Responding to Keith Olbermann's call to make right on their terrible mistreatment of their former employee, Debbie Shank, Wal-Mart released the following statement, as reported on The Huffington Post

"This is a very sad case and we understand that people will naturally have an emotional and sympathetic reaction. While the Shank case involves a tragic situation, the reality is that the health plan is required to protect its assets so that it can pay the future claims of other associates and their family members. These plans are funded by associate premiums and company contributions. Any money recovered is returned to the health plan, not to the business. This is done out of fairness to everyone who contributes to and benefits from the plan. The Supreme Court recently declined to hear an appeal of the case, which concludes all litigation. While Wal-Mart's benefit plan was entitled to more than the amount that remained in the Shank trust, the plan only recovered the funds remaining in that trust," which according to reports amounted to about $277,000.

It looks like Olbermann will continue to hammer Wal-Mart. This is the same old tired line about protecting their health care plan for everyone. It does not excuse Wal-Mart's lack of compassion and decency in this case.