Could you further explain your idea of what fairly distributed wealth means? While I see that we should care for the poor in the scriptures, this idea seems to push that idea a bit further. Who then decides what is fair and adequate?

This is a great way of spreading the message about corporate responsibility and equitable distribution of wealth. I hope your parishioners get to hear the same message!

Spread the word among the clergy, Rev. Johnson! There should be even more men of the cloth preaching this message.

I feel that the unions are painting a false picture of what is going on with WalMart and I and thousands of americans are pushing to ensure that anything made by a union worker are not in our homes. How many products from China are in KMart and Target...plenty! Unions are looking for ways to get their hands on WalMart money and using so called reverends that I have never heard of who also don't know the facts...mean nothing...

I think this whole thing is stupid. Thomas Hooker, a Puritan said that the goverment and Church should be seperate. That is why he left Massachusettes. John Winthrop was the the leader of Massachusettes, he was also a Puritan, made if it any man who was a member of a Puritan church and owned property they could vote. Personally I am for Wal Mart. Why are they getting attacked?

Paul, that's interesting that you "feel" WUWM is painting a false picture of walmart. all the facts on this site are sourced. What exactly is false here?

I have to ask, what kind of person feels it is better for the Walton family to have billions while wal-mart workers earn poverty wages? Is this a person we need anyone needs to listen to? Either Paul hates everyday working people, or he is wealthy himself, and wants a bigger share of the pie at the expense of the "little people".

As for katie, I don't know what you're talking about. what does this blog post have to do with church and state. That's not what Charles is advocating. He says, basically, that wal-mart can afford to pay its workers decent wages, and that the teachings of the bible advocate generosity, not greed. personally, i think it's a pretty good message

Sorry to rain on your parade Rev. Wal-Mart is well within their rights when it comes to both compensation and insurance benefits. And while I don't have the kind of profit margin Wal-Mart has, I am an entrepreneur. As someone who owns his own business, I can tell you I sure as hell don't want anyone pontificating to me about what I have to pay my employees and what kind of benefits package I must supply. It would be nice if Wal-Mart would pay a better wage. It would be nice if they offered great health insurance for all their employees, sure. But they are not mandated to do so. The responsibility falls on the employee who contracts with Wal-Mart to do a job for compensation he/she finds acceptable. If the employee or job candidate doesn't like the terms, they can attempt to negotiate a new contract, or terminate the relationship and look elsewhere for work. That's the world we live in; I suggest you get used to it. As for Wal-Mart's unscrupulous practice of exploiting low prices, based on substandard working conditions and low wages in China, I couldn't agree with you more. In fact, Wal-Mart has made willing accomplices of the American people in this drama. Thankfully, this site and people like yourself are helping Americans come to grips with this threat.

You point out that the Waltons are worth billions, so are a lot of other large company owners and they pay low wages also, so why Wal-Mart? Wal-Mart sells imported goods, so do all other stores. It isn't just Wal-Mart, it's the American buying public. We should have never settled for all imported goods and then Americans could be manufacturing in this country and making a decent wage. I buy American when possible, which it usually isn't, as no goods are available. I do still drive an American made car, and no not a Toyota made in American but a Ford. Do you?

When Jesus sent his deciples out to preach, He said "if they don't receive it, shake the dust off your feet and move on". Applied to this case, if Walmart doesn't listen, and if China doesn't listen, then we should stop shopping at Walmart. Once they've heard the news, it's up to them to do the right thing. Jesus and the deciples shared all things common. That's the definition of communism. Modern communists just want to rule the world.

Barbara, that's great about buying american cars. Since I was a child, no one in my family has ever owned a foreign car, and I hope it stays that way. The america auto industry is one of the last great oases of worker's rights, even if the unions do get a little crazy sometimes.

Yes, other companies import goods from overseas, overpay their management, and treat their workers like crap. The problem is that wal-mart sets the bar in retail. they are the foundation of the problems we have with the retail industry because they are SO HUGE! They import THE MOST goods from overseas, they overpay their CEO with THE HIGHEST salary/stock options, and they have broken THE MOST labor laws.

If they would just set a good example for other companies, we could make some real progress. and believe me, if shoppers changed their shopping habits, you would see some real change from bentonville.

PS, thanks for standing up for the little guy, Rev. Johnson!

Hi. I am a past employee of Wal Mart 29 in Jefferson City Mo. I was employed with them in the automotive department. As a matter of fact, I was a manager. I had so many difficult and trying times with them. Just trying to rationalize their "modus operendi". Ever since they have gotten away from their "Made in America" program, they have been allowed to backslide and tighten the screws on their employees and the consumer. They hurt their employees first and foremost, and the consumer second. They always employ unspoken strongarm tactics. All the while denying any wrongdoing. Always looking out for their immense bottom line. There is something wrong in America today when companies like Walmart are allowed to use their unfair business practices. Always give cudos when they are one of the most bloodthirsty companies out their. I guess behind the oil, medical and insurance companies. We can't allow America to lose jobs to overseas markets. what happened to the days when we had jobs aplenty? Local based and owned factories that could provide for the surrounding families? The damned almighty dollar has fallen to the wayside because of our failing governmental policies. History and America needs to be re-written, and place it back into the top. Bring our jobs back home to support our people and our nation. It makes me sad to see the amount of our money that is sent overseas to pay them for jobs that could be performed by our jobless. Even though Americans for the most part see jobs that are currently performed by different nations, as being beneath them. Unless it affects them directly. Americans need to stop being so lazy. Someone has to do the job,might as allow our citizens the first opportunity at the job market as opposed to another nation. Look how much China, as a whole, has mopped up on the job market. It is almost disgusting. I guess right behind them is India. This free market is cutting our Achilles heel, and enabling them the upper hand. Wake up America before it is too late. I fear it is already too late. The American people need to pull their heads out of the cloudiness that they are stuck in. I don't understand how America overlooks the problems that we are facing. To me it is such an obvious problem. I guess I have ranted on long enough. Now I will probably be chastised for my post, but I am simply voicing my opinion. Have a good day, and Wal Mart is just the cusp of the problem. Wake up America...

I think that saying Walmart buys from China where they do not have good labor and consumer protections is fine, but to throw in the word "Communist" is way off point.

I believe that the amount of China's economy controlled by WalMart is a major reason for the toy recalls. WalMart pushes the Chinese companies to cut and cut, and nobody should be surprised that we have dangerous products coming out of China. Would a country that was Capitalist, as long as it was a Third World country be any less responsive to WalMart's demand for cheap products. No.

Pastor Johnson. As a Christian I am ashamed that ANYONE would use the name of God to promote the propanga that the unions are using against Walmart. I feel like you sold your soul to the devil for whatever they paid you.

Walmart does much more to help the poor each year than the unions and all the retailers they represent. The union leaders are a handful of gangsters that only worry about themselves and you fell into their trap. I am very familar with Walmart and they are one of the most charitable companies in the world. My daughter and aunt work for Walmart and are not only paid well, they have great benefits and although they work in different stores they both say it is the best place they have ever worked. Did you know 50% of the money that was collected for the Salvation Army last year was at the doors of a Walmart. Target Stores won't allow the Salvation Army to be at their stores so why don't you tell America that?

I think you have done more to hurt the Christian religion than anyone in current history and you should not only be ashamed you should apoligize for ever being fooled into making a fool of yourself and your church. If my pastor ever did something like this I would work very hard to have him removed from the pulpit.

Thank you

I worked at Walmart for 16 years and it was the best job I ever had. You see when I was in school I had the attitude that no one was going to tell me what to do so I pretty well wasted my time in High school. I never went to college and jumped from one minimum wage job to another until I got a job one Christmas season at Walmart. I started above minimum wage and at the end of the season they asked me to stay and gave me a raise. I got several raises over the years and built up a good deal of money with the profit sharing. No I didn't get rich and neither did the regular workers but me and most of the people I worked with made much more than we ever thought possible. The older I get I notice that the people that work the hardest and get a good education seem to have better luck and don't depend on others for their luck. My two daughters finished college and have good careers with good wages and I am very proud of them.

I am writing this because the unions are acting so rightous with these ads yet when I tried to join the union and become an electrician when I was younger I was told to get lost. The actual words they used contained profanity but I am hoping this gets posted so I am leaving those words out.
The thought of using Pastors (if they really are) is very demeaning to the Christians of this country.

I used to see the ads against Walmart and China products so I decided I wasn't going to buy from either anymore but soon discovered that no matter what store I went to the products came from China.
I am an electrician and buy from American Companies and they ALL sell products from China.
Tell me where to shop that has all U.S. products and I would be happy to shop there. Until then I don't care about this drible about Walmart

I work at Walmart and get tired of people telling me I am abused. I want to ask them, "Do I look stupid?" if I were being mistreated I would not be there and neither would the people I work with. If it were so bad why wouldn't everyone quit?

Marilynn,
No other country is sending us lead tainted toys. Not Tiawan, not Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, or anyone else.

I just watched your ad on Tv concerning Wal-mart. The second largest employer in America and I believe you and your organization are completely WRONG. I do not work or shop at wal-mart but Right is right and wrong is wrong. If you wish to give away the amount of food you think Wal-mart should be giving away, why don't YOU open up your own version of Wal-mart and do that. Its not YOUR place to judge wal-mart and direct them what to do with THEIR business. The Bible teaches us NOT to judge others.

How much are the unions paying you guys to attack Wal-mart? It's no secret that the union people want their cut of what Wal-Mart is making. Again, I don't work or shop at Wal-Mart (because I avoid large shopping centers) But you have no right to tell Wal-mart how to run their SUCCESSFULL business. They are not breaking any laws and they provide goods/services at a cost that helps the average family/person. The truth of the matter is, this is just another attempt by people that could never create such a successful business wanting to get a cut of profits that do not belong to them. As well as an attempt by the Union heads to get their cut . The day of Unions is long gone, if you don't like where you work, QUIT, and go to another company that you feel treats you better. Why do you need some dude in $3000 dollar suit that does nothing for you and could care less if all your suits don't add up to $3000 speaking for you, you don't. Leave Wal-mart alone. open your own company and give away all the stuff you want but don't tell a successful business what to do.

I shop at walmart all the time and don't plan on stopping anytime soon.When your on a budget you do what you need to do to survive.So PLEASE quit sending me your stupid junk mail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have received three so-called 'Christmas Cards' from www.wakeupwalmart.com in the last few weeks, all ranting about China.

Maybe along with the 'no-call list' we have in Missouri (to prevent annoying phone calls), perhaps our Attorney General can create a 'no-political propaganda mailing' list that we can signed up for.

Should just write 'return to sender' on the envelope and put into the nearest mailbox.

Are we not guilty of the same actions committed by a company if we support that company?

So, a religious person condemning Walmart for not fitting his religion? You have to be kidding. Why would a business be run how a 2000 year old story book says it should, through very loose interpretation? Luckily in America, church and state are supposed to be seperate.

I don't think any god fearing person has any right to say that a wealthy entity should spread their wealth. Look at the Vatican.

"Furthermore, Wal-Mart overwhelmingly utilizes foreign manufacturers, principly in China, who routinely violate principles of basic human rights for its laborers. "

The problem here is that you're comparing those working conditions to here. This seems like a valid point, but with minimal research, it is ridiculous. It relies on the fact that people are stupid enough to not realize that China is not America or Canada.

Like it or not, sweat shops are probably the best alternative work for children. They aren't forced to work there. They probably don't want to. They have to. I don't see the Vatican (the richest city per capita in the world) donating their wealth to these children.

Garet,

First, what does the separation of church and state have to do with anything? Last I checked, Wal-Mart was not the state, it's a private company, and people of faith can say whatever they want about it, becuase luckily this is America where we have free speach!

Second, it doesn't particularly matter what the Vattican is doing, though I'm quite sure there are a lot of Christians (Catholic and otherwise) who feel that the Vattican should be giving more money to charity, and that yes, they should be donating to poor children in Chian who are forced to work in sweatshops.

Third, no, China is not American, or Canada, but that doesn't justify 15 hour shifts 7 days a week, being abused, lied to, paid practically nothing, and the like. You are right many don't have a choice and have to work there, and you are right, many seek out work in such factories because it's a step up financially. The arument isn't that these factories shouldn't exist, it's that they should treat their workers better. If Wal-Mart weren't so obsessed with their profit margin they could still sell cheap products to consumers and look after those who have made them sucesful: the people producing and selling thier goods. I and many others think it's only right for them to look after everyone that has made them sucesfull, not just their CEO and top execs.

I'm saying luckily church and state are supposed to be seperate because of idiots like this guy. Walmart is not a faith based orginization (probably why they're successful), so they don't need to follow some century old story book.

Again Garet, what does church and state have to do with anything?!? Wal-Mart is not the state, or the church, so the separation of Church and State is totally irrelevant in this case. The two Reverends in this commercial are voicing their opinions about Wal-Mart because they feel that as people of faith, Wal-Mart has a higher moral responsibility. They're not saying that Wal-Mart has to abide by everthing in the bible.

Last time I checked, this was a free country that had abolished slavery. If the employees of Wal-Mart don't feel they are receiving a fair wage, they are free to find better paying employment. I know I would.

Wal-Marts has no intention now or ever of operating a legal business. Therefore Wal-Mart must go! It's simply to evil too crocked to be allowed to exist. Wal-Mart is a far bigger threat to America than Islamic terrorists. They Bait and switch at their pharmacies they lie and promise to honor Blue Cross prices even quoting exact prices right down to the penny. Will those prices be honored as promised? Dream on. Expect individual prescriptions to go up by as much as $100. Blue Cross says to refuse the drugs and order them to reverse the insurance claim they have no choice but to comply. If your order includes narcotics for which you must have the original written prescription it can't be transfer over the phone because of DEA rules. Bring a book don't be surprised if it takes your lying Wal-Mart pharmacist to pick it up off the counter and return it to You. You should also contact Your state's attorney general you might also check with your stat pharmacy board and ask why a pharmacist that practices bait and switch to defraud their customers still has a pharmacist license.

HONESTLY, WHAT DO YOU PEOPLE WANT!? WHAT THE HELL WOULD ALL OF YOU DO IF WAL-MART CLOSED ITS DOORS TOMORROW? HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WOULD BE OUT OF WORK? HOW MANY BLUE COLLAR FAMILIES WOULD BE ON WELFARE? YOU THINK THE ECONOMY IS BAD NOW. IS WAL-MART PERFECT, NO THEY'RE NOT, BUT THAT IS NO REASON TO DEDICATE YOURSELFS TO BRING THEM DOWN, IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, SO I SUGGEST ALL YOU PEOPLE GET A REAL JOB AND LEAVE THE BIG GUYS ALONE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE WAL-MART-DON'T SHOP THERE! PLAIN AND SIMPLE; PAY 3-4x TIMES AS MUCH ELSE WHERE.

SHANE IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, IF YOU DON'T LIKE WORKING FOR WAL-MART, LEAVE. EVERY SINGLE ASSOCIATE HAS A VOICE, AND I KNOW THEY KNOW HOW TO USE IT, SO THEREFORE THEY ARE FREE TO LEAVE AND GO WORK AT MCDONALDS FOR 5.75/HOUR. (THAT IS EXACTLY HOW MUCH THE MCDONALDS DOWN THE STREET FROM ME PAYS, I HAVE A FRIEND THAT WORKS THERE!)

I enjoy Wal-mart and communists as long as they keep my cash pocket full and i dont go broke trying to feed my kids like i would shopping anywhere else. Wal-mart provides much needed jobs everywhere in the country so i would promote a Wal-art on every corner selling communists goods, poisoned or not.

I work for Wal-Mart and I could not work for a better company. I own my own house, car and i am an insulin dependant diabetic who buys insulin monthly. I am offended and sick and tired of the calls for a union. THIS WILL HURT CUSTOMERS. Because if we have one call off, from a stockman for example, who will do the carryout without getting a greivance filed or who will get the carts? the stocker from electronics whos job is to only be in Electronics. We work as a team at walmart and i get everything i ask for and feel secure in my job, and get rewarded justly for the good work i do. I think the people who created this site and the people who complain on here should talk to me about how to survive at Wal mart, cus i am doing it and so is my wife! and why would i want to pay 20 dollars for a cd when i can buy the same thing at walmart for 10 dollars, cus we offer the lowest prices, and there is no arguing that. We also match any price from a competitor if someone undercuts us. and as for unions i say again wal mart is the wrong type of business for it, Wal Mart is a team and nothing should change! i am a proud employee and i will defend them to the death!