Our nation is mired in the current economic crisis in part because
corporate America dictated the rules for too long and did so while
fixated on generating the largest profits at whatever cost. These
tactics led to the overextension of credit, job reductions, and the
erosion of the middle class. The corporate greed on Wall Street and
failed policies of the Bush administration have contributed to the
staggering unemployment figures we now face.
Media outlets report on these issues daily and have exposed many of the most flagrant schemes. Yet still Wal-Mart is touted by some in the local press as the potential savior of Chicago communities.
Wal-Mart has long been the leader in establishing business practices that put profits over people. When Americans elected Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, the message was clear: The time has come to change the direction of America. Stop allowing our workers and our communities to be exploited so large corporations can grow their bottom line. Now in office, President Obama and his administration are seeking to restore the necessary balance between corporate America and the rest of us.
As the president works towards these ends in Washington, we should follow his lead, especially relating to Wal-Mart.
