[extropy-chat] Seven cents an hour? (was: Riots in France)

[Jack Parkinson]

> From: Rafal Smigrodzki <rafal.smigrodzki at gmail.com> wrote:
> Subject: Re: [extropy-chat] Seven cents an hour? (was: Riots in
> France)
> To: ExI chat list <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org>
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> <7641ddc60511142253s3c7ba35h58a9d8f388985032 at mail.gmail.com>
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>
> It looks like whenever the name Wal-Mart is uttered, it occasions an
> outpouring of statements so silly as to be childish.

Well that was certainly true of the superficial remarks you made Rafal. 
Because, if you gave the debate a more than cursory look, you might have 
realized by now that the economic models we have now are also the models 
many will advocate for the future. All of this has a direct bearing on the 
way things might be. I noticed your language included such terms as 
'puerile,' 'stupid loser,' and the suggestion of Luddism and ignorance as 
well as 'childishness.' Not a very mature assessment I would have thought - 
and more importantly - not a scrap of evidence was supplied!

It has been pointed out, and not just by me (if you remove head from sand 
you might note there are substantial numbers considering these points), that 
the economic model which is the Wal-Mart style of corporate activity has 
serious deficiencies in a future context. In particular, it is easily 
possible to imagine a scenario in which this business model becomes more or 
less immediately outmoded if nano-manufacturing  became possible.

BUT... this type of business model does not seem to be something many on 
this list can evaluate coolly. It's support is almost a cherished belief. 
This is something I don't understand but am prepared to be enlightened on...

Several times I have seen people write here about small business 
'price-gouging,' Wal-Mart being 'efficient' and I have also seen 'Mon and 
Pop' businesses derided as small time and  inconsequential.

I think these opinions are unsupportable. Because: small businesses with 
lots of competition can't price gouge, they must compete. And, Wal-Mart to 
me seems very inefficient once you step away from the corporate to take the 
national viewpoint. And, Mom and Pop business are surely the 'American 
dream' in action! So why despise them?

So far in this debate, the pro Wal Mart opinions on this list have not been 
backed up with anything more substantial than blind belief! What is this 
strange creed? How can people get angry when someone suggests that the 
dynamics of corporate business can be challenged? I just get the crazy 
feeling I am talking to hapless victims of propaganda, when I see the 
derision that is directed towards non-believers...

If you want to convince me (and maybe a few others) - then this is the 
challenge: Demonstrate (don't just sneer or give me another side-stepping 
opinion piece) exactly HOW Wal Mart is more efficient for America than 
several thousand smaller stores would be.
.
And, when I say 'efficient' I don't mean in a company/internal sense - all 
big companies have a size advantage which leverages their ability to buy and 
sell. I mean: For the whole of the US.

How is Wal-Mart better than the alternatives for America as a whole?

I am waiting in anticipation!
Jack Parkinson