From News4Jax.com
A controversial commercial recently hit airwaves, charging Wal-Mart with being un-American by importing goods from China and thereby weakening the American economy.The new commercial began airing Wednesday on Channel 4 and other stations, telling viewers it is un-American to shop at Wal-Mart.
The ad states, "Wal-Mart was an American company but something has changed," and "Wal-Mart drives American companies to shut down plants."
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union is the group responsible for the commercial."Unfortunately, Wal-Mart is leading our country in the wrong direction," said Chris Kofinis of the UFCW communications department.
The commercial asks the public to "Tell Wal-Mart it's time to be American again."
Channel 4's Emily Pantelides took the controversial commercial to the people of Jacksonville to get the city's reaction.
Several people said they liked the commercial, calling it appealing and hard hitting.
However, others disagreed, saying Wal-Mart should be "cut some slack.""I love Wal-Mart," one woman told Channel 4. "I spend every day at Wal-Mart."
She said the commercial would not change her Wal-Mart habits.
Wal-Mart responded to the commercial with the following statement:
"We're not surprised that the UFCW is spending more hard-earned union member dues on another publicity stunt to further their politically motivated agenda ... Today, we are a global company and it is necessary to source globally to ensure we meet the needs and wants of our customers."The final decision remains in the hands of the people -- is Wal-Mart helping by keeping prices low or turning its back on America?
Posted by Nathan - June 14, 2007 11:14 AM - In The News