How Walmart Is Destroying America And The World: And What You Can Do About It

by Bill Quinn | Business & Investing |
ISBN: 1580082319 Global Overview for this book
Registered by Shendoah of San Jose, California USA on 1/3/2004
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14 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Shendoah from San Jose, California USA on Saturday, January 3, 2004
Please remember to journal the book when you receive it, and when you pass
it on. If you choose to make a release note, please remember to use the
highest Postal Release option on the release notes so people don't get a
Release Alert.



Happy Reading!


daemonwolf uk
jackshome uk
lilb jp
symphonicca can
catwoman can
therubycanary me
schmetterling nc
mysteryfan03 mis
mamikaem mo
enidq il
nancyjo sd
dbamom pa
marcinyc nj
grover3d wv
vayacondia wv
mrsordonez mo
Shendoah cal
ukbrat Can
gill846 Can
stensler wi (usa)

Journal Entry 2 by Shendoah from San Jose, California USA on Friday, January 16, 2004
Mailed out today.

Journal Entry 3 by rem_DYI-991976 on Monday, January 19, 2004
Go and see my website for a negative review. Can't like everything we read, eh?

Journal Entry 4 by rem_DYI-991976 at By Mail in Mail, Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, January 26, 2004
Released on Monday, January 26, 2004 at by mail in sent to another BookCrosser, Bookring Controlled Releases.

On its way to jackshome today.

Journal Entry 5 by jackshome from Norwich, Norfolk United Kingdom on Friday, January 30, 2004
Recieved in the mail this morning, it looks like a fascinating read, especially since Wal-Mart has taken over the UK giant Asda. I'm currently reading Kitchen Confidential, a book the Terry and Gaby show released in the UK, so this will be the next book I read. Sorry for the delay - if it hadn't been a book released from the show then I would have read this straight away!

Journal Entry 6 by jackshome from Norwich, Norfolk United Kingdom on Saturday, February 14, 2004
A very hard-hitting book exposing Wal-Mart and all it stands for. I found it interesting, although my immediate reaction was that it seems so US based, and I'm not sure if this would happen in the UK. That said, ASDA (which Quinn mentions) *is* now part of WAl-Mart, and it is strange that *before* they got bought by Wal-Mart they got taken to court over their 'Lowest Prices Forever' ads and campaign. Needless to say, just like Wal-Mart they changed it - but to an identical slogan to Wal-Mart! Hmmmm!!!! I agree totally that big chain supermarkets kill local suppliers of goods and products. Most recently near where I live another supermaket's plans have been accepted the second time round, which means for a small coastal village a huge car park will be the home of the store when it is built. Not only will it mean no large car park, but local business will suffer horrendously. It's not just Wal-Mart who use these underhand tactics I believe, and that's a real shame. Now Pming the next bcer in line, the book will be moving asap.

Journal Entry 7 by LilB from Auckland, Auckland Province New Zealand on Thursday, February 26, 2004
I received the book yesterday. It looks like a very fast read so should be out there again soon.

Journal Entry 8 by LilB from Auckland, Auckland Province New Zealand on Wednesday, March 3, 2004
This book was full of a lot of anecdotal evidence on WM's dodgy business practices. It's set up in a clear, presentation-type style which makes it easy to follow but also a little repetitive.
I would have liked to see a more indepth interview with someone from the very bottom of their food chain, such as a sales associate or cleaner.
I found the Walmart chapter in 'Nickel and Dimed' more emotionally hardhitting. Although, to be fair, I think that the author has accomplished what he set out to do - outline why he hates WM and the many ways people can stop them. More power to him !

Journal Entry 9 by LilB at Post Office in Kyoto, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Released on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 at Post Office in Kyoto, Postal Release Controlled Releases.

Sent to symphonicca.

Journal Entry 10 by symphonicca from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Monday, March 15, 2004
Yahooooo! This book arrived in my mailbox today---- and just in time! Tommorow I am heading off to europe for a couple of weeks, and this will be coming with me so I can finish it and send it off to the next person ASAP! :) Thanks for providing me the opportunity to read it!

Journal Entry 11 by symphonicca from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Saturday, April 3, 2004
I hate walmart! :) Okay, "hate" is a strong word, but, despite the high-pitched tone and sometimes unsubstantiated claims in this book, it is still a persuasive and though-provoking read. My signing up for this bookring was a bit of "preaching to the Choir", but i am still very happy to have read it.

I think, to be honest, my favorite part of the book was the introduction and preface, when the author sets the context of his writing this book (he is an old (age 80-ish) friend of the publisher, and wrote this in his dotage, since he is so disgusted by Walmart---- how cool is that???) There are lots of stories and tips in this book, but, like others have said, it gets a little repetitive. The message is still effectively conveyed, however.

I have been avoiding shopping at Walmart for a while now, and intend to maintain my avoidance, while at the same time speaking out against the megamonolith through word of mouth, and using my right to make my own consumer choices by spending my money in places that are locally owned and operated.

Thanks for starting this bookray Shendoah! Off to catwoman ASAP!

Journal Entry 12 by symphonicca at -- Controlled Release in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada on Saturday, April 3, 2004
Released on Saturday, April 03, 2004 at A fellow bookcrosser in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada.

Sending this out ot the next one the list---- enjoy!!!

Journal Entry 13 by Catwoman from Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada on Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Received in the mail today and started reading it this evening. :-)

Journal Entry 14 by Catwoman from Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada on Friday, April 16, 2004
I'm sorry to say that I didn't enjoy the book much. The author does get his point across quite well - he hates Walmart and all the bad things they (supposedly) do. This book is ready to continue its journey. I'll send it out as soon as I get therubycanary's address. Thanks for sharing this book with me. :-)

Journal Entry 15 by Catwoman at on Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Released on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at Mailed to a fellow Bookcrosser in n/a, n/a Controlled Releases.

Sent to therubycanary today.

Journal Entry 16 by therubycanary from Sebago, Maine USA on Saturday, May 8, 2004
Thanks for sending this on. Wal-Mart is a clear example of what is wrong with the U.S. People here think that they have some sort of privilege. That they can have whatever they want, whenever they want, at whatever price they want it at. In my conversations with co-workers, family, friends and random people, I've found that very few people are aware of the price the rest of the world is paying so that we can live our standard of living. Even fewer are willing to compromise their standard of living to ensure a quality of life for others. America is less than 5% of the world’s population and consumes more than half it's resources. Each American requires 24 acres of natural resources to live their way of live, while in the global scale only 5 acres exists for each person. The resources consumed by one American could support 40 Africans. The list goes on and on.....

I'm glad someone had the nerve to stand up to Wal-Mart and help others to do so, not just because Wal-Mart has bad practices, but to challenge the whole way this power structure is set up. This so-called terrorist threat doesn't exist because there are lots of crazy people out there (although there are a few who use the following as an excuse), it exists because Americans have stolen, murdered, and bought their way through the world, and the other 95% is wondering where their share of the resources are.

I enjoyed reading this book and the conversational tone the author took, but I do wish it had been substaniated a little more. Someone reading this book who is on the fence regarding walmart could write off a lot of the examples as heresay. I agree that "Nickel and Dimed" was a more touching commentary given the author got a job at walmart and then wrote about her experience.

It is such a shame that big business practice is making so many small stores close. The character and culture of an area really relies on the small shops and eclectic ways people choose to make a living. This kind of giant market doesn't add to the dream that everyone can live a passionate, meaningful life, it takes away from it. Walmart may employ the most people on the planet, but it treats them like low-value commodities.

mailed 5/12

Journal Entry 17 by symphonicca from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Hey all!

Just in case people were interested, this was posted on a peace listserv I am on. It blends Walmart with the war in Iraq. Might be of some interest! Enjoy!

http://swans.com/library/art10/procks27.html

Journal Entry 18 by schmetterling from Durham, North Carolina USA on Thursday, June 10, 2004
Can't wait to read it!

Journal Entry 19 by schmetterling from Durham, North Carolina USA on Friday, June 18, 2004
A very fast read, but fairly informative. I suppose I was a bit disappointed with the author's frequent admissions that he "hated" Wal-Mart, since that sends objectivity out the window. I was hoping that this book would be a resource for converting the unconverted, but with a tone like this I don't think I'd ever be able to reach anyone. Several of my friends and loved ones shop at Wal-Mart, some even knowing what Wal-Mart does to communities around it, but I certainly can't convince them to do otherwise. I myself stopped shopping there when they went on record as not carrying emergency contraception because of their "family" values (but selling guns is OK... ??). At that point in my life what mattered to me was some old man from Arkansas screwing with my rights. Things are a bit different with me now, and my new focus is building and maintaining local businesses. This is very hard, when I live in an area that seems overrun with chain stores and big-box discounters.

Alas, we fight the good fight anyway.

Journal Entry 20 by mysteryfan03 from Moberly, Missouri USA on Monday, June 28, 2004
Got this over the weekend when I was out of town! Cant wait to read it, but I do have a few rings infront of it. Thanks for sending it around.

Journal Entry 21 by mysteryfan03 from Moberly, Missouri USA on Monday, July 19, 2004
Finished this book yesterday! I was not really fond of Wal-Mart and knew of several of the things in this book already. This book will certainly scare one and I am glad to hear of a few communities recently keeping WM out.

Within an hour of my location, there are at least 8 stores and 2 supercenters. That are the ones I can think of. One town has 4 stores and a supercenter.(about 80,000 people) One of the stores in this town is being kicked out of a place where a mall is being built and they refuse to leave until a new place is found for the store. Every other store has been torn down. Where WM wants to put it is in a residential area and the residents are fighting it.

I would like to read an updated version of this book. I know that some of the things in it have changed. When it talks about the meatcutters trying to unionize, well that meatcutter was fired and all meat cutters in WM were let go. WM now gets their meat prepackaged from who knows where! (I refuse to buy meat there, it is so nasty looking and other countries like Mexico have little or no USDA inspections on meat coming into the US. THis was on MSN recently)

I hate to shop at WM (supercenter here), but am in a town in which all but one grocery store have gone under. JC Penny just left town last year because it could no longer compete. I cant even count the stores that my town (13,000 people ) has lost since WM came here. They also started a distribution center here and another one is coming soon. They made a big deal about full time jobs and good pay (WM supercenter employees were banned from applying) Within a few months, they cut everyone back to 28 hours or less and re-hire at lower wages. I shop other stores when possible, but other than the dollar stores, WM has no competition. Prices are higher here because of it (compared to other WMs)

Very scary stuff!! I wish I had lots of this book to release around town. Thanks for sharing this!!


Journal Entry 22 by Mamikaem from Maryland Heights, Missouri USA on Monday, September 13, 2004
Received this in the mail today. Thanks! I have a few book rings/rays in front of it, but will get to it asap.

UPDATE: 11/01/04 - I'm starting this today. I've already tried to locate mrsordenez, who is after me on the list, but she's no longer listed on BC. Enidq and stensler have asked to be skipped, so it will go to nancyjo after I'm finished.

Journal Entry 23 by Mamikaem from Maryland Heights, Missouri USA on Tuesday, November 2, 2004
I found this book a little disappointing although I admire the 88-year-old author for his passion! Maybe if I owned a mom-and-pop store in a small town, I could better relate. For now, this book is off to nancyjo and I'm off to Walmart for the big sale! :o~ Mailed on 11/10/04.

Journal Entry 24 by NancyJo from Sioux Falls, South Dakota USA on Monday, November 15, 2004
Received today and my plan is to read it quickly.

Journal Entry 25 by NancyJo from Sioux Falls, South Dakota USA on Saturday, January 15, 2005
Sent in the mail today to dbamom. Sorry for the extended time I kept this one. With the holidays and everything I didn't have much time to read. I picked this up and put it down because I would get so mad at Walmart. Sure, I still shop there, but it's out of convenience I guess.
The book will make you think, even if it doesn't change your mind about the store.
Thanks for sharing it Shen.

Journal Entry 26 by wingAnonymousFinderwing on Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Thanks for the Book ring...will be reading as soon as possible and sending it on the way.


CAUGHT IN UNIONTOWN PA USA

Journal Entry 27 by dbamom from Uniontown, Pennsylvania USA on Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Thanks for the Book ring...will be reading as soon as possible and sending it on the way

Journal Entry 28 by dbamom from Uniontown, Pennsylvania USA on Monday, January 24, 2005
Good book....I "Do" wonder if it is all true. It seems like the author is very biased and of course ex-disgruntled-emloyees aren't exactly great sources of information.
Off to MarciNYC

Journal Entry 29 by MarciNYC from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA on Thursday, February 3, 2005
Arrived safely in NJ - I've got 2 books ahead of it, but since it's small, this should be on the road in 2-3 weeks again. (Sooner if I get some snow days!)

Journal Entry 30 by symphonicca from Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Thursday, February 10, 2005
Just had to post this for others on this bookring to see--- apparently Walmart has just decided to close down the one and only unionized store in north america:

http://www.cbc.ca/story/business/national/2005/02/09/walmart-050209.html

Sigh!

Journal Entry 31 by MarciNYC from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA on Thursday, February 24, 2005
I've not set foot in a Wal-Mart for sometime - for reasons mentioned in this book, however, as I read this, I found myself becoming more and more angry. A lot of it was stuff I already knew, but at the same time, it's enough to make a sane (and human) person's blood boil. I'm terribly sorry that I have a Wal-Mart in my community and at one time I so blindly worshipped at the home of "low prices always". Amazingly, I've always price shopped and knew that Wal-Mart was not always the least expensive on many items.

Anyhow, I don't know that this book has affected my life in any way other than to strenghten my resolve never to give those blankety-blanks (to borrow the author's term) at the evil empire another dime. I should let my husband read this one as well, but the smallest book looks like War and Peace to him, I'm going send this along to grover3d.

Thanks for sending this out on a ring -- I'm glad I read it, even if I didn't learn much of anything new (other than that fact that Alice Walton sold her NYC co-op for a pretty penny).

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