Is Kerry vs. Bush like Costco vs. Walmart?

matthiku

Slate magazin (MSN) has an article about those 2 companies. It seems the election campaign in the US is polarizing that country as no other before. It's a clash of different cultures even in companies.

On one side, there is the Costco Wholesale Group, leaning towards the Democrats. They pay a minimum wage of 10 USD. One in six employee is represented by a union and health care is above average. Last week, Costco management has publicly claimed support for John Kerry.

On the other side, Walmart rather seem to represent Republican values and objectives. The "company's labor policies are state-of-the-art, for the 1890s". Their average wage is below the minimum wage at Costco. Unions are "banned". Fluctuation is around 44%. That means they have to hire about 600'000 a year to keap their staff level. They mainly support the Grand Old Party of the Republicans.

Now one could say it's unfair to compare a rather small Costco, who supplies richer people with luxury goods with big Walmart, in the business of supplying rather mean and common goods for an exceptional low price to people who can't affort the luxuries. (But that may be because of the wages at other "republican" companies?)

Link to the Slate Magazin article

This also begs the question on our own purchasing behaviour. Do we want as cheap prices as possible when buying (anything), or do we accept some repsonsibility on those employed in that (any) shop?

ColoradoGal

"Now one could say it's unfair to compare a rather small Costco, who supplies richer people with luxury goods with big Walmart"

Actually a better comparison would be Costco to Sam's Club - which is owned by Walmart and adhers to Walmart lousy employee treatment.

I have to say that as a member of Costco, I can't say that there are any "Rich" people there, nor are there any "luxury" items stocked - at least the stores in America. They do stock some stellar Vermont Cabot Cheeses there though at a great price! Not to mention the best Ribeye steak I've ever purchased.
:-)

magick

then Windows is Republican big and heartless will do anything (dirty tricks) to stay in power and has updates (ie Political Bills) that dont really work.

Linux is Democratic kinda qurky but works trying to make a stand in the Republican dominated world