppliers of walmart the target of more indignation? i wonder why the walmart critics don't place more responisiblity in their laps.
lastly, if you don't like walmart for whatever reason (cheap product, business practices, etc, etc), don't shop there. if you don't like the way they treat their employees, go cry a river. last time i checked their employees use their free will when choosing to work for this company.
posted by wholesaler1972 at 10:48 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 16, 2006 #
Union Contributions to Republicans and Democrats
UAW
Rep. $30,500
Dem. $7,189,729
AFL-CIO
Rep. $19,500
Dem. $815,021
UFCW
Rep. $22,500
Dem. $1,689,041
Teamsters
Rep. $214,700
Dem. $1,692,592
Source: 2003-2004 Federal Election Commission PAC date.
Now, what is so wrong with Wal*Mart defending itself to its own employees??? They should be doing more than that. They should put up signs of candidates they support, both nationally and locally, in every Wal*Mart across the country. I would be defending my own company against all these freakshows, too.
posted by fequalsma73 at 12:27 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
Good Job, Fecal, now look up Wal-Mart's contributions in the name of being "fair and balanced". And note that the only union you can compare Mall*Wart's contributions against is the UFCW and *maybe* Teamsters.
posted by anonymouscoward at 01:34 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
I don't get your point. My point is that unions constantly tell their people how to vote. Why shouldn't Wal*Mart be able to do the same? I don't see the big deal with this entire topic. There really isn't anything worth talking about here except that Wal*Mart is finally doing what so many other companies should be doing and standing up and defending themselves. Now if you'll excuse me, the new Wal*Mart SuperCenter out in Holland is open 24 hrs. and I must go find something to buy.
posted by fequalsma73 at 02:39 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
I don't get your point. My point is that unions constantly tell their people how to vote.
Well, Fecal, the thing is, the union can't fire me if I don't vote the way they want (unless I happen to work FOR the union and they're the ones signing my paycheck). Mall*Wart certainly can. Don't forget the Republican "challengers" stationed at each polling place, poised to log who they see voting and who they're voting for and challenge the registration of anyone they don't like.
I seem to recall some woman was fired for having a Kerry sticker on her car. She worked at a place owned by a radical Bush lover. The guy actually distributed propaganda on why to vote for Bush to his employees.
Another woman was fired for having an Air America sticker on her car.
So tell me, anyone been fired for having Dubya or Limbaugh stickers on their cars?
posted by anonymouscoward at 03:35 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
Mall*Wart certainly can. Don't forget the Republican "challengers" stationed at each polling place, poised to log who they see voting and who they're voting for and challenge the registration of anyone they don't like.
That's bullshit and you know it. How would they know who they voted for? There is no way of knowing. Don't believe everything you read. There are hundreds of cases where union workers have been fired because they support Bush. It happens all the time but the union and the media are in bed together so you never hear about it on your daily newscast. A guy in Iowa was fired just for wearing a Bush t-shirt to work in a production plant. A lady in Michigan was fired for saying she thought Kerry didn't have the right stance on unions. People's cars are vandalized, people are spit on, 'accidents' happen and all of this goes on all the time. The bathrooms are not so friendly places for people who don't agree with the unions either.
Is the Cheese Haven union?
posted by fequalsma73 at 03:49 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
If the unions weren't giving political contributions to campaigns I'd have a BIG problem with Walmart doing it. But the unions have a long standing policy of donating to political campaigns and a long standing policy of paying people to protest in front of Walmarts so I don't know why unions would be angered when Walmart decides to use some of it's tactics. After all it's not like Walmart is asking their people to protest outside of a union. How is this different than the Blade or Remington firearms distributing literature backing candidates?
As I've always maintained Walmart has to do what's right for it's business and it's employees. If it's giving them $.50 an hour less to make sure they have health benefits then so be it.
I think what scares the unions most is that Walmart has adopted many union tactics in the name of good business. For instance, the record companies have a stranglehold on the radio stations and even file suits against normal people in the name of keeping high prices for CD's. Walmart is the biggest sellar of CD's. Walmart strongarmed the record companies as to not sell a single cd over $15. I don't see that as anything different from a union threatening a walkout.
Also Walmart is starting it's own "bank" for it's employees. This will be a way for employees to bank through their employer for competitive rates. How this is different from a union having a credit union I don't know? But I do see a benefit to the worker having yet another banking option.
posted by MikeyA at 06:46 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
Also Walmart is starting it's own "bank" for it's employees. This will be a way for employees to bank through their employer for competitive rates. How this is different from a union having a credit union I don't know? But I do see a benefit to the worker having yet another banking option.
I heard they will be open the banking opportunities to the public as well. They will probably have some pretty good rates. It will be interesting to see how they compete.
posted by fequalsma73 at 06:57 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
using member dues for political purposes without the approval of the workers?
To everyone who thinks that unions use thier union dues for political contributions:
I know i've said it before, but it doesn't work that way, its called a political action fund or P.A.C. and the contributions are VOLUNTARY and are around $.02 an hour. So please people back off that one already.
posted by tm at 07:11 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
I heard they will be open the banking opportunities to the public as well. They will probably have some pretty good rates. It will be interesting to see how they compete.
That will be interesting, state farm did it, they have thier own "bank" now. Their rates are better too becasue they dont have the overhead of having acual branches, it an online thing.
posted by tm at 07:14 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
Coward -- You dont have a job, and you always denigrate the one of the biggest hiring companies in the country.
Mine was a legitimate question - Would you be better off working at Walmart than you are now doing nothing?
As far as your gutter insult, you actually need to matter to me more than a wormy dog stool for anything you say to bother me, so flame away, pillowbiter.
posted by billy at 08:36 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
How would they know who they voted for? There is no way of knowing.
Stand over by the optical scan reader and watch. Or by the no-privacy touch-screen machines.
posted by anonymouscoward at 02:54 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
You sound a little paranoid AC. You might want to talk to someone about that before all your posts start looking like this...
can't sleep clowns will eat me can't sleep clowns will eat me can't sleep clowns will eat me can't sleep clowns will eat me can't sleep clowns will eat me
posted by MikeyA at 11:11 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 17, 2006 #
Go stare at yourself in the mirror, MikeyA, if you can actually bring yourself to look at your own reflection.
Then take a look around at all the "OMFG TERRORISTS ARE OUT TO KILL US ALL!" stories in the news, and how many civil rights we've had taken away in the name of "safety and security".
Go look at the stories of Cheney, Hatch, and others going on about how voting for Democrats means more terrorism.
Go look at the ruling on how the NSA wiretapping is illegal, and violates the separation of powers, the First Amendment, the Fourth Amendment, FISA, and a whole host of other things. And then take a look at the Oath of Office for the President, where he swears to uphold the Constitution. And then contrast that to the explicit Presidential establishment of UNCONSTITUTIONAL wiretapping.
And before you go on about how paranoid I am, I deal in computers, and I get called on to figure out the why and how of their computer being broke, their account password being stolen, their credit card suddenly being charged for a bajillion dollars, and things of that sort. Naturally I've gotten really good at finding potential flaws in the system.
Let's see now, at this election:
1) You MUST bring voter registration and proof of residency, right?
2) Touch-screens without an actual booth or curtain around them, or optical scanning at the voting location.
Yeah, now tell me, how hard would it be for Mall*Wart or the GOP or anyone else to get a challenger in there or a poll worker with a really good memory to keep tabs on who voted and even who for? Hell, a few cameras in strategic locations and you're all set.
Of course, they could hire someone to do P.I. work on their employees, see what they're saying in blogs and stuff like that, fire anyone who leans Democrat.
I have a really suspicious mind, but at least I'm not Karl Rove -- I have *some* morals that say that lying, cheating, spying, revenge, and so on are wrong.
Assume I worked for Diebold. Would you trust their e-voting machines NOT to have any secret back doors or neat mathematical tricks hidden in them if I worked there?
posted by anonymouscoward at 12:00 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
and how many civil rights we've had taken away in the name of "safety and security".
Zero of my civil liberties have been taken away. How many of yours?
Yeah, now tell me, how hard would it be for Mall*Wart or the GOP or anyone else to get a challenger in there or a poll worker with a really good memory to keep tabs on who voted and even who for? Hell, a few cameras in strategic locations and you're all set.
Of course, they could hire someone to do P.I. work on their employees, see what they're saying in blogs and stuff like that, fire anyone who leans Democrat.
Paranoid.
Terror threats are at least real. Has someone forgotten 9-11 already?
posted by fequalsma73 at 01:02 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Zero of my civil liberties have been taken away. How many of yours?
Really. So you are 100% sure that the government has not illegally wiretapped your phone at all since 9/11 with their illegal program that violated the civil liberties granted under the Constitution and Bill of Rights? You know, that program that was just found to be illegal yesterday? The one which violated the requirement that the government get a warrant before eavesdropping on your phone calls?
Terror threats are at least real. Has someone forgotten 9-11 already?
Who's paranoid now? You're the one who is a big FAT fraidy-cat, since you're too fat to enlist to go fight them in Iraq why don't you go sign up/volunteer to build schools and do humanitarian aid over there? Come on, Fecal, let's hear your excuse. If you're not a big fucking yellow-bellied chickenhawk, you most certainly can go over to Iraq on a humanitarian mission. I'm sure we can take up a collection to buy you a ticket.
And let's see, terror threats, terror threats... you mean how the terror alert level kept getting jacked up all the time? How about those brown guys who were buying up lots of Tracphones? Yeah, terror threat! Those guys in Miami? OOOH SCARY, they had NOTHING except talk about blowing something up, and they're charged with, of all crimes, CONSPIRACY. Yeah, no worse than the kids nowadays who get charged for muttering something about wanting to blow up their school because they're tired of the bullies. Should we lock those kids up as terrorists? I mean, ooo they made a threatening statement, they have intent, let's book 'em for terrorism!
OH NOES! THREATS! I'M SO SCARED! GEE I OUGHT TO BE PARANOID ABOUT BEING ATTACKED!!!! DUCT TAPE AND PLASTIC!!!!! WHERE'S MY SURVIVAL KIT?!?!?!
SPEAKING OF 9/11, WOULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHO THE MASTERMIND OF THE ATTACKS WAS? AND WHY IS OSAMA BIN LADEN NOT BEEN BROUGHT TO JUSTICE? WHY ARE WE GOING TO GO $1.3 TRILLION INTO DEBT OVER IRAQ AND LET OSAMA RUN FREE?
Come on, Fecal, you fat fuck, give me a goddamn straight answer here. Why did that miserable failure known as "pResident George W. Bush" fail to bring Osama bin Laden to justice? He has had a few weeks short of 5 years. He supposedly had him all but caught at Tora Bora. How about an answer to this question: How does invading and occupying Iraq make us safer against terrorism when it is seen as an imperalistic threat by many Middle Easterners/Muslims and ties up our troops (including National Guard) overseas when we need to worry about an attack or natural disaster on our own soil? Come on, you pussy, let's hear you and the other neocons here give straight, rational, researched answers (and by "researched" I mean you didn't just copy and paste from FreeRepublic or the GOP talking points or right-wing talk radio).
posted by anonymouscoward at 02:19 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Just because your paranoid doesn't mean that they're not out to get you.
posted by tm at 07:31 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Really. So you are 100% sure that the government has not illegally wiretapped your phone at all since 9/11 with their illegal program that violated the civil liberties granted under the Constitution and Bill of Rights? You know, that program that was just found to be illegal yesterday? The one which violated the requirement that the government get a warrant before eavesdropping on your phone calls?
I don't care if they have. Whether they have or not, my civil liberties have not been taken away.
Terrorism is real. If you don't think so, maybe you are one of them?
posted by fequalsma73 at 07:42 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
How does invading and occupying Iraq make us safer against terrorism when it is seen as an imperalistic threat by many Middle Easterners/Muslims and ties up our troops (including National Guard) overseas when we need to worry about an attack or natural disaster on our own soil?
OH NOES! THREATS! I'M SO SCARED! GEE I OUGHT TO BE PARANOID ABOUT BEING ATTACKED!!!! DUCT TAPE AND PLASTIC!!!!! WHERE'S MY SURVIVAL KIT?!?!?!
So which is it? Are the threats real and we need our national gaurd or are they not and you want to sit there and mock people who acknowledge it, which you just did. Way to make sense, AssClown.
Yeah, no worse than the kids nowadays who get charged for muttering something about wanting to blow up their school because they're tired of the bullies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_shooting#Infamous_school_massacres
School shootings happen moron. It's people like YOU who we should be worried about. You seem like one that would walk into a place and just start shooting away.
Those guys in Miami? OOOH SCARY, they had NOTHING except talk about blowing something up
Do we wait until they DO blow something up? Are you retarded?
posted by fequalsma73 at 08:00 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
School shootings happen moron. It's people like YOU who we should be worried about. You seem like one that would walk into a place and just start shooting away.
That was uncalled for.
Prepare for a lawsuit. JR, hand over Fecal's details, please, before I have to get a subpoena.
posted by anonymouscoward at 10:22 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
I couldn't resist commenting on and correcting a few things. I'm sure my comments will stir up some debate.
1.) Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't this America? Isn't there a little thing called the First Amendment guaranteeing free speech? After all, if the First Amendment can protect the porn industry, why can't it protect Wal-Mart? 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are not allowed to engage in political dialogue and maintain their tax-exempt status. Other than that, any organization, including Wal-Mart, is permitted by the First Amendment to voice political opinions. The last time I checked there is no 28th Amendment stating that Wal-Mart is excluded from First Amendment protection. Also, the unions have been endorsing Presidential candidates for years--what's wrong with Wal-Mart doing the same (which they aren't even doing that)?
2.) Last time I was in Wal-Mart I didn't see any cashiers chained to their register! Last time I was in Wal-Mart I didn't see the managers carrying around a whip to "encourage" unproductive employees to become more productive! Also, last time I checked I didn't see any customers being forced to shop there!
3.) I don't think Wal-Mart would fire an employee for voting for (or even openly-supporting) an anti-Wal-Mart democrat! My dad's a member of the Teamster's union, and he's never been fired, reprimanded, criticized, or anything like that for the Bush-Cheney bumper sticker that adorned his car during the 2000 and 2004 elections! And if Wal-Mart did ever fire an employee for their political beliefs, as long as that employee was not disrupting their business or the productivity of other employees, I would be the first in line to support him/her suing Wal-Mart!
4.) I think the Democrats are making a HUGE mistake by campaigning against Wal-Mart. Here are my reasons for believing this:
a.) I'm going to be careful so this doesn't come across the wrong way. Statistically speaking, those in the lower socioeconomic statuses tend to be more likely to vote for Democrats. Since, according to everyone on this board, Wal-Mart doesn't pay its people enough, that would place its employees in the lower socioeconomic category--the category of people more likely to vote for Democrats. So, the Democratic party is essentially alienating millions of potential supporters who happen to be happily working at a store that some Democrats are all but referring to as the "Great Satan".
b.) Democrats may also be alienating its supporters who happily shop at Wal-Mart. While the fringe of the Democratic party might not shop there, the mainstream of the Democratic party does (I think I can make that assertion without stats to back it up). So, Democrats are coming out against a place where probably 50% of Americans shop! This would basically be the equivalent of the Republican party coming out against drinking alcohol--an activity that probably a good chunk (if not a majority) of Americans participate in. Supporting prohibition would not be wise for the Republicans--supporting the abolition of Wal-Mart is not a wise thing for the Democrats.
c.) As a Republican, I can see so many issues that the Democrats could be focusing on: problems in the Middle East and Iraq, problems with Iran, problems with North Korea, fiscal irresponsibility by the Republican-led Congress, the Social Security problem, the issue of many Americans affording retirement, the health care crisis, the skyrocketing cost of a college education, outsourcing of jobs, etc. Yet, in spite of all those, Democrats are attacking Wal-Mart! As a Republican, this shows me that the Democrats have nothing to campaign on!
4.) What's the Democrat's solution to the "Wal-Mart problem"? I went to the Wake Up Wal-Mart web site to see if they proposed solutions. Their basic solutions revolve around putting external pressure on Wal-Mart to "change its ways", without addressing whether this would actually change Wal-Mart's behavior or whether Wal-Mart could "change its ways" and still be a productive and profitable retail giant. And of all the problems listed and potential "solutions" (basically Wal-Mart changing), NONE regarded the government doing anything (which is good--that's not the government's job). However, what then are the Democrats going to do about this so-called "problem"?
5.) I was criticized by AnonymousCoward for using "it's" instead of "its". This was an honest typo on my part--I understand the grammatical implications of the two spellings. Therefore, I couldn't help but point this out. In the article this blog is referring to, Wake-Up Wal-Mart is quoted as saying "We welcome Wal-Mart's attempts to try and defend itself...", when it should be "We welcome Wal-Mart's attempts to try to defend itself...". I realize this is an ad hominem attack on Wake-Up Wal-Mart, but I couldn't resist! :-)
posted by CollegeKid at 11:37 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
That was uncalled for.
Prepare for a lawsuit. JR, hand over Fecal's details, please, before I have to get a subpoena.
lol, bring it.
posted by fequalsma73 at 11:39 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
You didn't answer the questions I posed to you, Fecal.
And, oh, speaking of all these terror plots, they dropped the charges against the guys with the 1000 cellphones in Michigan. Well, actually, they changed them all to fraud. Namely, against Tracfone and the wireless carrier. Despite the FBI saying that modifying the phones is perfectly legal.
And you might want a happy little look at this story, too, Fecal:
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1852837,00.html
posted by anonymouscoward at 11:56 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
CollegeKid--I don't believe the Democrats are really concerned with Walmart in comparison to the larger issues:
National Security
Education
Social Security
Envionment
Medicare
Tax Reform
posted by pink_slip at 12:04 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
And, oh, speaking of all these terror plots, they dropped the charges against the guys with the 1000 cellphones in Michigan. Well, actually, they changed them all to fraud. Namely, against Tracfone and the wireless carrier. Despite the FBI saying that modifying the phones is perfectly legal.
I heard, but I still think something is fishy there. Who travels from TX to MI to buy phones when you can just get them from a manufacturer? Also, why did they have flight manuals? Why did they have info on the Macinac Bridge? I understand there was nothing to charge them with, but I personally am still skeptical.
You didn't answer the questions I posed to you, Fecal.
Which one?
So you are 100% sure that the government has not illegally wiretapped your phone at all since 9/11 with their illegal program that violated the civil liberties granted under the Constitution and Bill of Rights?
Who's paranoid now?
why don't you go sign up/volunteer to build schools and do humanitarian aid over there?
Should we lock those kids up as terrorists?
SPEAKING OF 9/11, WOULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHO THE MASTERMIND OF THE ATTACKS WAS?
AND WHY IS OSAMA BIN LADEN NOT BEEN BROUGHT TO JUSTICE?
WHY ARE WE GOING TO GO $1.3 TRILLION INTO DEBT OVER IRAQ AND LET OSAMA RUN FREE?
Why did that miserable failure known as "pResident George W. Bush" fail to bring Osama bin Laden to justice?
How does invading and occupying Iraq make us safer against terrorism when it is seen as an imperalistic threat by many Middle Easterners/Muslims and ties up our troops (including National Guard) overseas when we need to worry about an attack or natural disaster on our own soil?
For someone who knows everything, you sure have a lot of questions.
How's that lawsuit coming? ;)
posted by fequalsma73 at 12:06 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
College Kid--I think the #1 priority of the Dems right now is to make fun of Bush and bash him for everything they can come up with. I haven't heard much of a real strategy on ANY issue. Even when I went to Ted Strickland's local campaign headquarters and asked why I should vote for him, they didn't have an answer.
Check out a previous post by moi. This is a completely true account of what happened to me:
Today, I went to the Toledo headquarters for Ted Strickland, who is running for Governor of Ohio. I asked the gentleman that kindly greeted me why I should vote for Ted Strickland. I asked politely, “Why Ted Strickland?” I was expecting some talking points and maybe something that would spark my mind into an internal debate over who gets my vote. The reply I got was, “Why Ken (Blackwell)?”
I proceeded to tell the gentleman that I was here to find out why I should vote for Strickland, not why I should not vote for Blackwell. He then replied with a pause and, “Uh…(pause)…(looks at bumper sticker)…he’s a Democrat.”
Holy Toledo! That’s why I should vote for the guy?
He then handed me a pamphlet that he apparently had not read himself. His finals words to me before a lady walked in were, “I’m just the networking guy.” He may be “just the networking guy,” but he is in the front office!
I proposed the same “Why Ted Strickland?” question to the lady who had appeared. She said that was a “good question” as she mumbled to herself. She then commented to the networking guy that they should get a script printed up and that she should be able to answer that question. Then she said to me, “This is really embarrassing, especially since I am the Office Manager.”
I then decided I had heard all I needed to hear and my independent research on the candidates would have to suffice. I seriously thought I would get so many reasons for voting for Ted Strickland that my head would be spinning and I would have to take notes. Instead, I received, “He’s a democrat” followed by “Good question”.
posted by fequalsma73 to politics at 3:20 P.M. EDT
posted by fequalsma73 at 12:10 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Nice "story" fecalsma. But you left out the part where aliens picked you up and gave you the anal probe. (or was it "illegal" aliens that picked you up?)
posted by pink_slip at 12:35 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
I couldn't resist commenting on and correcting a few things.
Of course you couldn't, us lower socioeconomic status people need correcting when our opinions differ from someone as superior as yourself.
posted by tm at 01:03 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
AC,
Why aren't you just as upset about unions getting rid of members by the same methods Wal-Mart would (supposedly at least....to any rational person this isn't going to happen). I think it's because you follow lock-step with the union's beliefs and wouldn't mind if they exercised their muscle to get people to vote for Dems.
And please quit calling it Mall*Wart.....I don't think I'm the only one who thinks that's immature and annoying.
posted by HeyHey at 02:41 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
pink...that story is completely true. I was shocked by it.
posted by fequalsma73 at 03:15 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
To say that unions don't tell their membership how to vote is laughable. People with any common sense at all vote the way they want to vote, regardless of intimidation, coercion, whatever.
posted by CloudyDay at 09:34 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Welcome CoudyDay to toledotalk!
I agree with your comments on the unions and how they vote.
posted by fequalsma73 at 09:50 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Thanks for the welcome. And it seems to be universal with unions, regardless of where you live.
By the way, your id reads like a formula f = ma73. I am a student. Guess those courses on stats have soaked in to my thinking where I'm seeing formulas EVERYWHERE! ;-)
posted by CloudyDay at 10:14 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Yes it is!!! Most people don't see it. Especially the retards that say call me "Fecal". I laugh everytime because it shows how stupid they are. F=ma!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by fequalsma73 at 10:35 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Wow. If I didn't know better, I'd think that two people here, are really one. Part of an insidious game of self-promotion! It reminds me of the old double-inside game that certain operatives play so very well. Go ahead and keep buttering each other up. It's always good to compliment yourself! It surely doesn't mean anyone has to believe a word of it. Do you have anything else nice to say about yourself, er, I mean, each other? Keep writing, this is getting interesting.
posted by Bbcmjeep43 at 10:37 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
You are pretty funny, BBcmjeep43. I am actually fairly new to Toledo and therefore only know a few people. I am a student who has research projects on occasion and I stumbled on ToledoTalk to read comments and opinions, to get ideas for projects.
So, you seem to have an opinion. My current project for school is on election crime. I would welcome your comments if you have any on that topic.
posted by CloudyDay at 10:43 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Oh boy...CloudyDay, you just opened up a can of worms. Bbcum thinks I am a Secret Republican Operative becuase I disagree with him. He likes to attack me personally because I am not as perfect looking as he would like me to be. He apparently thinks you and I are the same person. He wasn't joking. He really thinks this stuff. (Like 9-11 was staged kinda stuff) If you are conservative at all or don't like unions, he will make fun of you and say you are wrong and all this other creepy stuff. He is one of the union freakshows that drinks all their koolaid. Have fun with him.
Sec. Repub. Op. Coaud--2895485932BbcmJeep43948==--==jslkdjfsuoglosihgoew.day.lfdk 44993929homecar485893constantjhsh-- Roto Racker Porr
posted by fequalsma73 at 10:49 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
That's hilarious! Well, I am neither Republican nor Democrat. I'm actually quite independent. I welcome any comments Bbcm (or anyone else) might have on election crime.
I don't even know how I ended up with this topic as a project, but from what I've seen and read lately, neither party has bragging rights on integrity. What's this $215 million bombshell of a contract that went to a Dem in Pittsburgh, with family connections between one of the firm's executives and someone who was on the BWC board? and what about this other thing with the BWC and a Rep fundraiser? All that surfaced from a simple search on a campaign finance violation I read about in the paper, where that same guy who's in trouble with the BWC pleaded guilty to the campaign finance violation and will be sentenced next month. Crazy.
The actual theme of the project is to develop a model to PREVENT election crime.
posted by CloudyDay at 11:04 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
You and fequalsma are having quite a compliment festival for two people who don't know each other. I never said 9-11 was staged. I said there's more to the story than meets the eye.There has been evidence suppressed. That's a proven fact. I also don't believe that third building, (WTC7) just fell down. I have the right to believe that. Let's remember this thread is about Wal-Mart issuing voter guides.
Bbcum thinks I am a Secret Republican Operative becuase I disagree with him. He likes to attack me personally because I am not as perfect looking as he would like me to be.
Looks like you have been doing most of the attacking lately. What's up with you following me on that 5/3rd banking thread, and parroting what I say? Don't you have any kind of life besides toledotalk? Why don't you and CloudyDay continue to stroke each other? It feels good to be complimented. Maybe you were lonely for a little bit of love and attention ! I was only joking about the Secret Republican Operative thing! Are you that gullible that you actually believed that? What's up with your poor spelling? I thought you were a college graduate? You spell like a fourth grader!
Was I joking about the two being one? Time will tell!
My current project for school is on election crime. I would welcome your comments if you have any on that topic.
posted by CloudyDay at 11:43 P.M. EDT on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
I read the Toledo Union Journal, the Blade and various other papers, and they all put election guides into their publications. This is followed by many, and ignored by whoever wishes to ignore it. Anyone can make any recommendations to anyone. There's nothing illegal about recommending any candidates. Wal-Mart has their story to tell, and I would say it's legal to do that. Secret Ballot voting helps to ensure there is no overt coercion, and is vital to a functioning Democracy.
posted by Bbcmjeep43 at 11:12 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
What's up with your poor spelling? I thought you were a college graduate? You spell like a fourth grader!
Is this because I mistyped the word 'because'?
posted by fequalsma73 at 11:20 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
It's because you take everything way too seriously. You need to take a deep breath, and relax.
If you are conservative at all or don't like unions, he will make fun of you and say you are wrong and all this other creepy stuff. He is one of the union freakshows that drinks all their koolaid. Have fun with him.
Now please excuse me, while I go make up a batch of my grape Kool-Aid for tomorrow. I like it ice- cold, with not too much sugar.
posted by Bbcmjeep43 at 11:29 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
You say weird freaky stuff, man. I take what you take seriously unless you indicate you are not being serious like most people do with something like a smiley face or puting the word 'sarcasm' in parenthesis after your statement. If you say something on here and don't indicate you are kidding, it should be taken serious, yes?
posted by fequalsma73 at 11:33 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
I seem to be amused with my own sense of humor.
:^)
If you are conservative at all or don't like unions, he will make fun of you and say you are wrong and all this other creepy stuff.
There are many Republicans I like and admire. Gerald Ford, William (Bill) Milliken, Chuck Hagel. These guys had a lot more class, and better represent America, then the Extreme Right Wing Christian Conservative Attack Dogs straining at the leash to dominate everyone. Excuse me while I fight back, bash back, and get down and dirty in the gutter with anyone who want's to tell me what to do under the guise of protecting me. Bush, Cheney, and all these other clowns, are actually increasing the odds of terrorism, while undermining America's economic security. I am not afraid of any of them. They lie constantly, and I'll say so. What they are doing is bankrupting America.
Now what about the Wal-Mart voter guides?
posted by Bbcmjeep43 at 11:48 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 18, 2006 #
Bush, Cheney, and all these other clowns, are actually increasing the odds of terrorism,
How so, union bum?
posted by fequalsma73 at 12:01 A.M. EST on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
Bbcm, thanks for the direction on the voter guides, something like that means something in researching a project. That's the kind of thing that helps me look for a place to check out the facts and also check for bias. And it is relevant to the original discussion thread that started this whole "conversation".
I may be new at participating in ToledoTalk, but I'm not new to blogging and am a quick study on how things work here. You certainly gave me a lesson in keeping to the subject at hand (Walmart voter guides)!
Was I joking about the two being one? Time will tell!
You seem somewhat of a skeptic. Ponder this...I got a welcome similar to the one that F= gave me, from "fuselighter" on another thread, to which I also appropriately say "Thanks".
Things aren't always what they seem. Or are they?
Just having some fun with you, Bbcm. I will look for more of the F=ma/Bbcm banter another time.
posted by CloudyDay at 07:53 A.M. EST on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
How so, union bum?
posted by fequalsma73 at 01:01 A.M. EDT on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
The number one comment I ever hear about the Middle East is very simply put. "They'll never stop fighting each other over there!"
So who in their right mind would insert themselves directly into the middle of these never-ending hostilities. Not only insert themselves into the middle of this boiling cauldron of hatred, and conflict, but lie about the reasons why. Our national treasure is now being drained for nothing, no gain, no reward, no pay-off. Please show me exactly where the Iraq War is stopping terrorism?
Let's have another thread if you like. Do you know what Wahhabism is? Do you understand any of the root causes of terrorism?
Obviously you do not. What is truly dangerous, is when a national leader does not understand these concepts.
P.S. They certainly do seem to understand the concept of getting rich from all this killing and war.
Now what about the Wal-Mart voter guides? : ^)
posted by Bbcmjeep43 at 09:35 A.M. EST on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
I don't even know how I ended up with this topic as a project, but from what I've seen and read lately, neither party has bragging rights on integrity.
You are definitely correct there. The politicians need to start putting the interests of the people above their insatiable need for campaign cash, and beware the ever growing swarm of corrupt lobbyists encircling Washington D.C. like turkey vultures swooping down on the remains of a formerly Great Republic!
That was heavy doo-doo there! : ^ )
The actual theme of the project is to develop a model to PREVENT election crime.
posted by CloudyDay at 12:04 A.M. EDT on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
If you come up with a model to prevent election crime, you will be doing a great service to Americans of all political persuasions.
I have studied the Presidential election of 2000, and the election of 2004. I really do not have a clear idea of whether any of that was possibly fraudulent or not. I would be concerned about the electronic voting machines. I have heard they are not tamper-proof. I would like to receive a paper receipt showing my name, and who I voted for.
posted by Bbcmjeep43 at 11:26 A.M. EST on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
You are definitely correct there. The politicians need to start putting the interests of the people above their insatiable need for campaign cash, and beware the ever growing swarm of corrupt lobbyists encircling Washington D.C. like turkey vultures swooping down on the remains of a formerly Great Republic!
Listen up and listen good, Bbcm! I don't want this next comment ever mentioned again whether it be online or in prison. Tell no one! This is strictly between you and me. Got it, unionfreak? My thoughts on what you just said: I agree whole-heartedly.
posted by fequalsma73 at 01:04 P.M. EST on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
You two are too funny! You probably would make great friends if you actually knew each other's names outside ToledoTalk and F=/Bbcm.
As for this project on election crime, like alot of academia, the results of projects like this one often end up being more idealistic than anything. But it has been thought provoking to do some of the digging I've already done.
Corrupt lobbyists and electronic voting machines are two ideas to search on the web. You never know what will pop up, just like that crazy dotted line from campaign finance violations to the BWC coin fund and other investment issues at the BWC. I just saw another article today on the coin fund. Sounds complicated. Not worth connecting back to campaign finance and election crimes.
I am sniffing out smaller potatoes on the election crime, like fraudulent voter registrations, intimidation at the polls, the more subtle activities that affect voter confidence, probably the greatest travesty of all. Enough on that. Thanks for the ideas.
posted by CloudyDay at 08:42 P.M. EST on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
You two are too funny! You probably would make great friends if you actually knew each other's names outside ToledoTalk and F=/Bbcm.
We've met. We don't like.
posted by fequalsma73 at 10:53 P.M. EST on Sat Aug 19, 2006 #
AC you said Go stare at yourself in the mirror, MikeyA, if you can actually bring yourself to look at your own reflection. To that I say I do but I try not to because as handsome as I am vanity is still a sin.
Then you said 2) Touch-screens without an actual booth or curtain around them, or optical scanning at the voting location. To that I say: You actually need a curtain to feel secure? I'm going back to the sounding paranoid arguement again. Maybe that curtain can even save you from terrorism. Quick go buy one and hide under it and when others look at you crazy just explain how you're protected from the terrorists. But don't use a white curtain you don't want to be mistaken for a Klan member. I suggest something with flowers. Walmart has a good selection for affordable prices.
And finally you wanted to listen in on fequal's confersations. Sounds like a boring way to spend your spare time. As a matter of fact to mix things up you can listen to my phone conversations but all you'll end up hearing is my wife giving me "honey do" work and my brother who calls to see if I've read the latest SI article on Ohio St. which I answer that I have but yet he feels compelled to read it to me anyway.
So if you're not paranoid yet I think the last one will definitely push you over the edge.
can't sleep clowns will eat me can't sleep clowns will eat me can't sleep clowns will eat me can't sleep clowns will eat me can't sleep clowns will eat me
posted by MikeyA at 07:30 A.M. EST on Tue Aug 22, 2006 #
Walmart has a good selection for affordable prices.
lol
posted by fequalsma73 at 07:44 A.M. EST on Tue Aug 22, 2006 #
So now Wal-Mart compares Democrats to Hezbollah?
This article was written by Herman Cain, "one of the steering committee members of Wal-Mart’s front group."
Do you think they realize that they are supposed to cater to low-income people, who by the way tend to vote Democrat?
There's a good reason for me to never shop there again.
posted by pink_slip at 12:30 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 24, 2006 #
good deal - that place is too damn crowded anyway!
posted by billy at 12:57 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 24, 2006 #
No, Walmart didn't write the article linked. A guy named Herman Cain did. I checked the bio linked on the story to see if he works/ed for Walmart. Nope. But you may want to read the bio - interesting.
I'm sure that the people in Lebanon or Israel would take a very dim view of this guy equating our retail woes in America with having bombs dropped on your house. Or your kids. Completely uncalled for.
It's the kind of junk that is getting published lately. Ann Coulter jumps to mind as another writer perched far out limb on the fringe of a nut tree, who for some reason gets published.
As a moderate/conservative female - I'd like to put my foot in her....well - ok that would be wrong to say.
Rephrasing. Like to duct tape her....no - probably shouldn't say that either.
How about, hate speech is wrong no matter who says it. These people need to behave themselves. America needs unity not divisive bullsh....ok - probably can't say this either.....
posted by katie82640 at 01:37 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 24, 2006 #
No, Walmart didn't write the article linked. A guy named Herman Cain did.
Actually, I did attribute the article to Herman Cain as you can see: This article was written by Herman Cain, "one of the steering committee members of Wal-Mart’s front group."
I probably should have included this link in my original post, which connects him to Wal-Mart
posted by pink_slip at 01:52 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 24, 2006 #
Yes you did make that other statement as well.
I was referencing your comment: "So now Wal-Mart compares Democrats to Hezbollah?"
posted by katie82640 at 02:10 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 24, 2006 #
The group Working Families for Wal-mart is funded by Wal-mart. Although it looks like Wal-Mart is trying to distance itself from Cain.
posted by pink_slip at 02:37 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 24, 2006 #
Although it looks like Wal-Mart is trying to distance itself from Cain. posted by pink_slip at 03:37 P.M. EDT on Thu Aug 24, 2006
Sounds like a good idea - that just rankles - using the word Hezbollah as a flash to get attention for a story about Walmart. I say it again, I bet the people in the middle east would be very insulted to have the tragedy in their lives used like this.
posted by katie82640 at 05:09 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 24, 2006 #
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