The Great American Retail Satan (i.e. Wal-Mart) is at it again.  They’ve resorted to trying to buy local politicians in an effort to nose their way into areas where the citizens don’t want them.  The latest target is a bill in Maryland that would require them to (gasp) provide decent health care packages for employees.  Can you imagine that?

If you need another reason to hate Wal-Mart try this one on for size.  MY MOM told me that the Wal-Mart in her small town will be closing on 31 December 2005.  After 20 plus years in their traditional size market, it seems the store is losing money.  No the employees will not be promised jobs at nearby stores (they have to apply as a new hire) and if they are hired it will be for starting wages, not current wages.  Not only are the 100 or so jobs now gone, but so is the city’s biggest taxpayer.

More later.