Did you catch this one? Wal-Mart is a bit out of the way for me but it's stuff like this that gets me to drive the extra mile to specifically shop there.
Wal-Mart Critics: Where Would Jesus Shop?
Thursday December 8, 5:38 pm ET
By Marcus Kabel, AP Business Writer
Union-Backed Critics of Wal-Mart Stores Unveil Campaign Asking: Where Would Jesus Shop?
W.W.J.S. -- Where would Jesus shop? According to union-backed critics of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., not at the world's largest retailer. WakeUpWalMart.com on Thursday unveiled a religious-themed campaign Thursday asking shoppers whether God wants them to buy things from the Bentonville, Ark.-based company.
The group, funded by the United Food and Commercial Workers union, launched a TV ad and released a letter signed by 65 clergy members and religious figures. The group says Wal-Mart's policy over wages, health benefits and other issues harm families and communities.
Wal-Mart accused the group of using union dues to exploit religion and said it would give nearly $200 million in cash contributions to charities this year.
The 30-second TV spot, starting Friday in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Texas, is part of the latest seasonal-themed campaign against Wal-Mart. The TV ad starts with a picture of a Bible-like tome and an off-screen narrator who says, "Our faith teaches us 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
"If these are our values, then ask yourself: should people of faith shop at Wal-Mart this holiday season?"
Wal-Mart spokesman Sarah Clark criticized the spot.
"Surely Americans are deeply offended that the union leadership would use religion as just another tactic in a negative attack campaign against a company that donates more money to good works than any other company in America," Wal-Mart spokeswoman Sarah Clark said.
The letter from clergy members tracked along a similar line.
"Jesus would not embrace Wal-Mart's values of greed and profits at any cost, particularly when children suffer as a result of those misguided values," the letter said.
Clark said the clergy had been misled.
"We share their compassion for people just like we continue to provide jobs to those who want a better life. We save the average American family $2,300 a year per household," Clark said.
WakeUpWalMart said it recruited the clergy members from a variety of faiths through its activists, who asked if they would be interested in signing the letter.
The group also plans candlelight vigils at selected Wal-Mart's in 19 states.
biz.yahoo.com |
