Wal-Mart benefits Montana residents

Editor,

In recent years, Wal-Mart has become a public relations punching bag for a small but vocal minority of labor lobbyists and political activists of various stripes.

The reality is, however, that Wal-Mart is a tremendous net positive for the people of the United States and the people of Montana. The company has grown over the years because it has met the needs of American families for quality products at attractive prices.

Today, Wal-Mart's success is vital to the financial well-being of nearly 4,500 Montana employees and their families. The company also spent $42 million with 357 suppliers in the state in 2004, supporting over 11,000 supplier jobs. And the company paid $6.1 million in state and local taxes and donated nearly $600,000 to Montana causes in 2004.

Montana residents, like other Americans, also benefit tremendously from Wal-Mart's low prices. In fact, a 2005 Global Insight study found that Wal-Mart, by maintaining downward pressure on retail pricing over the past 20 years, saved the American people $263 billion in 2004 alone. That's $2,329 in annual household savings.

Some opponents of Wal-Mart have an ax to grind as competitors or potential competitors. Other more well-intentioned critics just don't know all the facts. But political efforts to punish competitive, job-creating companies like Wal-Mart are fundamentally wrongheaded — and would most harm the people who most need the welcome employment opportunities and low prices Wal-Mart consistently provides.

Free and fair retail competition benefits everyone.

Luke Boggs

Executive Director

americansforwalmart.org

Alpharetta, GA 30004

Ed. note — Luke Boggs is executive director of americansforwalmart.org, an independent consumer campaign not affiliated with or funded by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.