We're used to Walmart being seen as the big bad guy -- the one who comes in, builds a huge store and drives out the smaller, independent retailers; the one that pays its low-level employees below level wages, scrimps on benefits, and is generally considered a bad citizen in the marketplace.
On the plus side, they do offer household goods, clothes, groceries, medicines, etc. at lower prices -- because they can buy in such huge quantities -- and they keep overhead down.
On the negative side, an image problem has developed over the past few years.
It seems that they may be trying to rectify this. Even if it is only public relations to improve their image, they are beginning to do some good things.
Just last week, they announced a minimum wage increase to $9 to be increased to $10 over time.
This week, they announced opposition to a bill working its way into law in Arkansas, where Walmart's headquarters is. This is one of those "freedom of conscience" laws that allows people to discriminate against LGBT people if serving them goes against their religious beliefs.
And Walmart is opposing it. Which actually means support for LGBT customers and employees.
Whatever the motive, let's take whatever help we can on this growing problem. Right now a similar bill is in the Georgia legislature.
Ralph
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