Victims — Going Once, Going Twice
Conventional wisdom holds that the choice of Wal-Mart was as random as a young guy bragging that he was going into a bar and nailing the first blonde he met. From Maryland to Chicago to California, obsessed Democratic legislatures, like roaming gangs, have tried to block Wal-Mart’s expansion, block by block. Deviously, they have dreamed up outrageous restrictions that would apply mainly or only to Wal-Mart. Dim Dems and unctuous unions have worked ardently to discourage thoroughly satisfied citizens from patronizing the most popular, most generous bargain center in the United States. Poor people, middle-class people and rich people shop Wal-Mart. Like men possessed, though, Dems relentlessly search for barely disguised ways to handcuff Wal-Mart policymakers.
Let’s Build Another Victim
Where Mr. Price has been since the irrational anti-Wal-Mart campaign first was mounted by unionists and the rest of the Democratic community, nobody knows. From his pro-union, anti-Wal-Mart rhetoric, it is clear Mr. Price loves to cast his constituents — and those who wish they were — as victims, baby, genuine, professional, certified, lifelong victims. No arms. No legs. No mind. Just hapless victims. As a squirrel stores nuts, dim Dems such as Mr. Price build up their victim inventory. A guy never knows when he will need an extra one to haul out and display for the rubes who are watching. For some persons on King Weekend, no point is too specious to link to Dr. King. I quote Mr. Price Is Wrong from his anti-Wal-Mart screed: “Whether fighting to improve the lives of impoverished sanitation workers in Memphis or to secure the right to vote, Dr. King taught us about leadership. When we are we are willing to stand up to those who would perpetuate poverty in the name of profits, city by city, we can change a nation.” The latter statement is a silly but feel-good concept Mr. Price is unable to support. Imagine, pursuing profit. I am scandalized.
Father of the Bride of Godzilla
Mr. Price’s rant reminds you of the fumbling, desperate father of the prospective bride. Furiously, the sputtering dad scrambles to think up reasons his daughter should not marry the slug she is in love with, except that the kid is morally sound,handsome, wealthy, charitable. Mr. Price, too, sputters. Don’t stand too close unless you have a hanky. He has memorized every buzzword he has been told to wave. In order to win the war against Wal-Mart and put tens of thousands of people out of work, the astute Mr. Price suggests that communities emulate what Inglewood did two years ago when he was leaving the City Council. Quoting from Mr. Price’s essay on page A-7 of this week’s Los Angeles Sentinel, he reveals what he regards as savvy but sneaky strategy. “Inglewood adopted an ordinance that requires large retailers, like Wal-Mart, to pay for an economic impact analysis before their project can be considered, and submit to a public hearing as a condition of building in the city. The city of Los Angeles and Alameda County have passed similar laws. This kind of legislation is less likely to face legal challenges than an outright ban, and ensures a healthy debate on the true costs and benefits of a superstore. I urge my fellow elected leaders to consider passing such laws.”
Postscript
How quickly do you think Mr. Price and his toady teammates would shamelessly execute an about-face if Wal-Mart announced tomorrow that it was going union? Try sipping from a cup of candor, Mr. Price.
